Sainsbury’s has opened a c-store in Croydon on the same site where it launched the first UK self-service grocery store.

The shop opened in 1882 and was converted to self-service in 1950, kick-starting a retail revolution. The store closed in 1969. Convenience boss Simon Twigger said the basics of retail remained the same as in the 1880s.

He said: “You still need to meet the needs of the local population.”