In the ever-evolving landscape of Australian retail, there's a forgotten hero that once reigned supreme in the world of budget-friendly grocery shopping. Before the days of ALDI's Special Buys and Costco's bulk bargains, there was a supermarket that embodied the essence of savings with its stark black and white branding and no-nonsense approach to shopping. This was Franklins, the original discount supermarket that seems to have slipped from our collective memory.


For those who grew up in the 80s and 90s, Franklins was more than just a store; it was a way of life, especially when household budgets were tight. The 'no frills' black and white packets were a common sight in lunch boxes, signalling that payday was still a few days away. Yet, mention Franklins to many today, and you're likely to be met with puzzled looks. 'Franklins? What's that?' is a question that echoes through the corridors of time, a testament to the transient nature of retail giants.


Franklins was the epitome of the 'No Frills' philosophy, a term that has since become synonymous with anything basic and unadorned. The supermarket's home brand carried this name proudly, offering a range of products from muesli bars to cereal, all in the same utilitarian packaging. These items were the budget-conscious choice for many families, and while they may not have had the allure of name-brand counterparts, they were a staple in many Australian homes.


The memories of Franklins are mixed, with some recalling the 'No Frills' chips that tasted suspiciously like cardboard, while others have a more nostalgic view. Claire, for instance, remembers the home brand cereals: 'My family would always buy the No Frills version of Corn Flakes or Fruit Loops because they were cheaper, and I would be upset that we couldn't just get the normal range,' she shared with Kidspot.

For others like Elliot, Franklins was a place of fond memories, a supermarket with sterile white floors and walls, a stark contrast to today's colourful and busy aisles. 'I remember going to Franklins in Turramurra with my mum. It was a classic style supermarket,' he reminisced. 'I actually miss the old Franklins No Frills home brand!'

But what happened to this once-thriving supermarket empire? Founded in Sydney in 1941 by Frank Lindstrom, Franklins was marketed as 'Australia's original discount grocer.' The chain's No Frills brand, launched in 1978, was a trailblazer, setting the stage for the home brands that would follow in other stores. However, as the supermarket space became increasingly competitive, Franklins struggled to maintain its foothold.


Throughout the 80s, Franklins expanded across other states in Australia and changed hands several times. In 2010, it was sold to Metcash for $215 million and eventually became part of the IGA chain. The rebranding efforts through the years did bring some color to their logo, but the store's popularity waned, with the last store in Westfield Miranda, NSW, closing its doors in 2015.

Today, as we revel in the excitement of an ALDI sale or the vastness of Costco, it's important to remember the roots of discount shopping in Australia. Franklins may no longer be a household name, but its legacy lives on in the 'No Frills' concept that many still embrace when looking for value.
So, dear readers, let's take a moment to pay homage to the original budget-friendly grocery giant. Share your memories of Franklins with us. Did you have a favorite 'No Frills' product? How does it compare to the discount shopping experiences of today? Join the conversation and let's reminisce about the days when simplicity and savings walked hand in hand down the aisles of Franklins.