Memories | Sainsbury Archive

We want to hear from you:

Many photographs, documents and objects have been generously donated to the Sainsbury Archive by customers and former colleagues. We would like to gather and record your experiences of working (and shopping!) at stores, offices and depots to add a personal touch to the records.

Share your recollections, upload an image (please note we can only accept files in gif, jpg and png formats) to add to this growing treasure of memories.

Have a memory of an item in the catalogue, or a specific branch?

Connect your memories to the archive, start from an object or a store.

Explore the catalogue Find your store

We used to buy lots of these powdered soups. Asparagus, Onion, Tomato, Mushroom,...

1960-1980, Food & recipes

We used to buy lots of these powdered soups. Asparagus, Onion, Tomato, Mushroom,...

Ralph Cade, NORTH CHEAM (QUEEN VIC), 1970s

Haywards Heath (29 South Road)

I remeber the shop at the time with long counters down either side. At each...

1960-1980, Stores

I remeber the shop at the time with long counters down either side. At each...

Richard Inns, Haywards Heath, 1955

Worthing (9/11 Chapel Road)

I started my 44 year career as a Saturday student working 3 hours Friday evening...

1960-1980, Staff

I started my 44 year career as a Saturday student working 3 hours Friday evening...

Ian Kitch, Worthing Chapel Rd, Aug 1976 - 79

My Mum, Audrey Hanbury (born 1931), worked at the Ealing Broadway branch, in the...

1960-1980, Staff

My Mum, Audrey Hanbury (born 1931), worked at the Ealing Broadway branch, in the...

Angela Wybrow , Ealing Broadway, 1956-1966

On leaving school I started work at the Westgate service store working on all...

1960-1980, Stores

On leaving school I started work at the Westgate service store working on all...

Carole Jean Dale , Westgate St Ipswich and Brook Street IPS, 1965 - 1972, Warren Heath from 1986

I joined JS Oxted 845 in 1959 as a 15 year old school leaver great days with...

1960-1980, Social activities

I joined JS Oxted 845 in 1959 as a 15 year old school leaver great days with...

Roger Dickinson, Oxted, 1959/1967

JS set standards in my life that have never left me. I started in April 1960 as...

1960-1980, Staff

JS set standards in my life that have never left me. I started in April 1960 as...

Leslie Maurice Champion, South London/North Surrey ie Epsom/ Sutton/Wallington/ Purley, April 1960 to July 1966

My late father was Newman Turner, the architect N. G. E. Turner of what was...

1960-1980, Family

My late father was Newman Turner, the architect N. G. E. Turner of what was...

Jennifer Mensah, Guildford, 01/01/83

Started with Sainsbury's as a student in Ruislip trainee Greenford 1976 so much...

1960-1980, Staff

Started with Sainsbury's as a student in Ruislip trainee Greenford 1976 so much...

Martin Pearce , Greenford and South Wales , 1976-1999

Photo found on a Local History group.

1960-1980, Stores

Photo found on a Local History group.

John Smith, Sidcup Freezer Centre, 01/01/1981

I worked at the Hitchin branch in Brand Street (883), initially part-time while...

1960-1980, Stores

I worked at the Hitchin branch in Brand Street (883), initially part-time while...

David John Gibbs, Hitchin, Brand Street, 1977-1981

Redditch opened on this day. Does any one remember the guy in the forefront of...

1960-1980, Stores

Redditch opened on this day. Does any one remember the guy in the forefront of...

Roger Beardmore, Walsall 1968 Erdington 1969 to 1970. Aston 1970 to 1972 Northfields 1972 to 1973. Redditch 1973 to 1985. Northfield 1985 to 1986, 27th February 1973.

We used to have two Sainsbury's in Ealing Broadway in the 1960's & 70's. My mum...

1960-1980, Stores

We used to have two Sainsbury's in Ealing Broadway in the 1960's & 70's. My mum...

Susan Smith, Ealing Broadway, Early 1980s

Not an employee

1960-1980, Stores

Not an employee

Ron Adams , Aylesbury, Bucks. Buckingham Street., March 1980

Worked as an A Level trainee under managers Squires and Brookes Lived on site in...

1960-1980, Staff

Worked as an A Level trainee under managers Squires and Brookes Lived on site in...

