10 Things You’d Find in a British Corner Shop in the 1990s That Have Almost Vanished

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Take a little stroll back to the 90s, when British corner shops were the go-to spots for a quick snack, collectible items, or even a chat. These shops were not just places to buy stuff but were a vital part of the community. Let’s look back at some of the things that used to be common in these shops but are now rare sights. From jars full of sweets to renting a movie, each item tells a story of a simpler time before digital took over.

1. Jars of sweets sold by the quarter

Back in the day, walking into a corner shop and seeing big glass jars filled with all sorts of colorful sweets was a common sight. Kids would press their noses against the glass, eyeing which sweets to pick. The shopkeeper would then weigh out a quarter of a pound of your chosen sweets. The anticipation as the sweets were tipped into a little paper bag was part of the fun. These jars offered a little bit of magic, a pick-me-up after school or a treat at the weekend.

2. 10p mix-up bags

Imagine having just 10p in your pocket and still being able to buy a bag full of varied sweets. The 10p mix-up bag was a favorite among kids. Each bag was a surprise, filled with a random assortment of sweets and chocolates. It was the thrill of not knowing what you’d get that made these bags so special. They offered a sense of adventure, all for just 10p.

3. Panini sticker packets by the till

Collecting stickers, especially football stickers, was a huge craze. Panini sticker packets strategically placed by the till caught the eye of many young customers. Completing a sticker album was a serious goal and swapping duplicates with friends made it all the more exciting. These stickers were more than just collectibles; they were a way to make friends and trade with peers.

4. Pogs

Pogs were not just a game; they were a collecting phenomenon. These small, round discs were often found in corner shops, and playing pogs was a popular playground activity. The game involved stacking pogs and throwing a heavier “slammer” down to flip as many pogs as possible. Winning pogs from your friends was a badge of honor and skill.

5. Cigarettes on full display behind the counter

It’s hard to imagine now, but cigarettes used to be prominently displayed behind the counter in every corner shop. Brands competed for the best spot, showcasing their logos and packets openly. This was long before health regulations changed the way tobacco products are sold and displayed in shops.

6. A shelf of videos to rent

The corner shop was often a mini video rental store. A shelf or two dedicated to VHS tapes, where you could pick a movie for the night, was common. It was a simple pleasure to browse through the titles, choose a film, and take it home to watch with the family. This was how many people accessed movies before online streaming changed everything.

7. Phone cards for the phone box

Before mobile phones were in every pocket, phone cards were essential for making calls while out and about. You would buy these cards at your local shop and use them at phone boxes. Each card had a certain amount of credit for making calls. It was a lifeline for keeping in touch, especially when you were away from home.

8. Blank cassette tapes

For music lovers, blank cassette tapes were a must-have. Whether it was recording your favorite songs from the radio, making mixtapes for friends, or capturing personal moments, these tapes held all sorts of sounds. Corner shops usually had a selection of these, letting you keep creating new audio experiences.

9. Penny sweets that actually cost a penny

Yes, there was a time when penny sweets literally cost a penny. These tiny treats provided so much joy for so little money. From cola bottles to jelly beans, you could get quite the haul for just a few pence. It was a way for kids to enjoy a little independence, choosing exactly what they wanted from the shop.

10. A handwritten notice board in the window

Last but not least, the handwritten notice board in the window was the community bulletin board. From ads for local events to people selling used appliances, it was a place to connect with the neighborhood. This simple piece of paper in the window helped keep everyone in the loop in the days before social media.