These images capture a period when independent grocers were a staple feature of almost every community. Nowadays many of these local shops have been replaced, taken over by, or even usurped by big branded takes on the humble corner shop, newsagents and so on.
Although a handful of local corner shops have managed to endure, many succumbed over the years, unable to rival the aggressive price-cutting of retail giants.
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Yet, independent grocers provided far more than simple convenience. Tailoring their stock to the specific tastes of regular shoppers, looking after loyal patrons, and serving as a hub for local news and friendly chatter, they formed a vital part of the community.
Their essential role to the community was ever more key during the Covid pandemic, when these local shops would remain open to supply key goods throughout a period of crisis.
This nostalgic collection highlights some of Sheffield’s best-loved grocery stores throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
How many of these shops and their owners do you recognise? And which of the old brands lining the shelves or being advertised do you miss most?
1. Spar grocers in the 80s
Spar grocers and video library, and La Pierre hairdressers and solarium, on Wortley Road, High Green, Sheffield, in 1985. Photo: Picture Sheffield | Picture Sheffield
2. Greengate Lane shops
Shops on Greengate Lane, High Green, Sheffield, showing Roy Glossop butchers D.P. and L.W. Clarke off licence and grocers, and E.and E. Cox greengrocers, in 1985 | Picture Sheffield
3. Dunbar Cooke and Son
Dunbar Cooke and Son, fish and game merchants, No. 229 and Saleem and Sons, grocers, No. 231 London Road, Sheffield, in 1990
4. Weston Park Grocers
The Happy House Chinese and English takeaway on Weston Street in Netherthorpe, Sheffield, in April 1995. Also pictured are Weston Park Grocers and Master Photo Centre (Master Lab)