Tracing back to the 1960s and 1970s, grocery stores served as a much more vibrant, simple, and personal hub to provide engaging shopping experiences. It feels like we now live in a different world entirely. People roam the aisles on their phones and hardly exchange words with one another before they make quick use of the nearest self-checkout. Back in the day, though, plenty of grocery stores had their share of animated butcher counters, fresh produce on display in wooden crates, and also trading stamps and loyalty programs actually to reward customers for their consistent business. We’ll look at some nostalgic photos that capture the allure of grocery stores in the 1960s and 1970s.
1. Some dedicated grocery shoppers doing their thing in the 1960s and 1970s.
What an aesthetic for a vintage picture.
2. A grocery store clerk in Tallahassee, Florida, in 1962.
Someone’s having their best shift yet.
3. Woolworths in 1960. An entire supermarket with practically no plastic yet.
Now, that’s not something you’re going to catch nowadays.
4. Stylish cashiers at the supermarket, 1962.
Perfectly coordinated.
5. Grocery shopping in the 1960s.
Oh wow, to have a nice 49-cent ice cream nowadays.
6. The hot food bar at a Publix supermarket, circa 1960s.
Hot food bars have always brought in the crowds.
7. A Southern California Vons Supermarket decorated for Christmas, 1960s.
What a festive throwback moment, indeed.
8. The corner store in 1960.
The soda marketing of times since passed really brought the heat.
9. Tallahassee’s first Publix supermarket in Northwood Mall.
The powder-blue fit is on point.
10. Grocery shopping in the ’70s was a completely different experience compared to today.
And just imagine how much all of those groceries would cost in this day and age.
11. Grocery shopping back in 1971.
The eggs nearby probably aren’t too pricey either.
12. A nice and colorful supermarket, circa 1979.
You’ve always got to run a tight ship.
13. Grocery shopping in the 1970s, and in that cereal and dog food aisle.
Some kids love grocery stores more than most anything else.
14. A Campbell display at an early 70s grocery store.
It’s definitely enticing.
15. The bakery department at a Big Star supermarket circa 1977.
Those pies look promising.
16. That kid is having more fun than anyone else.
That kid is having his big moment and nobody can take it away from him.
17. The frozen aisle has always been where it’s at.
No kidding, though, the frozen aisle in a grocery store is a magical place.
18. Gelsen’s supermarket in the 1970s.
Just check out those price tags.
19. Dionne Warwick and her husband out grocery shopping in 1968.
Grocery shopping with your significant other can be a fun experience. Sometimes.
20. Groucho Marx peruses the coconut section in a NYC grocery store in 1963.
Looks like Groucho’s taking a call.
