Woolworths (United Kingdom)
| Company type | Public limited company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail |
| Founded | November 5, 1909 in Liverpool, England |
| Founder | Frank Woolworth |
| Defunct | October 13, 2015 |
| Fate | Entered administration; physical stores closed in 2009, online platform closed in 2015 |
| Successor | Shop Direct Group (brand and website acquired in 2009) |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
Area served | United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland (until 1984), Cyprus (until 1985) |
| Products | Variety store merchandise including children's clothing (Ladybird), WorthIt! range, Chad Valley toys, pick 'n' mix confectionery |
Number of employees | Approximately 27,000 (at closure) |
Woolworths Group PLC Overview
Woolworths was a prominent British chain of variety stores and a retail conglomerate operating primarily on the high street. At its peak, it functioned as Woolworths Group PLC, encompassing subsidiaries such as the entertainment distributor Entertainment UK and the book and resource supplier Bertram Books. The physical retail outlets ceased operations in 2009, and the online platform followed suit in 2015, marking the brand’s complete closure.
Originally part of the American F. W. Woolworth Company, Woolworths UK became independent following its sale in 1982. Before shutting down, it operated over 800 stores across the United Kingdom. The retailer was known for offering a wide range of merchandise, including its own children's clothing line under the Ladybird brand, the value-focused WorthIt! range, and Chad Valley toys. Additionally, Woolworths gained a reputation for its pick 'n' mix confectionery selection. The chain was affectionately nicknamed Woolies by both consumers and media outlets, a term occasionally used within its own advertising campaigns. Beyond the UK, Woolworths also ran operations in the Republic of Ireland until 1984 and in Cyprus until its sale in 1985.
On 26 November 2008, trading in Woolworths Group shares was halted as both Woolworths and Entertainment UK subsidiaries entered administration. The appointed administrators, Deloitte, proceeded to close all 807 stores between late December 2008 and early January 2009, resulting in approximately 27,000 job losses. Woolworths Group plc itself entered administration on 27 January 2009 and was formally dissolved on 13 October 2015. The company's downfall became emblematic of the financial crisis and credit crunch that affected the United Kingdom at the close of 2008.
Following the collapse, in February 2009, Shop Direct Group acquired the Woolworths brand along with its website, continuing operations solely through an online retail model until June 2015. At that point, the Woolworths online presence was integrated into Very.co.uk.
In a later development in July 2021, Woolworth GmbH—the former German arm of F.W. Woolworth Company—purchased the British and Irish Woolworths brand and website from The Very Group for an undisclosed amount.
Foundation of the enterprise
The British division of the F. W. Woolworth Company, originally established in Pennsylvania, known as F. W. Woolworth & Co. Ltd, was launched by Frank Woolworth in Liverpool, England, on 5 November 1909.[1] Frank Woolworth reportedly traced his lineage back to Woolley, Cambridgeshire – he claimed to have connected his family history through the Pilgrim Fathers to a modest "farm in central England".[2] When Frank journeyed to England in 1890,[3] he arrived at Liverpool and took a train to Stoke-on-Trent to procure china and glassware for Woolworth’s product selections. His diary also reflected his admiration for England and his vision of introducing the Woolworth brand there:
During this purchasing trip, Woolworth encountered a young clerk named William Lawrence Stephenson, who came highly recommended by John Wanamaker. Wanamaker, a pioneer who had developed an extensive chain of department stores in the United States, was one of Woolworth’s inspirations. Stephenson was invited to London for a subsequent meeting with Woolworth and accepted the role of director for the newly formed company.[4]
Following the concept of launching the British operation, Frank Woolworth extended invitations to shop managers in the United States to open stores in the UK. However, only Fred Woolworth from the Sixth Avenue location and Samuel Balfour from the 14th Street store in New York City responded with offers during Frank’s illness in March 1909.[5] Subsequently, Byron Miller, a Boston store superintendent, also volunteered his assistance and embarked with these volunteers aboard the steamship Kaiserin Auguste Victoria departing Hoboken for England on 29 May 1909.[6]
Frank Woolworth anticipated that other employees would look up to these volunteers as pioneers in establishing FW Woolworth & Co in Britain. Nevertheless, Carson C. Peck, vice president and general manager of the company, expressed doubts about recruiting staff members for this venture. He questioned whether Woolworth’s motivation stemmed from an ambitious dream or dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs within the American branch.[7]
Peck urged those who had volunteered to reconsider their commitment, warning that many were unaware of the inherent uncertainties and dangers involved. He suggested that some participants were only tentatively willing to join Woolworth’s new venture:[8] His main concern was that most managers’ decisions were driven by loyalty towards Woolworth,[9] and relocating such valuable personnel from an established American operation to an unproven and financially uncertain "Little Infant" venture in Britain could jeopardize the core business.
