How grocery stores have changed

This is the kind of historical fact I love:

"...One of the biggest factors in the growth of the supermarket was the invention of the automobile ignition switch. Previously, housewives had to limit their shopping to store within walking distance; it was too difficult and dangerous to turn the starter crank to get the car started. But once their was an easy way to start the car, housewives were set to travel miles to get a bargain.

This led to another significant innovation: the free parking lot. For the first time, parking was available right in front of the store and customers didn’t have to look for a space on crowded streets".

HERE'S the whole article, with pictures ☺!