Peter large, Gants Hill, Cranbrook Rd, 1967/8/9

I can remember going to the Sainsburys Family Day in 1987 at Dulwich Sports...

1960-1980, Social activities

I can remember going to the Sainsburys Family Day in 1987 at Dulwich Sports...

Alison Clarke, Dulwich Sports Ground, 7/6/1987

I worked for Plessey, when barcodes were first introduced in Sainsbury's for...

1960-1980, Technology & innovation

I worked for Plessey, when barcodes were first introduced in Sainsbury's for...

Peter Coleman, London, 1970

I joined the company, as a management trainee in the Maidstone branch, then at...

1960-1980, Stores

I joined the company, as a management trainee in the Maidstone branch, then at...

Peter Dack, Maidstone, 1966/67 - 1970

We never had a Sainsbury's in the North East of England until Savacentre came in...

1960-1980, Stores

We never had a Sainsbury's in the North East of England until Savacentre came in...

Redhairmark, Washington Tyne and Wear, 1980s

"Your new Sainsbury's: at Haverhill" store opening leaflet, 1990

Started ar the Jubilee Walk store at its opening. Worked on checkouts and ...

1960-1980, Staff

Started ar the Jubilee Walk store at its opening. Worked on checkouts and ...

Maureen Abbott, Haverhill, 1979

I was a butcher in the W Ealing branch around the time the self service part was...

1960-1980, Staff

I was a butcher in the W Ealing branch around the time the self service part was...

Phil Wells, west ealing, Circa 1968

I was at Dunsmore School for Boys in Rugby in 1976, just starting out in the 6th...

1960-1980, Staff

I was at Dunsmore School for Boys in Rugby in 1976, just starting out in the 6th...

Clive George, Rugby, 1976

Coventry: Cannon Park (Cannon Park Centre)

I well remember working at the Cannon Park Store as a Trainee manager. The store...

1960-1980, Stores

I well remember working at the Cannon Park Store as a Trainee manager. The store...

Clive George, Cannon Park, 1980 ish

Just found two bottles of Sainsbury’s gin in my fathers cabinet that date back...

1960-1980, Design & packaging

Just found two bottles of Sainsbury’s gin in my fathers cabinet that date back...

Susan, Stamford Hill, 11 June 2021

Lived in hostel over the shop in Seven Sisters Road. We shared rooms 2 or 3 of...

1960-1980, Staff

Lived in hostel over the shop in Seven Sisters Road. We shared rooms 2 or 3 of...

Andrew Carter, Crouch End, 1969

Started as a Saturday lad, loved working there so much I joined the Trainee...

1960-1980, Staff

Started as a Saturday lad, loved working there so much I joined the Trainee...

Steve Barrett, Poole, Arndale Centre, 1979

Used to go away camping as a girl guide. Always had chocolate spread and was...

1960-1980, Food & recipes

Used to go away camping as a girl guide. Always had chocolate spread and was...

Debbie Keevash, Feltham, 1970s

Whilst demolishing our old sports pavilion, under the floorboards was an empty...

1960-1980, Design & packaging

Whilst demolishing our old sports pavilion, under the floorboards was an empty...

John Dodd, Braunstone, Leicestershire, England, 29/03/2021

Images of staff hostels

Joined JS January 2nd 1965 at training Centre, I was sent from Training Centre...

1960-1980, Staff

Joined JS January 2nd 1965 at training Centre, I was sent from Training Centre...

Earle Wightman, Coventry staff Hostel, Davenport Road Coventry, 1965

Berkhamsted branch images

I started work at the branch in 1962 as a trainee butcher and met my future wife...

1960-1980, Stores

I started work at the branch in 1962 as a trainee butcher and met my future wife...

Michael Reynolds , Berkhampsted , 1962

I started at Corby as a student and joined JS full time in 1975 as a trainee...

1960-1980, Stores

I started at Corby as a student and joined JS full time in 1975 as a trainee...

Michael Newby, Corby, Edmonton, Stockwell & Wandsworth ( Arndale Centre.). This was followed by Training Services at Blackfriars and finally Marketing Services ( Site Potential Satistics ) also at Blackfriars., 1973 until 1985.

My father George Ridgway was manager of this Kenton store for several years...

1960-1980, Stores

My father George Ridgway was manager of this Kenton store for several years...

