The grocers or “vendas”, as they’re popularly designated, are disappearing. However, we can still find some of them here and there, still using some of their old furniture, equipment and the personalised customer service that characterises them. 

These traditional shops are of great historical, commercial, social and cultural value. Certain objects have remained in collective memory, but exist in an increasingly smaller number, or are totally extinct, like this measuring pump for olive oil that belongs to the museum.

In these old grocers, goods were sold by bulk. In the case of olive oil or petrol, the grocer would measure the required quantity with the help of these measuring pumps, which were operated manually with a lever, and then pour into one the client’s own container.

The Museum collections.

Traditional commerce / Grocers.

Credits: Museu Etnográfico da Madeira.