Recently, one of the United Kingdom’s most famous institutions, Sainsbury’s, celebrated an exceptional milestone. As one of the go-to shopping destinations for most Brits, the retail giant celebrated their 150th Anniversary.
Ensuring that the milestone is properly celebrated, Her Majesty The Queen attended the anniversary festivities to show and acknowledgement from not only the Royal family but from the entire nation.
The celebration took visitors back in time to the early years of the store. In Covent Garden, the Queen was met with a pop-up experience which included a recreation of the very first store. This included everything from the decor to replace packaging as well as actors in period costumes.
Queen Elizabeth II views goods on display in a replica of one of the original Sainsbury’s stores during a visit to Covent Garden, London. Queen Elizabeth II speaks to actors in period costume during a visit to Covent Garden, London, where she viewed a replica of one of the original Sainsbury’s stores.
The first Sainsbury’s store opened its doors in May 1869 on London’s Drury Lane by founders John James and Mary Ann Sainsbury. During this period the store carried a very small variety of products, only selling butter, milk and eggs. Since then the Sainsbury’s chain has expanded and grown to become the 3rd largest chain of supermarkets in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, the retailer makes up 16.9% of the entire UK supermarket sector.
Sainsbury’s 150th anniversary celebrations focus on the colleagues and customers who have helped shape the business over the years.
As an ever evolving organisation, continuously remaining leaders and innovators, Her Majesty was also shown the latest technology currently employed by the organisation such as the self-service tills.
During the celebrations, the Queen cut a cake and unveiled a plaque to mark the special occasion. Incidentally, the cake was baked by master-baker Claire Ptak. Some of you might remember, she was responsible for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wedding cake a little over a year ago.
Images: Buckingham Palace
