Woolworths Ltd., Woolworths, open in Levin. Bargains in all departments, ca 1949, Photolithograph 540 x 432 mm, Printed Ephemera Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Reference: Eph-D-RETAIL-1949-01

As the country slowly recovered from war shortages, variety stores such as Woolworth’s and McKenzie’s used this matter-of-fact format in the 1940-1950s, with individual squares clearly advertising each product with its price beside it.

From a teatowel to a tumbler, from slippers to knitting wool, no product was too humble to appear proudly in print, as a more comfortable everyday life resumed.

National Library NZ