[1] In 1863, Sainsbury's father died and John James took on the additional responsibility of helping to support his mother and two sisters.
At the age of 24, he married Mary Ann Staples and they set up a dairy shop together at 173 Drury Lane, Holborn.
[1] The couple had probably saved a few pounds with which to buy shop equipment but their circumstances were extremely modest.
His business style was to offer competitive prices while, at the same time, demonstrating higher standards of quality, service, and hygiene.
At the time of the firm's incorporation in 1922, Sainsbury took on the title of Chairman and Governing Director, a position which he held until his death in 1928.