Images that show Tesco prices in 1970s Manchester highlight just how much has changed over the decades.
Visited by millions every day, Tesco is one of the biggest names brands in British retail after starting from humble beginnings over a century ago. After returning from war, Tesco founder Jack Cohen began selling surplus groceries from a stall in the East End of London in 1919 and five years later, the name 'Tesco' was born.
The first Tesco store was opened in Burnt Oak, Edgware, north London, in 1929. But how we shop, the prices and items on offer have all changed dramatically since the early days of supermarkets.
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These images, courtesy of Manchester Archives and Local History offer a glimpse into a number of Manchester Tesco's and the cost of some items in the 1970s. A number of brands featured have also disappeared from the shelves through the decades.
One image shows outside a branch on Upper Conran Street, Harpurhey, in 1972. In the photograph, we see what the old Tesco branding on a white backdrop looked like, as well as shoppers and pedestrians around the store and a number of advertisements and item prices displayed in the windows.
On that day back in 1972, Tesco had offers on selling Heinz baby food for 3p, Kellogg's cornflakes for 11p, Heinz rice pudding for 6p and Del Monte peaches for 8 1/2. Offers were also on for 3p off OMO washing powder and we can also see posters for garden peas and Jacobs cream crackers.
Inflation skyrocketed to an average of 13.5% a year meaning £1 in 1972 had inflated to £2.76 by 1980. According to the Bank of England, £1 in 1972 is equal to £10.56 today.
Do you remember 1970s Tesco in Manchester? Let us know in the comments section below.
On the wall next to the window and entrance, there's also advertisements for sweetheart fruit salad and bottles of Biaerritz. Signs also say "we give you Green Shield Stamps."
Green Shield stamps were introduced in Tesco in 1963. The reward scheme saw customers awarded with stamps as they spent, which could then be exchanged for a range of great value goods from a Green Shield catalogue.
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Tesco currently operates over 4000 stores in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, including franchise stores, and has expanded massively in the last 50 years. There are loads of other branches across the Greater Manchester city region - but many will remember Tesco how it looks here.
To find out more about Manchester Archives and Local History Library, click here.
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