Long Read
Store Design
From the 1890s onwards, Sainsbury's new shops shared a common 'house style' with long shape, tiled walls and marble-topped counters.
Long Read
Changes to the High Street
The market streets were the ideal location to trade from and the surrounding businesses complimented the sale of Sainsbury’s goods.
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.
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
Quick Read
Store Highlight: Croydon
Description of first suburban shop in Croydon and all the amazing innovations it went through over the 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
Store Highlight: Guildford
On 16th November 1906, Sainsbury's opened its store at 148 Guildford High Street.
Long Read
The Story of Savacentre
A look back at a chain of pioneering hypermarkets which sold Sainsbury’s food and much more besides.
Long Read
Sainsbury's in SE1
A look back to Sainsbury's headquarters, factory and training school in SE1.
Quick Read
Store Highlight: Rye Lane, Peckham
The closure of Rye Lane, Peckham branch in 1982 marked the end of Sainsbury’s counter service era. Learn more about how this historic shop survived long after the advent of the modern supermarket.
Long Read
The Story of Homebase
The first Homebase store opened in Croydon in 1981. We tell the story of this former Sainsbury's subsidiary here.
Video Story
Bomb Damage at East Grinstead
East Grinstead, like many other towns, suffered damage from enemy action during World War Two. On Friday 9 July 1943, the town was bombed by a lone German aircraft. In this article, we take a look at what happened that night, and how it impacted on the town and the Sainsbury’s branch there.
Video Story
Bretton Opening
On the 25 Apr 1972, Sainsbury's opened their newest supermarket at Bretton, Peterborough. They created a film to celebrate the day - from stocking shelves to refunding bus fares, re-live the full 70s supermarket experience.
Video Story
Archive Talk: Art in the Sainsbury Archive
Listen to Archivist, Allison Foster, give a talk about the public art that has adorned branches of Sainsbury.
Quick Read
Store Highlight: Hammersmith Local
On 14th July 1998, Sainsbury’s opened its first Sainsbury’s Local store at 179-183 Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith, London.
Quick Read
Store Highlight: Telford
On 2nd October 1973 Sainsbury’s opened their new superstore in Telford with quite a few new interior and exterior features. Look back at some of them in true 1970s style.
Long Read
Staff Accommodation
For over a century Sainsbury’s offered its staff a place to live as well as a job. Make yourself at home and read more here.
Video Story
Archive Talk: The History of Tea at Sainsburys
Listen to Archivist, Allison Foster, give a talk about the changes to tea sales over the last century.