1900s–1910s
Although Peck expressed some doubts, Woolworth proceeded with the plan to establish operations in the United Kingdom as initially intended. He evaluated multiple potential sites for the inaugural stores as well as locations for future expansion. The first store was ultimately situated at 25-25A Church Street and 8 Williamson Street in central Liverpool—the addresses corresponding to different entrances. This flagship store opened its doors on 5 November 1909, marked by festivities including a full orchestra, circus performances, and fireworks.
In keeping with American retail customs, the opening day permitted only product viewing. Visitors were offered complimentary tea while enjoying entertainment from a traditional brass band in the refreshment area. The local press, particularly the Liverpool Courier, gave a favorable review, commending both the store’s interior design and the extensive selection of affordable merchandise.
Despite this positive reception locally, the national British newspaper Daily Mail compared Frank Woolworth to American showman P. T. Barnum and suggested that the chosen location was part of a fallback strategy designed to minimize financial risk if the venture failed. Nevertheless, the store quickly proved successful; long queues formed outside, and low-priced items at 3d. and 6d. led to shelves being nearly emptied by day’s end, attributed to large-scale purchases of mass-produced goods sourced both domestically and internationally.
The company extended its reach into Ireland, inaugurating a store on Grafton Street in Dublin on 23 April 1914, followed by another on High Street in Belfast on 6 November 1915.
At the outbreak of the First World War, F.W. Woolworth & Co. operated 40 stores across Great Britain and Ireland, located in most major urban centers. From these branches, a total of 57 employees—including shop managers—enlisted for military service, with many not returning after the war concluded in 1918. Although American personnel offered assistance to British branches during this period, the remaining staff intensified their efforts to manage labor shortages, resulting in several employees receiving promotions to managerial roles.
Meanwhile, U.S.-based Woolworth stores that stocked similar product lines depended heavily on European manufacturers who had embraced advanced production techniques ahead of their American counterparts. The war posed significant challenges for the American company due to its reliance on European imports; at that time, European factories had adopted mass production technologies and modern work practices more extensively than those in the United States.
1920s–1930s
Following the conclusion of the First World War, the company pursued further growth by opening additional outlets. By 1923, the number of branches had reached 130, coinciding with William Lawrence Stephenson (1880–1963) assuming the role of managing director. Under his leadership, an aggressive expansion plan was introduced, focusing on acquiring or constructing freehold properties. Numerous stores featured distinctive faience tiled art deco façades. This growth was financed solely through retained earnings, without resorting to loans or new capital injections. The 400th store launched on 12 July 1930 in Southport, Lancashire. The following year, the company was publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange. At this point, the American parent company reduced its stake to 51.7%.[10] By 1934, the business celebrated the opening of its 600th outlet located in Wallington, Surrey.[11]
1940s–1950s
Between 1940 and 1950, expansion efforts were largely halted due to the impact of the Second World War and subsequent post-war limitations; however, growth recommenced after this period. In September 1953, the company inaugurated its 800th branch on Wilton Road in Victoria, London.
