David Greig (1865-1952)

Shopping Greatness

When Britain’s first self-service grocery store opened at 111-113 Turnpike Lane, it was a big change from the usual counter service, where products were cut and weighed to order. Shoppers now had to pick up a basket, choose pre-packaged, pre-priced items from one-way rows of shelves, and head to the till—just like we do today. But in 1923, no one realised they were stepping into the future.

David Greig, who later became the first Freeman of the Borough of Hornsey and a Knight of the Order of Dannebrog, started the shop as an experiment. He went on to build the UK’s first grocery store chain, which grew to over 220 locations. Although the self-service store did well, it wasn’t profitable enough to expand, and it closed after eight months. The self-service model didn’t return until twenty years later, when the Co-op in Romford tried it again, marking a significant shift in retail culture.

David’s journey in groceries began in 1870, when he helped his mother, Mary Greig, in her shop at 3 St Mary’s Terrace (now 32 High Street, Hornsey). By 1881, he was working there full-time. In 1888, with his father’s support, he opened his own shop at 54-58 Atlantic Road in Brixton. Soon after, he bought a second shop across the street, starting his long career in grocery retail and the creation of a real supermarket chain.

You can still spot David Greig’s brand today in the shiny ceramic tiles and Scottish thistle designs on some old storefronts around London. Even though the business was successful, the deaths of several family members and heavy inheritance taxes led to the company being sold. The Co-op eventually took it over.

David Greig combined his business drive with a strong sense of social responsibility. He cared deeply about Hornsey and became a major supporter of education there. In 1933, he set up the David and Mary Greig Trust, named for his parents, to help local schools like Greig City Academy in Hornsey. The fund also helped St Mary’s Church of England Primary School get through tough financial times during changes in education and less funding for church schools.

In 1949, Greig continued his support by setting up more endowments in memory of his wife, Hannah Susan (Annie), and his son. These provided ongoing funds for church schools in the area. The trust is still active today. In 2021, The Greig Trust bought land next to St Mary’s CE Primary School to keep it available for the community and education.

The Green Plaque at 32 Hornsey High Street honours David Greig’s groundbreaking work in business and his lasting commitment to the Hornsey community.