Free History of Booths 2025
The History of Booths Supermarket
Booths, often referred to as the “Waitrose of the North,” is a family-owned, high-end supermarket chain rooted in Northern England, with a rich history spanning over 175 years. Since its founding in 1847, Booths has grown from a single tea shop in Blackpool to a regional powerhouse with a reputation for quality, local sourcing, and exceptional customer service. This detailed account traces the origins, evolution, challenges, and triumphs of E.H. Booth & Co. Ltd., exploring its commitment to tradition, innovation, and community across five generations of family leadership.
Origins: A Young Entrepreneur’s Vision (1847–1860s)
The story of Booths begins with Edwin Henry Booth, a determined 19-year-old tea dealer born in Bury, Lancashire, in 1828. Orphaned by age 11, Edwin faced early hardship, running away from home and apprenticing with a grocer in Preston. His entrepreneurial spirit shone through in 1847 when he secured an £80 loan (equivalent to roughly £10,400 today) to open his first shop, The China House, in Blackpool. Specializing in tea, a prized commodity in Victorian Britain, Edwin demonstrated a knack for business and marketing. He repaid the loan within three months, earning a £50 profit—a remarkable feat for a teenager.
Edwin’s success stemmed from his commitment to quality and innovative advertising. He offered branded china teapots to Saturday customers, a clever tactic that drew crowds and built loyalty. By 1855, he capitalized on his early success, opening a second, larger shop in Chorley, a market town that broadened his reach. These early years laid the foundation for Booths’ philosophy: to sell the best goods available, staffed by first-class assistants, a mantra that endures today.
In 1863, changes in UK licensing laws allowed Edwin to expand his offerings to include wines and spirits. This move proved lucrative, as alcohol sales boosted profits and distinguished his shops from competitors. Edwin’s focus on quality goods and customer experience set Booths apart in an era dominated by small, independent grocers. His vision was not merely to sell products but to create a shopping experience that resonated with the growing middle class.
Expansion and Incorporation (1860s–1899)
The latter half of the 19th century saw steady growth for Booths. Edwin opened additional stores in Preston (1867), Lytham (1878), and Blackburn (1884), strategically targeting affluent towns in Lancashire. Each location reflected his commitment to quality, with carefully curated products and attentive service. By the 1890s, Booths had established itself as a respected name in Northern England, synonymous with premium groceries and a refined shopping experience.
In 1896, E.H. Booth & Co. Ltd. was incorporated as a private limited company, a significant milestone that formalized its structure while maintaining family control. This move provided the financial stability needed for further expansion. Edwin’s eldest son, John Booth, took over the business in 1899, following his father’s death at age 70. John inherited a thriving enterprise and a legacy of innovation, which he would build upon in the early 20th century.
Early 20th Century: Innovation and Resilience (1900–1945)
Under John Booth’s leadership, Booths embraced new ways to engage customers. In 1902, he introduced cafes in select stores, catering to the middle and upper classes with afternoon teas—a novel concept that enhanced the shopping experience. These cafes became social hubs, reinforcing Booths’ reputation as a destination for quality and sophistication. John also implemented a colleague bonus scheme tied to company profits, fostering loyalty among staff and aligning their interests with the business’s success.
In 1920, John took a bold step by inviting all staff to become shareholders, a groundbreaking move at the time. This initiative, which saw over 250 shareholders by 2011, ensured that no individual held more than 12% of shares, preserving family control while empowering employees. The shareholder model strengthened Booths’ sense of community, a hallmark that persists in its family-oriented culture.
Booths thrived during the Great War (1914–1918), as its focus on quality goods appealed to consumers seeking reliability amid wartime shortages. The inter-war years (1918–1939) marked one of the fastest expansion periods in the company’s history, with eight new shops opening in twelve years. This growth reflected rising prosperity in Northern England and Booths’ ability to adapt to changing consumer tastes. However, the Second World War (1939–1945) brought challenges, including rationing and economic austerity, which strained operations. Despite these difficulties, Booths maintained its commitment to quality, sourcing local products whenever possible to support regional producers.
Post-War Transformation: The Supermarket Era (1945–1980s)
The post-war period ushered in a retail revolution, as self-service supermarkets, inspired by American models, began to replace traditional grocers. Booths, under the leadership of John Kenyon Booth (known as Kenny) and his brother Edwin Henry Booth (Major Wyn), recognized the potential of this new format. In 1951, Kenny became chairman, steering the company through a transformative era.
