Back in Time for the Corner Shop

The 1950s and 60s bring a radical boom in technology, mass production and commercialisation. But watchout Ferrones, the Supermarket is coming! This newly introduced retail phenomenon is a major challenger to the corner shop.

In the 1970s, the Ferrone's humble cornerstore has transformed to be more like today's mixed business convenience store, the hours are long and competition is fierce.

It's the 1980s & 1990s in the final episode of Back in Time for the Corner Shop.

In the 1980s, the newly - named Botany Corner Store is looking more colourful than ever before, and to keep up with competition, the family has now stacked the shelves with every imaginable item – from nail polish to stockings and plastic toys galore.

The 80s is the golden age of the TV and radio commercials, and the Ferrones are marketing their store to the community with their very own jingle, helped by none other than broadcasting legend John Doyle, aka Rampaging Roy Slaven.

To keep diversifying, the corner store is adding VHS rentals and cheap, hot meals – which are dangerously unhealthy. Pioneering health professional Rosemary Stanton visits to explain the impact of the new Australian diet.

As Australia enters a new decade - the 90s - our economic landscape shifts . Unemployment increases to 11% and crime soars and, the Ferrones' store is not immune. Plastic waste also continues to be a problem, and War On Waste host Craig Reucassel visits to explain the devastating impact on our planet.

As pressure to reinvent the store intensifies – they introduce a gelato and coffee bar as well as an internet café – but it is not enough, and the Ferrones end their experience at the end of the millennium. Despite the upheaval over the decades, one thing has remained constant : their beloved community. As Carol says with a tear in her eyes, "we've made friends for life!"