The Woolworths Museum

"The Victory" at Woolworth's

1926-1929

 

"The Victory" Records from F. W. Woolworth & Co. Ltd. (1926-1929)

The Victory Records ship logo, which appeared on millions of records sold for sixpence in Woolworths in the late 1920s7 inch 78rpm records on the Victory Label rivalled the sound quality of Columbia, Broadcast and EMI, but at under half the price. Just sixpence in Woolworths in the late 1920s while rival stores were selling for one shilling and threepence

 

From 1923 until 1926 Woolworth commissioned two suppliers, Crystalate and Vocalion, to make records for its stores. The Managing Director, William Stephenson, believed that competition between the partners would keep the range fresh and ensure a good service.

As the offer grew in popularity it became very lucrative for the suppliers, but both feared that Woolworth might drop them and move to a single partner.

In secret they hatched a plan to join forces and then pool resources to convert from a mechanical to an electronic recording process. They hoped to persuade Woolworth to replace the previous brands with their new marque called 'The Victory'. The discs would have a seven inch (17.5cm) format with clearer sound and a longer playing time. They would have the same cost and selling prices as Mimosa and Little Marvel, making them even better value for money.

Woolworth was happy to accept the new arrangement. 'The Victory' releases included the latest popular songs and high fidelity instrumentals, as well as dances and a popular children's series. The sixpenny (2½p) discs were unbeatable value, matching the 'Broadcast Records' which sold in specialist stores for one shilling and threepence (6¼p), for both quality and variety.

 

Please choose a record from the menu below

 


Links to related exhibits in the Woolworths Museum

 

1920s Gallery

 

1920s Records

 

Little Wonder

 

Mimosa

 

Little Marvel

 

Victory

 

Eclipse and Crown

 

Music Gallery

 

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