The Co-op

Until well into the 1950's all the shops specialised in a particular product and didn't sell across a range as they do today, for example, a tobacconist didn't dream of selling food. The only exception came in later years and was Woolworth's situated where Tony's Handyman is now (Sadly closed in 2011 - ed). Even the Co-operative store usually only sold groceries. The Co-op was the originator of the points system. With each purchase you had tiny squares of paper, each one was a point and you stuck them in your divi (short for dividend) book until it was full.  Then you could reclaim it for cash or goods.

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