The international presence expanded with a store opening in Kingston, Jamaica in 1954. This was followed by an outlet established in Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia (present-day Harare, Zimbabwe) in 1959; its design was modeled after a shop located in Guildford.[12] Additionally, Woolworth maintained stores across Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and other parts of the West Indies.[13][12]
On 22 May 1958, the milestone of the 1000th branch was reached with an opening at Boundary Road in Hove (referred to as "Portslade" to differentiate it from an existing Hove location). The company's store count peaked at approximately 1,141 during the late 1960s. From that point until the American parent company divested its interest in 1982, several branches were closed or sold off; by the time ownership transferred fully to UK hands, roughly 1,000 outlets remained.[14]
1960s–1970s
During the 1960s, Woolworths experimented with the large-scale out-of-town or hypermarket concept through its Woolco stores. Although some of these outlets were eventually closed, most were sold to the Dee Corporation in the early 1980s, reopening as Gateway hypermarkets before later being acquired by Asda.
A prominent Woolworths store located on Briggate in Leeds experienced a significant fire in 1969. This four-floor establishment, which had been operating since 1913, endured extensive damage necessitating a complete refurbishment. At the time of the incident, the store was closed to customers and had been evacuated, preventing any fatalities; however, several employees sustained minor injuries. The fire took several hours to be fully controlled.
1980s–1990s
In 1982, Paternoster Stores Ltd, the predecessor of Kingfisher plc, acquired British Woolworths along with its sister chain B&Q. Subsequently, Woolworths Group plc was created following the demerger of Kingfisher’s general merchandise division and began trading publicly on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker WLW on 28 August 2003.
The Woolworths outlets in the Republic of Ireland were shut down in October 1984. By August 1996, Woolworths conducted market research exploring potential re-entry into the Irish market, identifying approximately 32 sites suitable for new stores. Despite this evaluation, the initiative did not advance beyond the research stage.
Throughout the 1980s, Woolworths' management streamlined product categories into distinct groups: entertainment, home goods, children’s items (toys and clothing), and confectionery. Many branches were reduced in size during this period. Some older stores in major urban centres were comparable in scale to nearby department stores. For example, in 1987 Woolworths vacated its five-floor Briggate branch in Leeds (now occupied by House of Fraser), which it had operated since 1913, retaining only a smaller single-level store within the Merrion Centre. This location was situated in a less busy part of the city centre, frequented mainly by budget-conscious shoppers.
In the 1990s, Woolworths maintained several smaller outlets focused on music and confectionery sales. Similar compact formats were trialled at Sheffield's Meadowhall Shopping Centre but were closed by 2003; meanwhile, the Manchester Music and Video shop was replaced by a larger MVC store under Woolworths Group ownership.
Toward the late 1990s, Woolworths’ leadership sought to expand its brand through new retail formats and alternative channels to capitalize on evolving consumer trends. This included launching larger stores under the Big W brand, inspired by Wal-Mart’s model in the United States. Although initially promising, this concept ultimately failed to gain traction. The original strategy depended heavily on collaboration with other Kingfisher group retailers; however, after Kingfisher’s demerger, such synergies were no longer feasible.
2000s–2010s
After enduring financial setbacks, Woolworths announced in 2004 its decision to discontinue the Big W format.[15] In 2005, seven out of the 21 Big W outlets were sold to Tesco and Asda.[16] The remaining stores were downsized to an ideal trading area of approximately 40,000 to 50,000 square feet (4,600 m2) and subsequently rebranded as Woolworths Out of Town outlets.[17]
Post-separation, Woolworths encountered intense financial and market challenges. The demand for physical music formats, a key revenue source for Woolworths, declined sharply in the early 2000s, leading to the collapse of specialist music retailers such as Our Price. Concurrently, major supermarket chains broadened their product ranges into Woolworths' core sectors, while the rapidly growing Wilkinson directly contested its position on high streets.
Unlike many retailers who embraced out-of-town locations from the 1980s onwards, Woolworths rarely expanded in this manner. One notable exception was a store at Dudley’s Merry Hill Shopping Centre in 1989, which shuttered within a few years due to underperformance.
Under chairman Gerald Corbett, Woolworths sought to enhance its corporate image by sponsoring a show garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2004. Crafted by graduates from Pickard School of Garden Design, the modern-formal garden earned a silver medal.
