The history of William Low, Dundee’s lost supermarket giant

William Low’s Overgate store (Picture: Dundee City Archives)

For many Dundonians, the name William Low brings back a wave of nostalgia.

Before the rise of today’s supermarket giants, William Low was a household name – and it all started right here in Dundee.

Founded in 1868 by William Low, the business began as a modest grocery store in the city. Over time, it expanded across Dundee and eventually much of Scotland, becoming one of the country’s most recognisable supermarket chains.

Known affectionately as “Willie Low’s,” it offered groceries and household goods with a strong emphasis on customer service and convenience – a pioneering approach in its day.

Across Dundee, William Low stores could be found in areas like Lochee, Hilltown, and the city centre.

Its red and white branding, bold signage, and friendly in-store experience made it a fixture in the lives of thousands. For many, it was the place where the weekly shop happened, where local staff were known by name, and where generations of Dundonians picked up their essentials.

But in the mid-1990s, everything changed. In 1994, William Low was acquired by Tesco following a competitive takeover battle that also involved Sainsbury’s.

Tesco quickly took over the stores – including those in Dundee – as part of a wider strategy to strengthen its presence in Scotland. While the William Low name eventually disappeared from the high street, its legacy remains fondly remembered by many in the city.

Though the brand is gone, it’s still talked about in local Facebook groups, community pages, and over conversations about “the way things used to be.” William Low was more than just a supermarket – it was part of Dundee’s social fabric.