Starting in 1961, Booths converted its stores to self-service, becoming the first retailer in Northwest England to fully embrace the supermarket model by 1962. This shift involved expanding store sizes to accommodate a wider range of products, including fresh meats, cheeses, and produce. The transition was swift and successful, with sales surpassing £3 million by 1969. Booths’ early adoption of the supermarket format gave it a competitive edge over regional rivals, solidifying its position as a leading independent retailer.
The 1950s to 1980s also saw significant redevelopment of Booths’ estate. Smaller shops were relocated to larger premises with parking facilities, reflecting the rise of car ownership. Booths incorporated specialist trades—bakers, butchers, greengrocers, fishmongers, and confectioners—into its stores, creating a one-stop shopping experience while maintaining its focus on quality. These decades were marked by steady growth, as Booths expanded its footprint across Lancashire, Cheshire, Cumbria, and Yorkshire, targeting affluent market towns and rural communities.
Modernization and Challenges (1980s–2000s)
By the 1980s, Booths faced increasing competition from national chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons, which dominated the UK grocery market with their scale and aggressive pricing. Booths differentiated itself by focusing on premium products, local sourcing, and superior service, avoiding direct competition with the “big four.” This strategy earned it the nickname “Waitrose of the North,” a comparison that chairman Edwin J. Booth, who took over in 1997, described as “mildly flattering” but distinct due to Booths’ family-owned ethos and regional focus.
Edwin J. Booth, the fifth-generation leader and great-great-grandson of the founder, modernized the company while preserving its heritage. In 2005, Booths moved its central warehouse to a state-of-the-art facility in Longridge, Preston, enhancing its ability to manufacture and distribute its own-label range. These products, recognized nationally for their taste and quality, became a cornerstone of Booths’ brand. The company also invested in its wine selection, launching everywine.co.uk and earning accolades like Regional Supermarket of the Year at the International Wine Challenge Awards in 2006.
The 2000s brought both triumphs and challenges. In 2006, Booths was ranked second in The Grocer’s list of the World’s Greatest Food Retailers, surpassing Harrods and Fortnum & Mason. Its Chorley store was praised for exceptional customer service and product knowledge, outranking Selfridges in London. Booths opened new stores in MediaCityUK (Salford, 2011), Penrith (2011), Milnthorpe (2012), Barrowford (2014), and Burscough (2015), expanding its reach into urban and rural markets.
However, economic pressures, including the 2008 financial crisis and rising competition, tested Booths’ resilience. In 2008, rumors of a takeover by Waitrose surfaced, but Booths remained independent, forming a buying group with Waitrose instead. The company also faced setbacks, such as flood damage from Storm Desmond in 2015, which led to a £6.3 million loss in 2016. Despite these challenges, Booths’ focus on quality and community kept it afloat, with loyal customers valuing its “extended farm shop” feel and commitment to local producers.
Navigating the 21st Century: Innovation and Adaptation (2010s–2020s)
The 2010s and 2020s have been a period of adaptation for Booths, as it navigated economic uncertainty, digital transformation, and changing consumer habits. The company continued to innovate, introducing initiatives like its Fair Milk program in 2014, which paid dairy farmers a premium price (34.4 pence per liter), higher than any other UK supermarket. This move underscored Booths’ commitment to supporting producers, earning praise from farmers and customers alike.
In 2017, Booths partnered with Amazon Fresh to sell its branded products online, marking its first foray into e-commerce and making its goods available in Southern England. That same year, speculation about a potential sale for £130–150 million surfaced, but Edwin J. Booth dismissed it as “speculation,” reaffirming the family’s commitment to independence. The departure of long-time CEO Chris Dee in May 2017 and a financial review for breaching loan terms added to the turbulence, but Booths rebounded with strategic adjustments.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 posed unprecedented challenges, with panic buying and supply chain disruptions straining operations. Under Edwin J. Booth’s leadership, Booths prioritized safety for staff and customers, leveraging Microsoft Teams for rapid decision-making. The company’s agility and focus on quality helped it gain customers from competitors, as shoppers sought trusted retailers during the crisis. Booths also supported local producers, reinforcing its role as a champion of Northern England’s rural economy.
In 2023, Booths made headlines by removing self-checkouts from most stores, prioritizing manned checkouts to enhance customer service. This decision, implemented in stores like Ilkley, Ripon, Kendal, Penrith, Chorley, and Clitheroe, was widely praised by shoppers frustrated with automated systems. Only the Keswick and Windermere branches retained self-checkouts, reflecting their high tourist traffic.
Recent Challenges and Resilience (2020s)
The early 2020s brought economic headwinds, including inflation, high interest rates, and the cost-of-living crisis. Booths faced declining sales, with a 3.2% drop to £287.3 million in the year ending April 2023, as predicted by Edwin J. Booth. The closure of its MediaCityUK store in February 2021 and Hale Barns store in April 2024, reducing its total to 27 stores, reflected the financial strain. The Hale Barns closure, replaced by an Asda, sparked local outcry, highlighting Booths’ cultural significance in affluent communities.
