Uncover the rich tapestry of the corner shop's cultural history. From humble beginnings to becoming a beloved neighborhood staple, these unassuming establishments have woven themselves into the fabric of our daily lives. Let's delve into their fascinating journey.
The comfortingly handy corner shop
The staple British corner shop as we know it dates back to Victorian times
- It is also a cornerstone of pop culture
- Britain’s tiny island has often been branded ‘a nation of shopkeepers’ – it’s a phrase that was once believed to be a Napoleonic insult, though it was positively declared by Scottish economist/philosopher Adam Smith, in his 1776 book The Wealth of Nations
- While there are obviously national/regional variations in set-up, the corner shop surely serves a universal, relatable need
- When you’re an entrepreneur, all you have is your good name
- You have to be an honest, honourable person in order to survive
The corner shop blurs reality and fantasy in contemporary art
In 2018, Karla and James Murray’s Storefront art project involved nearly life-sized paintings of mom and pop stores from New York City’s Lower East Side.
- It strikes a chord across music genres, too, whether it’s Brit indie outfit Cornershop (who have splendidly subverted stereotypes throughout their work, including their latest album England is a Garden) or The Jam’s 1980 song, Man in the Corner Shop.
Bottom Line
It’s nice to be your own boss.
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