In mid-2006, the company introduced an in-store collection service for online and in-store orders to supplement its existing ordering system. Later that year, in September, Woolworths launched the Big Red Book catalogue aiming to rival Argos.[18]
The WorthIt! value brand was unveiled in 2007,[19] with its initial advertising campaign debuting on 15 June featuring Wooly the sheep alongside Worth the sheepdog.[20] Subsequent campaigns included endorsements from celebrities like Rolf Harris, Jackie Chan[21] and Kelly Osbourne.[22] The brand encompassed a broad assortment including sweets, electronics, alcoholic beverages, jewellery, fragrances, and apparel.
Woolworths maintained a highly unionised workforce with active shop stewards such as Paul Thompson from Unite (formerly the Transport and General Workers' Union) particularly influential in northern England.
In July 2008, a £50 million acquisition offer from Malcolm Walker, founder of Iceland, for Woolworths’ portfolio of 819 stores was declined by the board. Walker’s proposal excluded Entertainment UK and their shares in 2 Entertain and did not assume responsibility for Woolworths’ existing debt or pension obligations.[23]
On 12 August 2008, Steve Johnson—formerly CEO of Focus DIY—was appointed chief executive officer of Woolworths Group.[24] He succeeded Trevor Bish-Jones who departed in June.[25] In September, following a pre-tax loss of £99.7 million for the half-year ending on August 2nd, Woolworths suspended its interim dividend. Johnson also proposed a restructuring plan involving the disposal of approximately 120 stores, cutting around one-quarter of product lines, scaling back online operations, and reducing staff numbers.[26]
At that time, Iranian property investor Ardeshir Naghshineh was Woolworths’ largest shareholder holding a stake of about 10.2%. A consortium named Unity led by Icelandic investment group Baugur owned roughly another 10%.[26] In October 2008 Sir Alan Sugar increased his holdings in Woolworths to nearly four percent.[26] Additionally, entrepreneur Theo Paphitis, proprietor of stationery chain Ryman, expressed interest in acquiring part or all of the company.[27]
The onset of the 2008 financial crisis and subsequent Great Recession severely constrained credit availability and consumer expenditure.
On November 19th, The Times revealed that restructuring firm Hilco UK was negotiating to acquire Woolworths’ retail division for a nominal sum of £1;[28] this was officially confirmed later that day.[29][30] This arrangement would have left Woolworths Group retaining its profitable distribution and publishing arms while lowering its debt burden. However, Ardeshir Naghshineh criticized this approach and advocated selling some stores instead to generate more capital.[31]
Creditors GMAC (now Ally Financial) and Burdale (Bank of Ireland) rejected Hilco’s proposal,[32] demanding immediate repayment which compelled the company to place both its retail operations and Entertainment UK into administration. On November 26th trading in Woolworths PLC shares was suspended as Deloitte partners Neville Kahn, Dan Butters, and Nick Dargan assumed joint administrator roles.[33][34] At administration entry, outstanding debt stood at £385 million. Administrators aimed to maintain operations through the critical Christmas shopping season despite concerns that aggressive discounting might trigger a domino effect impacting other retailers. Deloitte later disclosed receiving significant acquisition interest.[35]
Following the announcement of administration status, National Lottery operator Camelot Group immediately barred Woolworths from selling lottery tickets or scratch cards and halted prize redemptions at their stores.[36]
On December 5th, despite entering administration just over a week earlier, Woolworths achieved record single-day sales totaling £27 million but simultaneously announced cuts affecting approximately450 head office and support roles.[37] A clearance sale commenced on December 11th.
