Post-War Changes

After the Second World War, foods were gradually taken off ration and peace time opened the way for international trading and the importing of new foods. Sainsbury's extended its product range to provide more choice to its customers.

Find out more about wartime rations
Find out more about product range

The most radical change was the introduction of self-service shops. Sainsbury's opened its first self-service branch in Croydon in 1950. For the first time, customers could help themselves to a wide range of goods on open shelves.

Find out more about self-service shopping

In the 1950s and 60s home refrigeration and car ownership grew rapidly, leading to the development of the modern style supermarket.

From 1974, larger edge-of-town stores were built. Growth in home freezer ownership also meant that people were now buying more and shopping less frequently.

Find out more about edge-of-town developments
Find out more about refrigeration and home freezing