Keith Ridgway, 142/144 Kenton Road, As a student between 1965 and 1967

In all those years, the standards were always very high. Detail was the...

1960-1980, Stores

In all those years, the standards were always very high. Detail was the...

David William Garnham, Bracknell, Surbiton, Wandsworth, Kingston, Wimbledon, Walton., 1968 - 1993

Bournemouth: Westbourne (123 Poole Road)

Started here in 1966 after training at Blackfriars, worked in the Bacon / cooked...

1960-1980, Staff

Started here in 1966 after training at Blackfriars, worked in the Bacon / cooked...

Roger Pell, Winton, 1966

London: Seven Kings (629 High Road)

I was a student at Barking Regional College of Advanced Technology in the '60's...

1960-1980, Technology & innovation

I was a student at Barking Regional College of Advanced Technology in the '60's...

Stephen Kenneth Hull, Seven Kings, Circa 1966

London: South Woodford (176 George Lane)

I was hired as a 17 year old 'Saturday Student' for the opening of the store. JS...

1960-1980, Stores

I was hired as a 17 year old 'Saturday Student' for the opening of the store. JS...

Mark Godson, 118 South Woodford, Jan 1980 to Sept 1984

ICL System 25 training manual

I was the Provisions Manager at Trinity Street in the early '70's and remember...

1960-1980, Technology & innovation

I was the Provisions Manager at Trinity Street in the early '70's and remember...

Stephen Kenneth Hull, Trinity Street, Coventry, Circa 1970's

I worked as a Saturday student at Marlows in the '60s having transferred here...

1960-1980, Stores

I worked as a Saturday student at Marlows in the '60s having transferred here...

Stephen Kenneth Hull, Marlows, Hemel Hempstead, Circa 1966

Family Day celebrations at Dulwich. My friend Ian winning the skipping...

1960-1980, Social activities

Family Day celebrations at Dulwich. My friend Ian winning the skipping...

Keith Bowker, Stamford Street, 1977

Trainee and Assistant Buyer in Canned Goods.2 in Grocery Buying. Loved the...

1960-1980, Offices & support centres

Trainee and Assistant Buyer in Canned Goods.2 in Grocery Buying. Loved the...

Keith Bowker, Stamford House , October 1976 to May 1978

I started at 850 Seaford at the age of 16 in June 1978 as a general assistant...

1960-1980, Stores

I started at 850 Seaford at the age of 16 in June 1978 as a general assistant...

Colin Parsons, Seaford, Hastings, Bexhill, Terminus Rd Eastbourne, West Wickham, Church Street Croydon, Crystal Palace, Haywards Heath, East Grinstead, Stamford Street, Watford & Lewes Rd Brighton., 1978 to 1985

First ever Red Nose Day at Archer road Sheffield

1960-1980, Charitable & community activities

First ever Red Nose Day at Archer road Sheffield

gary round, Archer road Sheffield , 1988

Images relating to 25 year club - 1993-1994

REALLY GREAT WORKING FOR REALLY GREAT COMPANY

1960-1980, Staff

REALLY GREAT WORKING FOR REALLY GREAT COMPANY

David William Garnham, Wimbledon, Kingston, Bracknell, Surbiton, Wandsworth, Walton, from 1968 until 1993

I remember working for Trefor's team at Head Office in the mid 1980s. It was...

1960-1980, Technology & innovation

I remember working for Trefor's team at Head Office in the mid 1980s. It was...

Anthony White, Bromley/South East Area, 1982 to 1989

Amersham (5 Chiltern Parade, Sycamore Road)

I started work at Amersham in 1970 at the age of 15 as a trainee butcher. Living...

1960-1980, Staff

I started work at Amersham in 1970 at the age of 15 as a trainee butcher. Living...

Tony Whitcher, Amersham, 1970

Just fabulous and friendly times, I remember.

1960-1980, Staff

Just fabulous and friendly times, I remember.

John leeson, Maidstone Kent, 1967-1975

I remember the store security lady confronting some 'UFO' fans from the Reading...

1960-1980, Shopping habits

I remember the store security lady confronting some 'UFO' fans from the Reading...

IAN ADAMSON, Friar Street, Reading, 23/08/1980

I was taken on as a 'student' and paid on my first day (evening shift) - I was...

