\paperw3360 \margr0\margl0\ATXph16380 \plain \fs20 \f1 \fs22 The Great Exhibition of 1851 was so successful as a trade fair that it spawned several schemes of a similar nature, b
oth in Britain and abroad. It also heralded considerable expansion in wholesaling as well as a transformation in retailing. Daily and weekly markets continued to be held and were particularly important for agricultural produce and perishable foodstuffs
. However, alongside such traditional methods there were new forms of retailing catering particularly to the middle classes and the well-to-do. Shopkeeping also underwent change. Some built up their businesses by engaging in wholesaling as well. Othe
rs prospered on the basis of æsmall profits and quick returnsÆ by developing display and advertising and by refusing to give credit. However, the increase in purchasing power of the urban working class and the growing standardisation of products also le
d to other developments in the early 1800s. One of the foremost was the establishment of co-operative societies to provide better-off sections of the working class with cheap sound articles and unadulterated food. Once these societies were operating se
veral branches in an integrated system of wholesaling and retailing, they were able to benefit from price reductions from bulk orders. The lesson was soon learnt by the pioneers of BritainÆs chain stores. Thomas Lipton, for instance, began with a singl
e shop in Glasgow in 1872 and by the end of the century had 245 branches across the country selling his pre-packed, standardised brand products. By acquiring sources of supply, he and others like him were able to market products more cheaply. Apart fro
m foodstuffs, chain stores traded in mass-produced footwear, chemistÆs goods, ready-made clothing, books and stationery.\par
