Do you remember
Quality Stores of Mascot? In November 2011 we asked a number of long term residents to draw memory maps about the old shops they remembered. During this oral history event,
Quality Stores generated lots of conversation.
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Quality Stores c. 1951. Today this storefront is home to Best & Less
Courtesy of Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW (Home and Away – 11691) |
Quality Stores was basically like a mini local department store.
“They weren’t like anywhere else because they
had everything,” recalled Ian Davidson who, for years, owned the chemist across the road. “I remember
Quality Stores very well" said Noella Campbell. "Mother used to say don’t go through
Quality Stores on your way home from school… but we liked to go past the shops.” June Thornton purchased items for her
glory box at the store, "I can remember layby-ing some beautiful Irish linen table cloths with lace edges.”
Despite the fond memories many locals have of this place, very little is known about the store's owner. Mr. A.H. Thorsby started the business in 1933 and, within a year, opened additional branches in Botany and Rosebery. During this time, Thorsby ran many adverts in the local newspapers stressing the local nature of the store. “Why go to town when such an unusual service is offered at your door?" asked one advert. “The shop that made local shopping possible” claimed another.
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Ad for Quality Stores in South Sydney Sentinel, 1934
City Of Botany Bay Library & Museum |
However, by 1938 only Mascot branch remained. It continued to trade
until the 1980s, but seems to have fallen out of fashion during its latter years. It was eventually replaced by
Best and Less, whose opening caused much excitement.
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Ad for Quality Stores in South Sydney News, 1955
City Of Botany Bay Library & Museum |
Over the years many shops have come and gone from Mascot's shopping strip. This memory map, which is compiled from the recollections of several locals, honours the memory of some of those places. Are there any shops you would like to add?