1960-1980, Staff

I was taken on as a 'student' and paid on my first day (evening shift) - I was...

IAN ADAMSON, Friar Street, Reading, June 1979 to January 1983

Worked with some good people, too young to appreciate it at the time but still...

1960-1980, Staff

Worked with some good people, too young to appreciate it at the time but still...

iain powell, camberley, 1966-68

Worked in above stores , lived in 172 Sutherland Ave the staff house , good...

1960-1980, Staff

Worked in above stores , lived in 172 Sutherland Ave the staff house , good...

John leake , High Street Kensington , Putney , Victoria , , 1965 to 1968

Brighton (3 London Road)

Applied for office position which was already filled went into shop until...

1960-1980, Staff

Applied for office position which was already filled went into shop until...

Londa Stunell, 3 & 55 London Road , 1959/1960

I was assistant to Jon Biddulph & Paula Woof who were commissioned to produce...

1960-1980, Stores

I was assistant to Jon Biddulph & Paula Woof who were commissioned to produce...

Tracey Wigley, Burnley, late 1980s

Butchers at J Sainsbury, 27 Sandgate Road, Folkestone, Kent, c. 1964 - 66. L - R...

1960-1980, Stores

Butchers at J Sainsbury, 27 Sandgate Road, Folkestone, Kent, c. 1964 - 66. L - R...

Ian Wood, 27 Sandgate Road, Folkestone, Kent., c.1964

SA/BRA/5/11/8 - Photograph of children pushing trolley with 'all the best from Sainsbury's' bag inside

This is me. The girl is called Tessa.

1960-1980, Advertising

This is me. The girl is called Tessa.

Daniel Clayden, Unknown, Circa 1975

London: Holloway (368/72 Holloway Road)

I started as a student in the Holloway branch and became a trainee manager...

1960-1980, Staff

I started as a student in the Holloway branch and became a trainee manager...

Tony Kelly, Holloway, 1978 to 1980

Derrick - I remember shaking hands with Margaret Thatcher over the meat counter...

1960-1980, Stores

Derrick - I remember shaking hands with Margaret Thatcher over the meat counter...

Sainsbury's Veterans, Nine Elms, 1982

Jennie - I remember meeting Robert Powell outside the Mitcham branch after he...

1960-1980, Stores

Jennie - I remember meeting Robert Powell outside the Mitcham branch after he...

Sainsbury's Veterans, Mitcham, c. 1977

Jennie - I remember on one Christmas Eve we had to close the doors early for...

1960-1980, Stores

Jennie - I remember on one Christmas Eve we had to close the doors early for...

Sainsbury's Veterans, Purley, 1980s

SA/REG/OFF/4/1/5 - Photograph of Norwich House, Streatham offices - people around a computer printer

John Cleaverly – I am 2nd from the left and centre is Mr J P Griffin. He was...

1960-1980, Staff

John Cleaverly – I am 2nd from the left and centre is Mr J P Griffin. He was...

Sainsbury's Veterans, Norwich House, Steatham, early 1970s

My mother appeared in the 1978 TV and newspaper campaign "Discount 78". The...

1960-1980, Advertising

My mother appeared in the 1978 TV and newspaper campaign "Discount 78". The...

David Brooks, East Grinstead, 1978

My Father Richard Gordon Ackrill known as Rick by his colleagues at work I...

1960-1980, Staff

My Father Richard Gordon Ackrill known as Rick by his colleagues at work I...

Michael ackrill, Blackfriars ?, 1960s

Who remembers the Sava-Centre Birthday events? They ran for two weeks, leading...

1960-1980, Social activities

Who remembers the Sava-Centre Birthday events? They ran for two weeks, leading...

Jon Hartland , Sava-Centre Oldbury , October 1986

This is the team from Sainsbury's Caly Valley store,Chester. We entered the Raft...

1960-1980, Social activities

This is the team from Sainsbury's Caly Valley store,Chester. We entered the Raft...

Brian Pritchard, Chester , 1984

I began my JS life at 20 years of age in Bacon Buying under R J Williams. The...

1960-1980, Staff

I began my JS life at 20 years of age in Bacon Buying under R J Williams. The...

Robert Murray, Head office, Blackfriars, April 1967 to April 1992

I learnt some of the values that I still hold close to me that was so important ...

