Branch letters and bulletin extracts

Information bulletins and circular letters sent to Sainsbury's branches from head office. These appear to have been known as 'branch letters' until the end of August 1939, and from September 1939 were called 'bulletins', 'daily bulletins' or 'special bulletins'.

These bulletins provided information, updates and reminders to the branch managers about all matters concerning the operation of their branch. Many of the bulletins which were kept and are now in the Sainsbury Archive date from the period of the Second World War. Examples include information on company policies, rationing, air raid precautions, price changes, special offers and promotions, employment matters, and product availability.

Some bulletins after 1945 are currently listed in other sections of the catalogue, see SA/BRA/3/1/2/1-2 for similar bulletins dated to the 1980s and 1990s. Only a very small number of the bulletins dated from November 1945 to October 1983 appear to have been retained by the company and later deposited in the Sainsbury Archive (including SA/BRA/3/1/2/27, 28, 31, and 44). The 'branch letters' before July 1924 and from July 1925 to February 1939 also do not appear to have survived.