By December 17th administrators declared that all remaining807 stores would shut by January 5th (later extended to January 6th), resulting in around27,000 job losses.[38] Deloitte’s Neville Kahn acknowledged uncertainty regarding repayment levels on outstanding debts. In closing days discount rates reached up to90%, with many outlets liquidating all stock along with fixtures and fittings.[39]
Store closures proceeded in stages with final trading days extended by one day to maximize remaining stock sales and facilitate closure logistics.[40][41]
- 207 outlets ceased trading on December 27th
- 37 closed on December 29th
- 164 shut on December 30th
- Another 200 closed January 3rd
- Final199 stores closed January 6th
Former Kingfisher CEO—Woolworth's previous parent company—and major shareholder Ardeshir Naghshineh publicly criticised these closures.[42]
On January 19th 2009 it was announced that parent company Woolworths Group would also enter administration due to insolvency concerns.[43] The High Court heard this application on January 27th leading to official administration status for Woolworths Group PLC.[44]
Trade unions raised complaints regarding mass redundancies citing inadequate consultation with employee representatives. Legal proceedings ensued within UK tribunals before escalating to the Court of Justice of the European Union, which issued a partial ruling against union claims on April 30th 2015.[45][46]
2020s
In October 2020, an unconfirmed Twitter profile under the handle @UKWoolworths claimed that Woolworths UK was set to relaunch. This claim was widely covered by numerous prominent British news outlets, including MailOnline and the Daily Mirror. Within a few hours, the Very Group, which owns the Woolworths brand, publicly dismissed the announcement as a hoax. The prank was orchestrated by Luke Castle, a teenager who admitted to running the account as a social experiment aimed at gauging the "brand loyalty of the British public."
Fast forward to January 2024, reports emerged suggesting a potential revival of Woolworths, fifteen years after its closure. This speculation followed an announcement by the German parent company outlining its plans for expansion across Europe, with the UK identified as a key target—especially in light of Wilko’s closure in the UK just a year prior. The CEO of Woolworth GmbH informed BBC News that entering the UK market was on his "bucket list" for international growth.
Former shops
On 10 December 2008, administrators disclosed difficulties in selling Woolworths as a going concern, which meant some outlets could shut down before month-end. Negotiations continued with various retailers interested in acquiring individual stores and leases, reportedly including major supermarket chains such as Morrisons, Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, The Co-operative Group, and Poundland.
During December 2008, Woolworths executive Tony Page and ex-UBS banker Gareth Thomas endeavored to raise approximately £30 million to revive the brand with a network of 125 stores. Despite these efforts and appeals to the government for support, no agreement materialized in time. Then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown acknowledged that while government intervention was considered, Woolworths was ultimately deemed "financially unviable."
On 9 January 2009, supermarket chain Iceland acquired 51 former Woolworths locations for an undisclosed amount. Notably, Baugur—a significant Woolworths shareholder—partially owns Iceland; however, Baugur UK entered administration shortly afterward in February. In April 2009, The Original Factory Shop purchased five additional former outlets in Wales. Across the country, many former Woolworths stores were gradually taken over by other retailers including Next,Boyes,Boots,Primark,TK Maxx,Home Bargains, and W H Smith.
By August 2010, BBC reported that over 300 (around 40%) ex-Woolworths sites remained vacant. Among those occupied, discount retailers such as Poundland represented the largest group utilizing these former premises. As of January 2012, approximately 105 former Woolworths locations were still empty while another 68 had been demolished.
Alworths
On 17 February 2009, media sources reported that Tony Page and Gareth Thomas intended to launch a retail chain modeled after the Woolworths concept but operating under a new brand name. However, an Alworths store was opened on 5 November 2009 in Didcot, occupying the location of a former Woolworths outlet, without any direct involvement from Page or Thomas. By January 2011, the chain had expanded to 18 stores, but by April of the same year, the company entered administration and subsequently ceased operations.
Wellworths
The Woolworths branch in Dorchester, Dorset was revived as an independent enterprise called Wellworths, initiated by the store manager Claire Robertson. The reopening event was officiated by BBC Radio 2 presenter Chris Evans on 11 March 2009. The business later underwent a rebranding and became known as Wellchester.
Trading for Wellchester came to an end in August 2012 when Robertson departed to establish her own retail consultancy firm.
Woolworths.co.uk
On 2 February 2009, the Woolworths brand and website domain were acquired by Shop Direct Group (which later became The Very Group), owned by Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay. According to The Times, the purchase price was estimated to be between £5 million and £10 million. Woolworths also introduced a seasonal website called Woolies Wonderland for Easter 2009. The company declared plans to revive Woolworths as an online-only retailer, launching the new website on 26 June 2009. This online operation remained active until it closed in June 2015.
