Take a step back in time and see what Sainsbury's supermarkets in Ipswich looked like in years gone by.

Pictures from the Sainsbury Archive show how the chain's supermarkets in Ipswich looked throughout the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s

The images show shoppers and staff inside the chain's stores in Ipswich.

John James Sainsbury and his wife Mary Ann opened the first Sainsbury's store in London's Drury lane in 1869.

Ipswich Star: J.D. Sainsbury, the company's president, greeting customers at the opening of the Upper Brook Street branch around 1971.J.D. Sainsbury, the company's president, greeting customers at the opening of the Upper Brook Street branch around 1971. (Image: Sainsbury Archive)

Ipswich Star: The partially demolished Underwood and Son Ltd at 34-40 Upper Brook Street, Ipswich in January 1970. This photograph was taken from Price’s Boot Store as Underwoods shop was being demolished to be replaced by Sainsbury’s and a C and A store. Avis Cook’s television and radio shop is on the right.The partially demolished Underwood and Son Ltd at 34-40 Upper Brook Street, Ipswich in January 1970. This photograph was taken from Price’s Boot Store as Underwoods shop was being demolished to be replaced by Sainsbury’s and a C and A store. Avis Cook’s television and radio shop is on the right. (Image: Ivan Smith/Archant)

By the 1970s the chain had stores across the whole of England and in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland.

Ipswich Star: Customers inside the Sainsbury's branch at 38/40 Upper Brook Street, Ipswich, in 1971.Customers inside the Sainsbury's branch at 38/40 Upper Brook Street, Ipswich, in 1971. (Image: Sainsbury Archive)

In 1971, the chain opened a new branch in Upper Brook Street, Ipswich.

Ipswich Star: The outside of the Sainsbury's store at 38/40 Upper Brook Street, Ipswich. A sign for the adjacent Double Delight restaurant, which was run by Lyons for Sainsbury's customers is pictured.The outside of the Sainsbury's store at 38/40 Upper Brook Street, Ipswich. A sign for the adjacent Double Delight restaurant, which was run by Lyons for Sainsbury's customers is pictured. (Image: Sainsbury Archive)

J.D. Sainsbury, great-grandchild of John James Sainsbury, was there to greet customers as they queued to get in. J.D. Sainsbury, now 94, is still president of the business.

Ipswich Star: Inside the Sainsbury's at 48 Tavern Street, Ipswich, in 1971Inside the Sainsbury's at 48 Tavern Street, Ipswich, in 1971 (Image: Sainsbury Archive)

Since then more branches opened in Ipswich, including in Felixstowe Road and Hadleigh Road. There are currently three branches of Sainsbury's in Ipswich and one Sainsbury's Local.

Other branches in the town have closed, such as the branch at 48 Tavern Street which became a Nationwide bank.

Ipswich Star: Inside the Sainsbury's at 48 Tavern Street, Ipswich, in 1971Inside the Sainsbury's at 48 Tavern Street, Ipswich, in 1971 (Image: Sainsbury Archive)

Ipswich Star: Inside the Sainsbury's at 48 Tavern Street, Ipswich, in 1971Inside the Sainsbury's at 48 Tavern Street, Ipswich, in 1971 (Image: Sainsbury Archive)

You can find out more about the history of Sainsbury's here, or by following their archive on Twitter.