First food store opens at Dee Why

Woolworths Variety stores had always carried a selection of food lines - usually basics such as tea and biscuits, seasonal specials and confectionery. However in the late 1950s Woolworths experimented with special food sections at the rear of some variety stores.

The grocery range was limited but included fresh vegetables, delicatessen items and packaged fresh meat sold out of refrigerated cabinets.

The variety sections were serviced while the food sections were self-service and had their own checkouts midway down the store.