It embarrassed us as kids but we’d arguably love it as adults
Netto had numerous branches on Merseyside(Image: Hull Daily Mail / Hull Live)
It’s now been nearly 10 years since we said goodbye to a lost budget supermarket that could once be found across Merseyside. Before the days of Aldi and Lidl – yellow and black discount shop Netto could be found on high streets across the country.
First opened in the UK in Leeds in December 1990, Netto was part of the Danish company Salling Group which operates other supermarkets in Denmark. The brand went on to have 200 stores across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. It was ahead of its time in many ways, when you think of the popularity of discount stores and supermarkets today.
But years ago, Netto had quite a different reputation among school children in Merseyside. For years, its bright yellow carrier bags left some kids mortified to be seen with them, as it would result jokes being made across school playgrounds.
READ MORE: 30 baby names for boys and girls that were popular 50 years agoREAD MORE: Lost city centre store that was ‘one of the top names’ in Liverpool
All Netto stores closed for good in the UK in August 2016., but the discount supermarket still operates in Denmark, Germany and Poland with over 1,400 stores. And while it embarrassed many Scouse kids years ago, many of them would arguably love the shop as adults.
We recently shared an old photos of a lost Netto branch on our Facebook page. And many ECHO readers were quick to share their Netto memories.
Inside a Netto branch in 2003(Image: Hull Daily Mail / Hull Live)
Layla Saunders said: “I remember our head teacher threatening us all with Netto bags if we didn’t bring a bag to school.” Kelly Carson said: “Oh god I remember that in high school, my dad actually taped a Netto bag to the window when I was about 14 (1994) – it was soooo shameful.”
Sarah Mckay commented: “The original walk of shame carrying a Netto bag.” Alan Schofield said: “God help any kid that was seen in school with a Netto bag.”
Lewis Smith said: “My mum went to the one in Birkenhead in about 1999/2000. I was so ashamed of it. And yes, you did get bullied at school if it came to light your been.” Matthew Millar commented: “Remember the absolute rinsing you’d get if you where spotted with a Netto bag. It’d be rammed if it was about now.”
READ MORE: Red terrace that became an institution in the cityREAD MORE: Kwik Save prices from 1995 as former shoppers say ‘bring it back’
Many others shared fond memories of visiting a Netto supermarket and argued that today, it would be more popular and appreciated for its discounts and bargains, similarly to that of Aldi or Lidl. On Facebook, Adam McAllister said: “Time for a resurgence of Netto. Open a shop with 5p beans now and you’d have half the country in by midday.”
John Pablo Thompson said: “Mad how we all dunked on Netto as kids and today Aldi an Lidl are fine… Last time I saw a Netto bag came from Denmark and a mate of mine brought it home to show me.” John Patrick Cummings commented: “Would have killed for it now because everyone’s skint and no one cares where they shop.”
Ste Irvine commented: “So many flashbacks seeing this photo! Collecting the stamps you got after spending a fiver to get a teddy bear or something.” Darren Fernando said: “Cheapest baked beans in town.”
Gareth Jones said: “Scandinavian for Value.” Alabaster Christopher Codify commented: “Bring back Netto!.”
READ MORE: Retro sweet from the 80s makes a comeback and it’s selling out fastREAD MORE: ‘Unmissable chance’ to explore historic buildings in Victorian village
Paul Samuel said: “Loved going here as a kid for boxes of sweet.” Tony Quillan commented: “I remember that shop. Bargains galore.”
Peter Rycroft commented: “Used to love that shop – could live off £20 a week when I first moved out of mums.” And Crisy Fallows said: “Remember cans of coke being 21p.”
In its time, Netto’s branches in the Liverpool city region included Garston, Kirkby, Orrell Park and Wavertree. Netto continues to thrive in its native country of Denmark, where its first store opened in 1981.
But in the UK, the signature black Scottie dog on a daffodil-yellow background, the yellow plastic shopping bags and street signs enthusiastically proclaiming “Netto Netto Netto Netto” are a relic of the past. But it is still remembered by many on Merseyside.