JB's Warehouse & Curio Emporium

This post has moved to Tales of Toronto . 

Before reading this post, check out the related article on Torontoist. ( larger version ) I plowed through loads of material in preparing this week's Historicist column about Dominion Stores, which was in danger of turning into a 176-page book without pruning. There's so much material on the cutting room floor that there will more "bonus feature" follow-ups than usual—think overstuffed four-or-five DVD version of a movie. Today's post zeroes in on the celebrations for the chain's sixth anniversary in 1925. Besides the ad above, the September 18, 1925 edition of The Globe carried two pages of food-related articles and congratulatory ads from Dominion's suppliers under a celebratory banner. Among the featured stories: “Groceries at Lower Prices Are Sold at Dominion Stores Because of Large Purchases” The longest article explains how Dominion uses its ability to buy in bulk to deliver lower prices (even if, as a government commission discovered a d...

While researching an upcoming Historicist article, I flipped through a stack of issues of The Link , an in-house magazine for employees of Dominion grocery stores from the mid-1920s. Besides corporate gossip, inspirational poetry from the likes of Kipling, announcements of new store openings and updates on how recreational sports teams were doing, there was an occasional article on food handling and merchandising. Today's tips come from the July 15, 1924 edition. Remember: nobody likes dry Kraft cheese. - JB

During several recent visits to Meijer locations around metro Detroit, I've noticed that the grocery/discount chain is livening up their cart corrals with cheeky posters. Who would be the most likely grocery chain to take this approach in Toronto? Photos taken at Meijer on Rochester Road north of M-59, Rochester Hill, MI, January 16, 2010 - JB

American supermarkets tend to fascinate those I introduce them do. Whether it's a stock-up on cans of spray cheese or searching for sodas, most travelling companions are transfixed by the selection of products. When was the last time you saw a full shelf devoted to ferret care products in your Loblaws, Dominion or Sobeys? Remember: nobody likes to see a ferret cry after a shampooing. Photo taken in Wegmans, Amherst, NY, March 29, 2008 

One of the latest crazes in the drink aisle is pomegranate. Previously known as either an ingredient in Persian dishes or that funny red fruit that's neat to pluck the seeds out of, many companies have jumped on the bandwagon to promote its antioxidant levels. I'm waiting for the inevitable Larry King pomegranate AM radio ad. Loblaws has jumped into the fray with half-a-dozen pomegranate-based or related products, including today's test subject. Aside: Loblaws' attempts to compete with Wal-Mart have turned me off. I used to like their grocery chains the best, but now...meh. Business papers have reported on Loblaws' struggles with their supply chain, as the company has moved too quickly into building Real Canadian Superstores. These problems are glaring whenever you walk into their stores: half-empty shelves, items in permanent disarray, specials not in stock, etc. The household items I have tried lack quality (storage containers with lids that won't stay on...