Despite these setbacks, Booths achieved a record turnover of £318.6 million in the year ending March 2024, reducing its pre-tax loss from £4 million to £1.5 million. The company’s Café 1847, launched in select stores, proved a hit, with café sales rising 37% due to its seasonal, high-quality menus. Booths also reported its best-ever Christmas sales in 2022, with a 6.3% increase over the festive period, demonstrating resilience amid economic challenges.
Booths’ Legacy and Future
Booths’ enduring success lies in its ability to balance tradition with innovation. From Edwin Henry Booth’s tea shop to Edwin J. Booth’s modern leadership, the company has remained true to its founding principles: quality goods, exceptional service, and a commitment to community. Its focus on local sourcing—25–28% of products come from Northern England—has earned it loyalty in regions like the Ribble Valley, Lake District, and Cheshire’s “Golden Triangle.”
The company’s family-owned structure, with 95% of shares held by the Booth family and 5% by employees, fosters a sense of ownership and pride. Booths has won numerous accolades, including Independent Retail Chain of the Year (2015), Supermarket of the Year at the Decanter Retailer Awards (2020), and consistent rankings among the UK’s best employers. Its cheese counters, wine selection, and own-label range are celebrated for their quality, while its stores, averaging 18,000–25,000 square feet, offer a curated, farm-shop-like experience.
Looking ahead, Booths faces challenges from larger competitors, online retailers, and economic volatility. Yet its agility, as demonstrated during the pandemic, and its loyal customer base provide a strong foundation. Plans for expansion, with five new stores targeted by 2016 (though not all materialized), suggest ambition, but Edwin J. Booth emphasizes a long-term view, prioritizing sustainable growth over short-term gains. Whether Booths ventures further south or remains a Northern gem, its legacy as a family-run, quality-focused retailer is secure.
Conclusion
Booths’ 175-year journey reflects the evolution of British retail, from Victorian grocers to modern supermarkets. Through wars, economic crises, and industry shifts, the Booth family has steered the company with a commitment to quality, community, and innovation. As it navigates the complexities of the 21st century, Booths remains a testament to the power of family values and regional pride, offering a shopping experience that feels both timeless and forward-thinking. With 27 stores, 3,000 employees, and a passionate leader in Edwin J. Booth, the “Waitrose of the North” continues to write its remarkable story.
Key Job Roles at Booths Supermarkets
Based on the sources, the following are common job roles at Booths, a family-run supermarket chain:
- Customer Assistant (Trading)
- Duties: Assisting customers, handling transactions, maintaining store cleanliness, and ensuring product availability.
- Customer Assistant (Specialist)
- Duties: Similar to trading but may focus on specific departments (e.g., store support, wine bar, or specialized product areas).
- Store Cleaner
- Duties: Maintaining cleanliness standards throughout the store.
- Greengrocer
- Duties: Managing fresh produce, stocking shelves, and ensuring quality presentation.
- Team Leader (Trading)
- Duties: Supervising staff, managing operations, and supporting customer service. Includes night shift variations.
- Cafe Assistant/Team Leader
- Duties: Serving food and drinks in the cafe, customer service, and potential supervisory tasks.
- Stock Assistant
- Duties: Maintaining inventory, restocking shelves, and ensuring products are available.
- Class 1 Driver
- Duties: Delivering goods to stores, requiring a valid HGV license.
- Central Services Manager
- Duties: Overseeing administrative or operational functions at central offices.
- Other Roles (Inferred)
- Potential roles include warehouse staff, bakery/deli assistants, or management positions (e.g., Store Manager, Deputy Manager), though not explicitly detailed in sources.
Hourly Pay Rates
Pay at Booths varies by role, location, and sometimes performance. The sources indicate that Booths generally pays above the National Minimum Wage, but unlike Waitrose, some data suggests pay may differ by age (e.g., under 21 vs. over 21). Below are the available pay details:
General Pay Information
- Customer Assistant (Trading/Specialist):
- Advertised Salary: £11.50 per hour (2023–2025, for roles in Keswick, Chorley, Burscough, Kendal, Lytham Wine Bar).
- Breakroom Data (June 2022–May 2024): £8.42–£10.58 per hour for retail and sales assistants, based on 27 respondents.
- Glassdoor (2020): £9–£10 per hour (average across roles).
- Store Cleaner:
- Advertised Salary: £12.30 per hour (2023–2025, for roles in Milnthorpe, Burscough, Kendal).
