Intro

Whether you shop for entertainment, or just buy basic groceries, going to the shops is something we all do.

Here, in the Botany district, our local shopping scene has evolved from basic corner shops to a modern mall. In 1877 there were just four grocers and one butcher in the area. In 2012 most locals shopped in a mega mall with 292 retailers and 3,263 parking spaces. This online exhibition traces and illustrates these changes.

Invoice from grocer G.Price to Botany Council, 1905. "Dr" stands for debit balance due.
City of Botany Bay Library & Museum 

Several years later, Joe McFarlane took over from Mr. Price.
Rumour has it that Joe also worked as a projectionist at the Ascot Cinema in Mascot
City of Botany Bay Library & Museum

Next: The Shopping Strip