Episode 145: Housewives’ Paradise: History of Supermarkets

Learn about the social and economic implications of the supermarket on this week’s episode of A Taste of the Past. Linda Pelaccio talks with University of Minnesota History Professor Dr. Tracey Deutsch about “building a housewives’ paradise.” Tune into this program to learn about the inception of the supermarket as an American institution in the 1930s. Find out how supermarkets aimed to appeal to women through their interior design, layout, and overall aesthetic. How did local food pricing regulations cause some grocery stores to fail, and others to thrive? Tune into this episode to learn how issues of gender, class, and race are tied up in the success of the American supermarket. This program has been brought to you by Cain Vineyard & Winery. Today’s music has been provided by Pamela Royal.

“The very first supermarkets did feature super low prices… They were hugely popular, but then many of them went out of business. If you cut your prices too low, you’re not going to be able to stay in business!” [11:10]

“Having predictable sales became more important to these larger stores.” [26:15]

— Dr. Tracey Deutsch on A Taste of the Past

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