Aikman & Terras Shop Counter Labels

Aikman & Terras Branded Objects:

Although Aikman and Terras sold products imported from every part of the world, there were items that it sold products locally as well. Tea and coffee were two such items which it was famously known for. The small tea and coffee scroops that accompanied these packets were also branded. The shop also sold cream soda and lemonade that was made in St Andrews. It is believed that the water used for drinks was procured from Argyll’s Court in St Andrews. The ridged bottles come in many shapes and sizes.

Baking Goods and Receipts:

The range of goods for baking found at the grocers included varieties of baking soda, flour, vanilla essence bottles and sugar syrup. Lyle’s syrup continues to be seen in supermarkets today with very little changes in its branding and packaging with the same iconic design being used. The paper receipts and invoices along with a list of coffee producers, that was possibly for assisting customers in making selections, can be seen here.

Cigarette Boxes:

Many big brands of cigarettes such as Glasgow Mix and Three Nuns came from Dennistoun, Stirling, Dundee and Edinburgh and were retailed at Aikmans and Terras. The demand for tobacco products also highlights how tobacco was once used and commonly accepted.

Coronation Boxes 19th – 20th cent:

Exclusive tin boxes from the grocer’s collection interestingly serve as objects which can be used to trace the dynastic and political history of the United Kingdom. These were specially produced in small quantities to commemorate events like royal weddings and coronations, as well as in the form of souvenirs to salute British troops in the First World War. Rowntree’s from York commonly made these special tins. They were one of the biggest manufacturers of chocolate besides Cadbury’s and Fry’s in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Weights and Measures 19th – 20th cent:

The scales and measuring scoops seen around the store were made of metals as well as wood. They were used for weighing tea, coffee, flour, sugar to name a few things.

Visitor’s Book 20th cent:

The Visitor’s book records the names and addresses of people who visited Aikman and Terra’s. It presents itself as a good mechanism to maintain a database of people and adds a personal element to this transactional process. It is similar in a way to the concept of privilege cards that you get at supermarkets and perhaps those who were regular Aikman’s customers received certain discounts from time to time.

Badge and Certificate 20th cent:

The Scottish Federation of Grocers is the trade association for the Scottish Convenience Store Sector that was established in 1918.

The Institute of Certified Grocers was established in 1909 with its first office in London to bring together people who had a common interest in grocery trade. Aikman and Terras was accredited by both of these associations.