New Cross, London
Numerous Woolworths stores endured extensive bomb damage or complete destruction during the early Luftwaffe raids in the Second World War. Nonetheless, the most significant civilian casualty event caused by direct enemy assault in Britain during this period occurred near the war's conclusion. At midday on 25 November 1944, a German V-2 rocket struck a crowded Woolworths store on New Cross Road, resulting in 168 fatalities—including 15 children—and injuring 122 individuals, while completely demolishing the building. The adjacent London Co-operative Society store was also destroyed in the blast. The store was particularly busy at the time because news had spread about a delivery of scarce saucepans, drawing large crowds, many of whom were waiting in line outside when the rocket hit.
Due to post-war planning and economic constraints, Woolworths did not reconstruct a replacement store on this location until 1960; this outlet eventually closed its doors in 1984. Reports indicated that some employees believed the premises were haunted.[47]
To honour those who lost their lives that day, Lewisham Council and Woolworths installed a commemorative plaque at the site. Currently, an Iceland supermarket occupies the location.
Fire safety
Between 1971 and 1981, a succession of fires at Woolworths locations highlighted the company’s negligent approach to fire safety, a stance that tragically led to several deaths.
Central Warehouse, Rochdale
On 6 May 1971, a fire erupted at Woolworths’ principal distribution centre in Rochdale, Lancashire. The facility was divided into three sections alongside an administration block which housed the company’s new mainframe computer system as well as all inventory and financial records. The fire rapidly spread due to sprinkler system failure, prompting administrative personnel to urgently dismantle the computer equipment and pass components along with stock cards and other documents out of windows onto waiting trucks.
Over 100 firefighters responded to the emergency and succeeded in salvaging two-thirds of the building without any fatalities. The insurance compensation paid out amounted to £3 million—the largest claim of its kind in northwest England at that time.[48]
High Street, Colchester
On 2 October 1973, a fire ignited in the storeroom of the premises located at 40–50 High Street, Colchester. The flames rapidly engulfed the entire shop, resulting in complete destruction of the building. While all staff and customers were safely evacuated, investigations later identified the absence of a sprinkler system—which was not mandated by law then or now—and inadequate fire response and evacuation protocols for employees as contributing factors.[48][49]
Central Manchester
A fire broke out shortly after 1pm on 8 May 1979 at the Manchester branch opposite Piccadilly Gardens, which was reportedly the largest Woolworths outlet in Europe at that time, spanning six floors plus two basement levels. Originating in the second-floor furnishing section, the blaze claimed the lives of nine shoppers and one employee,[50] with three victims located just six feet from an exit and another three nearby. Despite twelve emergency calls made that day, none originated from within the store itself. The fire was believed to have been caused by a faulty electrical cable concealed behind stacked furniture.[51] An official inquiry revealed that although the store complied with all legal fire safety regulations, factors such as the lack of a fire sprinkler system to contain flames originating from the furniture department, combined with the use of highly flammable and toxic polyurethane foam—legal and inexpensive at the time—in furnishings contributed significantly to both fire spread and fatalities. These findings influenced subsequent safety legislation.
The second floor was completely destroyed by fire, while heavy smoke damage affected the third floor; water damage was extensive on the ground, first, and second floors during firefighting efforts. In response to this tragedy and its severe impact, the Fire Research Station conducted tests aimed at developing sprinkler systems capable of managing fires in large department stores. Nevertheless, there remains no legal obligation for retailers across the United Kingdom to install sprinkler systems, with many opting to prioritize evacuation strategies over fire suppression measures. This disaster also prompted amendments to the Fire Precautions Act and played a role in banning polyurethane foam in home furnishings—a longstanding concern for fire safety authorities—thereby encouraging manufacturers to create alternative materials for sofas and other furniture items.
Due to its proximity to media hubs—including studios of BBC Manchester (above National Westminster Bank), Granada Television, offices of the Manchester Evening News, and northern branches of several national newspapers—the event was widely broadcast, featuring distressing footage such as female office workers trapped behind barred windows on upper floors.
