I actually learned quite a bit about the origin of this retail chain. I always thought that Sir Jesse Boot started it, but Jesse was actually the son of the creator. The first shop was in Goosegate.
The Boots empire spawned practices that are commonplace now, but were revolutionary at the time. Health care, staff outings to boost morale, even the idea of having a canteen because the owners were concerned that some of the staff weren’t having a proper breakfast. A canteen on site ensured that employees had at least one decent meal a day.
Boots even managed to invent the concept of twenty-four hour shopping, in 1940. Several shops in 1940 were open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. These were all chemists at the time; Boots did not branch out into department style stores until later.
After a good look round, we inadvertently continued a Saturday tradition that we didn’t even know was a tradition until I pointed out that we did the same thing last Saturday. Mandi had a hot chocolate and once again, I had a cup of chino. That is what I call it for comic effect.
We got into a discussion of our affection for the shops that have always been there in our lifetime. I personally do not think that we would miss Boots, Debenhams, British Home Stores or Marks and Spencer if they all closed down.
I personally don’t think I would, as I don’t shop in them. But then again, I didn’t shop at Woolworths in their final years, and I miss them. I bought my first ever seven-inch vinyl single from there, so it is part of my history. We all cried about the demise of Woolworths, and they were eulogised in the papers in the lead up to their closure. However, the blame was an equal responsibility on the part of both parties. It was our fault because we all stopped shopping there, but it was their fault for losing their way so they did not know what kind of shop they wanted to be.
I do think a Woolworths exhibition would be far more interesting. Not that today’s delve into Boots history wasn’t interesting, but Woolworths was a part of our lives and has left a void that won’t be fully realised until you start Christmas shopping.
This will be the first Christmas without Woolworths.
Without the Woolworths adverts, we need a new ‘I-Spy’ style Christmas checklist. Vital signs that the festive season is on the way.
Tick Them Off When You See Them
The Coca-Cola ‘holiday’s are coming’ lorry advert.
A story in the tabloid press about a school banning nativity plays for fear of offending non-Christian pupils.
The same tabloid papers mentioning towns not putting up lights, for the same reason.
A picture of Michael Winner in his trunks on a beach in Barbados.
Cliff fucking Richard!
