Retail Revolution: The Story Behind Morningside’s Cash and Carry

Cash and Carry
Checkouts at the new Brisbane Cash and Carry store at Morningside, 1957 (Photo credit: Brisbane John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)

The Cash and Carry in Morningside holds a special place in Brisbane’s retail history. The opening of the Morningside store on Wynnum Road in 1957 not only marked a significant milestone in the community but also transformed the way Australians shopped.


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The Morningside Brisbane Cash and Carry opened its doors on 26 September 1957, drawing an eager crowd of shoppers. Footage shared by the State Library of Queensland shows long queues stretching down Agnes Street, as residents waited for their first glimpse of the new store. 

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The video, a nostalgic snapshot of the era, captures shoppers with trolleys, staff unpacking goods, and registers ringing up sales. It highlights not just a new store but a new way of life for the community.

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History of Cash and Carry

Photo credit: ourstory.moretonbay.qld.gov.au


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Claude Archibald Fraser, the visionary behind Brisbane Cash and Carry, was born in Gympie in 1899. A man of resilience and determination, he enlisted in the First World War at just 18, serving in the 9th Infantry Battalion before joining the Graves Registration Detachment. After returning to Australia, he began a new chapter in his life, channeling his efforts into business.

In 1921, Fraser opened the ‘Signal Cash Store’ in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley. With only himself and a young assistant, he laid the foundation for what would become a retail revolution. By 1923, Fraser introduced Australia’s first cash-and-carry store in Petrie Bight on Queen Street. The innovative self-service model quickly gained popularity, making shopping more efficient and affordable.

Cash and Carry
Crowds of people waiting for the opening of the new Cash and Carry store in Morningside, 1957 (Photo credit: Claude Fraser Collection, John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)

The idea of self-service grocery shopping may seem ordinary today, but in the 1920s, it was revolutionary. Fraser’s approach resonated with the public, and his business flourished. In 1926, he partnered with Mr. Park, the manager of Brabant and Co, to expand the enterprise. By 1939, Brisbane Cash and Carry had grown to 12 stores, a testament to Fraser’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Cash and Carry
Claude Fraser speaking at the opening of the Cash and Carry store at Moorooka, 1956 (Photo credit: ACC33453 Claude Fraser Collection John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)

Although the Second World War temporarily slowed expansion, Fraser’s commitment to service never wavered. He enlisted in the 61st Battalion (Queensland Cameron Highlanders) and served in Townsville before returning to Brisbane to resume his business endeavours. By 1950, Brisbane Cash and Carry had become a public company, boasting 15 stores. Eight years later, the business had expanded to 32 locations, including the Morningside store.


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Fraser’s story is one of innovation, resilience, and a commitment to service. From his humble beginnings in Gympie to creating a retail empire, his contributions left an indelible mark on Brisbane. The Morningside store, like the others in the Brisbane Cash and Carry network, became more than just a place to shop. It was a community hub, where locals came together, embracing the convenience and affordability of the self-service model.

Claude Archibald Fraser passed away in 1988, but his legacy lives on. The Brisbane Cash and Carry chain, which was eventually sold to Woolworths in 1958, laid the groundwork for the modern retail landscape in Australia. For the residents of Morningside, the memory of that bustling store on Wynnum Road remains a cherished part of their local history.

Published 27-January-2025