The incident has become an important case study for researchers examining human behavior during emergencies. Studies indicated that numerous customers, mainly within the public restaurant area, ignored alarm signals and staff evacuation requests despite visible smoke and odor; some even continued queuing at unattended checkouts.[52] The majority of fatalities occurred in this section.
Although the store reopened after the disaster, it ultimately closed its doors in 1986.[53] For many years following closure, the premises operated as an amusement arcade until building owners removed tenants to renovate for new uses including a 157-room Travelodge hotel alongside a Morrisons convenience store and dining options such as Zizzi and Nando's.[54][55][56]
Worcester
On 1 October 1979, a major fire severely affected the Woolworths store on Worcester's High Street. Although there were no injuries, the store remained shut for several months before reopening in 1980. Investigations later revealed that the blaze was deliberately ignited by a disgruntled employee, and the absence of a sprinkler system contributed to the extent of the damage.
Wimbledon Broadway
In 1981, a fire broke out in a storeroom at the Wimbledon branch. Due to improved staff training implemented following the Manchester incident, the evacuation was effectively carried out; however, the building was completely destroyed by the fire. Tragically, one firefighter lost his life when he and two colleagues became trapped as the upper floors collapsed.
Following the negative impact these incidents had on the company’s reputation, the American parent company opted to sell its British operations to Paternoster Stores, which later became Kingfisher. In response to these fires, the company vigorously advocated for smoke detector installation, a strategy that both increased their adoption and lowered costs.
Terrorism
During The Troubles, numerous Woolworths outlets endured extensive damage due to attacks by the Irish Republican Army (IRA), which targeted prominent British businesses in Northern Ireland.
High Street, Belfast
This location was Woolworths’ principal store in Northern Ireland and experienced several incendiary bombings. One attack in 1972 completely gutted the premises. Thanks to advance telephone warnings, no casualties occurred during any of these assaults.
Bognor Regis incident
On 3 August 1994, an explosive device detonated outside the London Road branch, causing damage to multiple shops but resulting in no injuries. The bomb had been concealed in a bicycle pannier locked to a post. Around 5:57 pm, fifteen storefronts were affected, with shattered glass scattered across the street.
The bombing triggered heightened security measures along coastal resorts on the south coast. Authorities later discovered another device containing 2.5 kg of Semtex and an IRA time power unit (TPU).
Bangor, County Down
On 30 March 1974, Woolworths at 18/22 Main Street in Bangor, County Down was among several targets during a coordinated incendiary bomb attack on the town centre.
At 5 pm, police received a call warning that fifteen incendiary devices had been placed throughout the commercial district and were set to detonate within half an hour. Swift evacuation efforts successfully cleared much of the area; however, there was insufficient time to prevent explosions. The Woolworths store sustained severe damage when one device detonated inside the sales area. A police officer was concussed after being knocked off his feet by the blast, and a female civilian suffered cuts from flying debris.
Other retail locations hit included the Co-operative Department Store and FA Wellworth Department Store. Following this attack, Woolworths’ damaged premises were demolished. A new approximately 8,000 square feet (740 m2) store was constructed on the same site and reopened in the mid-1970s.
In October 1992, this rebuilt Woolworths experienced minor harm when a 200 lb car bomb exploded nearby close to FA Wellworth's store. The blast occurred after most shops had closed for the day and caused no injuries. Nonetheless, significant damage occurred to Woolworths’ entrance area: windows were shattered, the porch roof destroyed, and some front stock items were harmed. Additionally, structural repairs were needed for two internal partition walls adjacent to the generator room and certain fixtures within the storeroom. The store resumed operations on 23 October 1992.
Music
For several decades, Woolworths held a prominent position within the UK music market. From the 1950s through much of the 1960s, Woolworths released exclusive recordings under its own label, Embassy Records, with production and manufacturing handled by Oriole Records. These records typically featured double-sided singles containing cover versions of popular hits, offered at a significantly reduced price. This strategy proved highly successful during its era but eventually declined as other record companies began issuing compilation albums. Despite this shift, Woolworths continued to operate as a major music retailer, providing an extensive selection of singles and albums, maintaining its status as the leading music retailer in the UK well into the 1990s. Even well-established national music chains such as Virgin Megastores and HMV did not surpass Woolworths during this period. Eventually, Woolworths faced intense competition in this sector from large supermarket chains like Tesco and Asda.
