Long Read
Self-Service
Sainsbury's were a leader in the development of self-service supermarkets in Britain after the Second World War.
Long Read
Butter and margarine
Butter was one of just three products sold in the first Sainsbury's store, and remained a key product during Sainsbury's development into a national chain. We look here at the history of butter, margarine and spreads at Sainsbury's.
Quick Read
Easter Advertising
Egg-xamine archive material showing how Easter at Sainsbury’s has changed over the last hundred years.
Long Read
Art at Sainsbury's
Many branches have included public artworks as a prominent feature in their design, from murals and mosaics to concrete hippos. Discover more and see images of them here.
Quick Read
A Brief History of Wine
Sainsbury’s began selling own-brand wines in the 1960s. Enjoy a few digitised items from our collection charting the rise of this important department.
Quick Read
A History of Innovation
Sainsbury’s has always had a flair for innovation, right from the day the first store opened.
Long Read
Evolution of Packaging
The early range of fresh provisions sold by Sainsbury’s was weighed and wrapped individually, and any packaging was simple.
Long Read
Happy Birthday Sainsbury's
We look back at the 150 year history of one of Britain's biggest retail firms.
Quick Read
Store Highlight: Croydon
Description of first suburban shop in Croydon and all the amazing innovations it went through over the years.
Audio Story
Harry's Story
Welcome to Harry Webb's story. This on-line audio book describes through pictures a typical day in the life of a delivery boy working for Sainsbury's in 1912.
Quick Read
Store Highlight: 173 Drury Lane
A description of what it was like to shop in Sainsbury's first branch and the changes it went through before closing its doors for the last time in 1958
Long Read
Christmas Display
In the weeks before Christmas, the old-style counter service branches would have window displays of seasonal products like mincemeat, Christmas puds and dried fruit. Poultry and ham displays at Sainsbury’s were famous. Enjoy this festive read from everyone at the Sainsbury archive.
Long Read
Wartime Trading
Before the First World War, over 75% of the butter, cheese, eggs and bacon consumed in the UK came from overseas. The outbreak of war brought an urgent need to cut down on imports to save foreign currency, and to reallocate shipping to the war effort. Food shortages therefore became a serious issue.
Quick Read
Trick or Treat?
To celebrate Halloween we're treating you to a selection of 1960s sweet packaging.
Photo Story
Own Label
Highlighting the story, and showcasing examples, of the Sainsbury Design Studio under Peter Dixon, 1962-1977
Long Read
Women at work
During the 19th century, shop keeping was generally regarded as an unsuitable job for women, not least because of the long working hours and heavy lifting it entailed. However, it was both common and acceptable for female family members to work in smaller shops.