Bite Size: Game On

4 Square was a significant chain of grocery corner stores amongst the earliest of them, and can likely claim to be the first to offer self-service style shopping in the history of the country. Although product under their own brand was on shelves by late 1924, the company wasn’t officially formed until 1925 – with its branding as we now know it following in 1929.

I have previously posted on the topic, albeit briefly, in the early days of this blog – and there’s plenty of material so I will be adding some information in further posts as I cover the different versions of this novelty item I am featuring here. I am trying to post them in sets of four cards as I digitally repair them. This one amongst many advertising gimmicks the company issued; there was also a board game and colouring book.

I have seen three or four versions of this Snap set promotional gimmick; one dating from the late 1950s (very hard to acquire), one from the early 1960s (which I have just purchased and am waiting to be delivered into my hot little hands) and this one which likely dates from the late 1970s. It’s a really good snapshot of what products were on offer during that era, and I remember them all.
New World were a big chain of supermarkets from the early 1960s which are still around today, but I’m not sure what CPS is, I’ll need to do some more work on that. I’m also not clear on whom acquired whom at this point.

PS. apologies for the crappy image of the box; my set came without one, and this was the only picture I had stashed away.

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