1960-1980, Staff

I learnt some of the values that I still hold close to me that was so important ...

David William Garnham, Wimbledon,Kingston,Walton, Wandsworth, Surbiton, St.Clares, From 1968 until 1993

London: Lea Bridge Road (609/611 Lea Bridge Road)

My first job, while still at school, was a 'Saturday' job in Sainsbury's. One...

1960-1980, Stores

My first job, while still at school, was a 'Saturday' job in Sainsbury's. One...

Michael Kavanagh, Leyton, Lea Bridge Road, 1973

SA/BR/22/H/26/2/1 - Woodhall Farm (Hemel Hempstead) store opening leaflet

A Berkhamsted girl, married in September 1958. Working in an office all week,...

1960-1980, Shopping habits

A Berkhamsted girl, married in September 1958. Working in an office all week,...

Janet Cox, Hemel Hempstead. Apsley, 28.05.2019

SA/BRA/7/B/31/4/1 - Image of Southbourne (28/30 Southbourne Grove) branch interior

In the 1970's I used to shop with my mum, in the Oxhey branch of Sainsbury's. ...

1960-1980, Shopping habits

In the 1970's I used to shop with my mum, in the Oxhey branch of Sainsbury's. ...

Sandra Pearson, Oxhey, 1970's

London: Forest Hill (44/48 London Road)

I'm now at Horsham (for 24 years). I started at Streatham Hill branch, small...

1960-1980, Staff

I'm now at Horsham (for 24 years). I started at Streatham Hill branch, small...

Patricia Steggles, Streatham hill and Forest Hill, January 1974 to march 1987

I had a Saturday job in the Derby Sainsbury’s shop, it had a beautiful...

1960-1980, Stores

I had a Saturday job in the Derby Sainsbury’s shop, it had a beautiful...

Jan, Corn Market, Derby, 1970’s

The Design Policy of J. Sainsbury Plc

Packaging Designer and Studio Manager, working with Peter Dixon

1960-1980, Design & packaging

Packaging Designer and Studio Manager, working with Peter Dixon

Audrey Fletcher, Blackfriars, 1970-1998

I would like to here from any one with memories from the Borehamwood branch in...

1960-1980, Stores

I would like to here from any one with memories from the Borehamwood branch in...

Jason ROWLAND, UK, 1988

Worked in the IT department, DISCO team. Met my future wife of 32+ years.

1960-1980, Staff

Worked in the IT department, DISCO team. Met my future wife of 32+ years.

Adam Mills, Rennie House, Sept 1986 to March 1988

"I started as a student a month after Barkingside opened , my store manager was...

1960-1980, Staff

"I started as a student a month after Barkingside opened , my store manager was...

Helena Ornstein, Barkingside, 1975-2009

"This was my first job straight from school and it was a lovely place to work....

1960-1980, Staff

"This was my first job straight from school and it was a lovely place to work....

Josephine frances , St. Albans, 1974-1976

SA/EMP/1/1/2/12 - "Why it pays to work at Sainsbury's" recruitment leaflet (MET/S/S version)

"I joined Sainsbury’s in 1966, just out of school at the age of 15. I was put...

1960-1980, Staff

"I joined Sainsbury’s in 1966, just out of school at the age of 15. I was put...

Valerie Jaques , Rugby , 1966-1969 ,1978-2018

"I was a senior designer under Peter Dixon and designed this packaging. The...

1960-1980, Design & packaging

"I was a senior designer under Peter Dixon and designed this packaging. The...

Richard Williams, Design Studio. Stamford Street, 1975-1979 (Approx)

"I designed this range of cat and dog foods. I drew the cats from my two black...

1960-1980, Design & packaging

"I designed this range of cat and dog foods. I drew the cats from my two black...

Richard Williams, Stamford Street Design Studio, 1975-1979 (Approx)

"I started as a trainee manager 16/08/1971 at the old Basildon town centre store...

1960-1980, Staff

"I started as a trainee manager 16/08/1971 at the old Basildon town centre store...

Terry Whiteaker, Eastern Region various stores, 1971-2004

"I began as a salesman in June 1968 and was promoted to senior salesman in...

1960-1980, Staff

"I began as a salesman in June 1968 and was promoted to senior salesman in...

David William Garnham, Wimbledon, June 1968