Meaning
A retail trader who sold dry and preserved foodstuffs and household provisions.
Description
Grocers supplied communities with essential foodstuffs including sugar, tea, coffee, spices, dried fruit, flour and preserved goods. The Victorian grocer's shop was a treasure house of imported goods that were increasingly accessible to ordinary working families as trade expanded. Many grocers also sold soap, candles, oil and other household necessities. The trade required some capital to stock goods and the ability to extend credit to regular customers. Large grocery chains began to emerge in the late 19th century, competing with independent traders.
Also Known As
Provision Dealer, Provision Merchant
Commonly Found In
- Census Returns
- Trade Directories
- Parish Registers
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