Feeling nostalgic? Check out these throwback images of Australian retailers!
- Replies 17
Sometimes it can be a nice change of pace from the hustle and bustle of today’s world to take a moment to remember things the way they were.
As much as it seems strange to imagine a world where smartphones were non-existent, fast food wasn’t even a thing yet, and children didn’t spend their mornings glued to the telly (We know the classic gripe of every grandparent: ‘Kids these days…’), the fact is, that was the way things were back then.
Retailers are perhaps one good yardstick for looking into the past. Remember the times of old when mum and dad would take you along for a quick trip to your local? Do you recall how your eyes would sparkle when you saw a toy or lolly you adored?
Well, the images below are sure to take you on a trip down Aussie memory lane, retail style. Read on!
Myer Emporium, (Melbourne, Victoria)
The Myer Emporium was the third store to open in what is now a nationwide chain of retailers. Credit: 9news.com.au
This shot of the Myer Emporium was taken presumably in the 1920s (so a bit before our time!), showing what appears to be shoppers and onlookers standing by the storefront.
The emporium, a slice of Melbourne’s history, was built sometime around 1911 when owner and namesake Sidney Myer purchased lots along Bourke Street.
Source: Google Maps
Though loyal patrons mourned the closing of Myer’s Lonsdale street branch in 2007, the store along Bourke Street remains in operation. At present, Myer has 58 stores nationwide.
David Jones (Sydney, New South Wales)
David Jones opened its first store in Sydney in 1838. Credit: records.nsw.gov.au
This picture taken in 1950 shows the facade of David Jones’ flagship store in Sydney along with a sizable crowd of commuters.
The State Archives and Records section of the New South Wales Government site notes David Jones’ claim that they are the oldest operating department store still using their original trade name.
In addition, they also highlighted the fact that the site was where then-Queen Elizabeth II and then-Prince Philip participated in a State Banquet in their 1954 Royal Tour of Sydney.
Source: Google Maps
At present, the original site — and David Jones’ Sydney branch — is still standing.
The chain, bought by South Africa’s Woolworths in 2014, has over 40 stores in Australia.
These buildings were once home to Grace Bros. in Sydney. Credit: 9news.com.au/Andrew Taylor/Fairfax Media
These twin facades were once the site of retailer Grace Bros., which was founded in 1885. The store then opened its iconic Sydney branch along the corner of Broadway and Bay Streets.
Source: Google Maps
As of March 2022, half of this site is currently under construction according to Google Maps. Meanwhile, rival (and story co-entry!) Myer bought the Grace Bros. brand in 1983, but the name remained in use until 2004.
Wyper Brothers’ Ironmongery Department (Childers, Queensland)
This picture, taken in Childers town, Bundaberg, Queensland, in 1898 shows men standing at the counter of the Wyper Brothers’ Ironmongery Department.
Not much is available about the exact history of this picture. However, the Queensland Government’s registry of heritage areas thankfully reveals that the general area of Childers at the time was home to a thriving sugar mill industry, with at least four mills in operation by 1895.
At present, the area where the store used to be could be like any other Australian outback storefront — but this one sure has a historic touch to it!
The Bundaberg Region website for Childers also includes an option to ‘explore’ the town’s ‘old-world’ charm by visiting over 20 heritage buildings.
How about you, members? Do you have any images of old buildings among your photos? Or maybe you have fond memories of how retail used to be? We’d love it if you shared them here in our Nostalgia forum!
Share your thoughts, opinions, and stories with us below!
As much as it seems strange to imagine a world where smartphones were non-existent, fast food wasn’t even a thing yet, and children didn’t spend their mornings glued to the telly (We know the classic gripe of every grandparent: ‘Kids these days…’), the fact is, that was the way things were back then.
Retailers are perhaps one good yardstick for looking into the past. Remember the times of old when mum and dad would take you along for a quick trip to your local? Do you recall how your eyes would sparkle when you saw a toy or lolly you adored?
Well, the images below are sure to take you on a trip down Aussie memory lane, retail style. Read on!
Myer Emporium, (Melbourne, Victoria)
The Myer Emporium was the third store to open in what is now a nationwide chain of retailers. Credit: 9news.com.au
This shot of the Myer Emporium was taken presumably in the 1920s (so a bit before our time!), showing what appears to be shoppers and onlookers standing by the storefront.
The emporium, a slice of Melbourne’s history, was built sometime around 1911 when owner and namesake Sidney Myer purchased lots along Bourke Street.
Source: Google Maps
Though loyal patrons mourned the closing of Myer’s Lonsdale street branch in 2007, the store along Bourke Street remains in operation. At present, Myer has 58 stores nationwide.
David Jones (Sydney, New South Wales)
David Jones opened its first store in Sydney in 1838. Credit: records.nsw.gov.au
This picture taken in 1950 shows the facade of David Jones’ flagship store in Sydney along with a sizable crowd of commuters.
The State Archives and Records section of the New South Wales Government site notes David Jones’ claim that they are the oldest operating department store still using their original trade name.
In addition, they also highlighted the fact that the site was where then-Queen Elizabeth II and then-Prince Philip participated in a State Banquet in their 1954 Royal Tour of Sydney.
Source: Google Maps
At present, the original site — and David Jones’ Sydney branch — is still standing.
The chain, bought by South Africa’s Woolworths in 2014, has over 40 stores in Australia.
These buildings were once home to Grace Bros. in Sydney. Credit: 9news.com.au/Andrew Taylor/Fairfax Media
These twin facades were once the site of retailer Grace Bros., which was founded in 1885. The store then opened its iconic Sydney branch along the corner of Broadway and Bay Streets.
Source: Google Maps
As of March 2022, half of this site is currently under construction according to Google Maps. Meanwhile, rival (and story co-entry!) Myer bought the Grace Bros. brand in 1983, but the name remained in use until 2004.
Wyper Brothers’ Ironmongery Department (Childers, Queensland)
This picture, taken in Childers town, Bundaberg, Queensland, in 1898 shows men standing at the counter of the Wyper Brothers’ Ironmongery Department.
Not much is available about the exact history of this picture. However, the Queensland Government’s registry of heritage areas thankfully reveals that the general area of Childers at the time was home to a thriving sugar mill industry, with at least four mills in operation by 1895.
Source: Queensland Government/Google Maps
At present, the area where the store used to be could be like any other Australian outback storefront — but this one sure has a historic touch to it!
The Bundaberg Region website for Childers also includes an option to ‘explore’ the town’s ‘old-world’ charm by visiting over 20 heritage buildings.
How about you, members? Do you have any images of old buildings among your photos? Or maybe you have fond memories of how retail used to be? We’d love it if you shared them here in our Nostalgia forum!
Share your thoughts, opinions, and stories with us below!
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