Supermarkets proliferated across Canada and the United States with the growth of automobile ownership and suburban development after World War II.
Inside supermarkets through decades
Most North American supermarkets are located in suburban strip shopping centers as an anchor store along. Kroger is perhaps the most nationally oriented supermarket chain in the United States but it has preserved most of its regional brands, including Ralphs, City Market, King Soopers, Fry’s, Smith’s, and QFC.
In Canada, the largest such company is Loblaw, which operates stores under a variety of banners targeted to different segments and regions, including Fortinos, Zehrs, No Frills, the Real Canadian Superstore, and Loblaws, the foundation of the company. Sobeys is Canada’s second largest supermarket with locations across the country.
Take a look at these vintage photos to see what the food shopping experience looked like back from the 1950s to 1980s.
Woolworths Department Store, Main St, Southbridge, circa 1953
Woolworths Department Store, Main St, Southbridge, circa 1953
Cracker section, 1955
Kroger and strip mall, 1955
Mother shopping with daughter at Piggly Wiggly, circa 1960s
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