- Greengrocer:
- No specific pay data; likely aligns with Customer Assistant rates (£11.50 per hour).
- Team Leader (Trading, including Nights):
- Advertised Salary: £12.50–£13.30 per hour (2023–2025, for roles in Settle, Keswick).
- Cafe Assistant/Team Leader:
- No specific hourly rate provided; likely similar to Customer Assistant (£11.50) or Team Leader (£12.50–£13.30) depending on role.
- Stock Assistant:
- No specific pay data; likely aligns with Customer Assistant rates (£11.50 per hour).
- Class 1 Driver:
- No specific pay data; general driver roles elsewhere suggest £12–£15 per hour. Overtime is mentioned but at standard rates or minimal enhancement (e.g., +£0.50 per hour).
- Central Services Manager:
- No hourly pay data; likely salaried due to managerial nature.
- Average Across Roles:
- Glassdoor (2020): Average hourly pay ranges from £6–£12 per hour, depending on role (e.g., £6–£7 for some entry-level roles, £11–£12 for supervisory roles).
- Breakroom (2022–2024): Average pay for retail and sales assistants is £8.42–£10.58 per hour, with 59% of respondents paid below average for their job type.
Pay by Age
- Age Variation: Breakroom data (August 2022–October 2024, 49 respondents) indicates that people under 21 are paid less than those over 21 at Booths, unlike Waitrose’s equal pay policy. However, specific pay rates by age group are not detailed.
- 16-Year-Olds:
- No explicit pay data for 16-year-olds. Entry-level roles (e.g., Customer Assistant, Stock Assistant) are accessible to those without experience, suggesting eligibility for 16-year-olds.
- Pay likely starts at or above the National Minimum Wage for 16–17-year-olds (~£7.50 per hour, projected for April 2025).
- Historical data (Glassdoor, 2020) suggests £6–£7 per hour for entry-level roles, which may apply to younger workers.
- 18–20-Year-Olds:
- No specific pay data; likely paid slightly higher than 16–17-year-olds but less than those over 21. National Minimum Wage for 18–20-year-olds is ~£9.80 per hour (projected for April 2025).
- Customer Assistant roles may pay £8.42–£10.58 per hour, potentially at the lower end for this age group.
- 21+ Year-Olds:
- Advertised rates (e.g., £11.50 for Customer Assistant, £12.30 for Store Cleaner, £12.50–£13.30 for Team Leader) are noted as applicable to 21+ in some job postings.
- Breakroom data confirms higher pay for those over 21, aligning with advertised rates.
- Minimum Wage Context (Projected for April 2025):
- 16–17 years: ~£7.50/hour.
- 18–20 years: ~£9.80/hour.
- 21+: ~£12.21/hour (National Living Wage).
- Booths’ advertised rates (e.g., £11.50–£13.30) generally exceed these minimums, but under-21 pay may be closer to minimum wage levels.
Notes on Pay and Roles
- Shift Premiums: Overtime is paid at standard rates or minimally enhanced (£0.50 extra per hour for drivers). No mention of night or weekend premiums.
- Benefits: Employees receive a colleague discount card, access to “too good to waste” items, and opportunities for training and progression. However, holiday and sick pay policies are criticized, with limited sick pay and strict absence rules.
- Location Variations: Pay may vary slightly by store location, but no specific regional differences (e.g., London vs. non-London) are noted, as Booths operates outside high-cost areas like London.
- Data Gaps: Pay for roles like Class 1 Driver, Cafe Assistant, or management positions is not explicitly detailed. Age-specific pay breakdowns are limited beyond the general under-21 vs. over-21 distinction.
- Employee Feedback: Breakroom and Glassdoor reviews note that pay is not the best compared to other supermarkets (e.g., Aldi, Lidl), with some roles paying below average for the industry.
Recommendations for Finding More Information
- Check the Booths careers website (www.boothsjobs.co.uk) for current job listings, which often include pay details.
- Review platforms like Indeed or Glassdoor for user-submitted salary data by role and location.
- Contact Booths HR or visit local stores for precise pay information, especially for niche roles or age-specific rates.
- Consult Breakroom.cc for employee survey data on pay and conditions.
Limitations
- The sources lack comprehensive pay data for all roles (e.g., warehouse, bakery, or senior management).
- Age-specific pay details are limited, with only general indications of lower pay for under-21s.
- Historical data (e.g., 2020–2022) may not reflect current rates, though advertised salaries from 2023–2025 provide some clarity.
- Pay may vary by store, but no source confirms regional differences within Booths’ operating areas.
If you need a more detailed breakdown for a specific role or location, please clarify, and I can tailor the response further!
