Things We Miss About Grocery Stores In the Old Days

Things were just a little bit different back then.

There was a time when grocery stores were quite different to what we know today. Instead of making their customers join saver clubs in order to take advantage of sale prices, stores offered prizes for simply being a customer. It was a different era when the concept of the supermarket was still new. Before that, people had used butchers, produce shops, and general stores in combination to fill their cupboards. But, once the supermarket stores really took off then it was a whole other ball game. Today, however, the standards of many grocery stores has completely changed. Have a look at some of the things we miss about supermarkets in the old days.

Via/ State Archives of Florida

Getting Free Things

There was a time when you could get an entire set of china at the grocery just by buying the same soap week after week. And, if you bought the same jelly every time then you’d have a big set of jelly jar drinking glasses.

Via/ Library of Congress

Personnel on Hand to Help

There was always someone around to help in case you needed it. This was true of any department of the store. And, there was always someone at the customer service desk.

Via/ State Archives of Florida

Giveaways and Prizes

From small gifts to big giveaways, it seemed like there was always some kind of prizes being given away back in the old days.

Via/ State Archives of Florida

Having Someone Carry Your Groceries to Your Car

There was a time when it was the norm for the bagger to ask if you wanted help to your car with your groceries. It was considered a service that came with shopping there.

Via/ State Archives of Florida

Pick-a-mix Candies

The bins were like the lost city of Atlantis to kids. If you were very, very lucky your parents would help you pick out a small bag of mixed candies. Who else loved the Neapolitans?

Via/ Wiki Commons

Service with a Smile

Plenty of open check stands and a smile was how most supermarkets operated back in the day. In the modern era it seems there’s never enough lanes open and no one’s smiling anymore. What a contrast to today!

Via/ State Archives of Florida

People Dressed Nicely

Even just to go to the grocery store people wanted to look nice. Most people had a minimum standard for themselves going out into public. Grocery shopping in sweatpants or pajamas was simply not done. In fact, most women wore a hat and/or gloves to do the shopping!

Via/ Library of Congress

That Went for the Employees, Too

No matter how messy their jobs were, women often wore dresses with heels and men wore button-ups with ties. This was completely normal at the time and it was just what people wore.

Via/ State Archives of Florida

Easy-to-navigate Aisles

Aisles were wide enough for two carts to get through. This was because they weren’t trying to maximize profits by cramming the store full of more aisles. Instead, the wisdom was that there needed to be enough space to move comfortably.

Via/ State Archives of Florida
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