Cafés
In its earlier years, many Woolworths stores featured cafés. However, over time, as numerous larger outlets closed or reduced their size, the number of locations with cafés diminished. By the time the stores ceased operations in 2008/9, only about 10% still contained café facilities. Typically positioned at the rear of the store or, in locations with multiple sales floors, situated either in the basement or on the first floor, these cafés served a standard assortment of hot and cold beverages along with hot meals, including breakfast options and lunchtime fare.
Entertainment UK
Originally established in 1966 by EMI Music Publishing as Record Merchandisers Limited to supply music to non-specialist retailers, Entertainment UK later evolved into a joint venture involving several record companies. Woolworths emerged as Entertainment UK's largest client, leading to Record Merchandisers Limited being acquired by Kingfisher plc in 1986. The company was renamed Entertainment UK two years later in 1988.
Following Kingfisher's de-merger in 2001, Entertainment UK became part of Woolworths Group plc. In 2006, Woolworths Group expanded its distribution capabilities by acquiring Total Home Entertainment Distribution Limited (THE) and merging it with EUK. In November 2007, the company further extended its reach by purchasing book wholesaler and distributor Bertram Books.
EUK held an exclusive supply agreement as the primary distributor for Zavvi. When EUK entered administration on 24 December 2008, Zavvi was compelled to follow suit due to its inability to secure stock from suppliers on advantageous terms. Although Zavvi ultimately closed its physical stores, it has continued operations as an online retailer.
Streets Online
Established in 1996 by Stephen Cole, Streets Online was among the UK's early adopters of e-commerce. The company operated notable online platforms such as the book retailer Alphabetstreet and the music portal Audiostreet. In 2000, Kingfisher Group acquired an 85% stake in Streets Online for £15.7 million, subsequently incorporating it into the Woolworths Group following its 2001 demerger. Streets Online then took charge of managing the online services for MVC and Tesco. At the time Kingfisher acquired its majority share, the remaining 15% was held by Sky New Media Ventures, a division of BSkyB. In 2003, the company's headquarters were relocated to the EUK facility in Hayes.
2 Entertain
2 Entertain was launched in September 2004 as a collaborative venture between Woolworths Group and BBC Worldwide. This partnership merged Woolworths' previous video publishing, music publishing, and production operations (under Video Collection International) with BBC Worldwide’s former video publishing division (BBC Video). Ownership was divided with BBC Worldwide holding 60% and Woolworths Group owning 40%. Both parties aimed for 2 Entertain to strengthen its position against the major studios. Following Woolworths Group entering administration, BBC Worldwide acquired Woolworths’ 40% share in March 2010 for £17 million, gaining full control of the enterprise. The company was later rebranded as BBC Studios Home Entertainment, although the legal name remains 2 Entertain.
Winfield
The Winfield label was introduced by Woolworths in 1963 and remained in use until the 1980s. Products marketed under this brand encompassed household cleaning items, foodstuffs, kitchen utensils, fragrances, and other categories including fishing tackle.
Chad Valley
Chad Valley emerged in 1991 as an exclusive own-brand collection. The Chad Valley name, which dates back to 1860, is applied to a variety of toys and games designed for children younger than eight years old. On 20 January 2009, Home Retail Group, then owner of Argos and Homebase, acquired the brand for £5 million. The Chad Valley range made its debut solely in the Autumn/Winter 2009 Argos catalogue.
Ladybird
Ladybird was a children's clothing brand catering to ages 0–10, sold exclusively through Woolworths stores. Prior to Woolworths' closure, it ranked third in the overall childrenswear sector with a market share of 5%. Woolworths initially obtained rights to Ladybird in 1984 and completed full ownership by purchasing it from Coats Viyella in 2001. The brand’s origins trace back to a business partnership formed in 1934 between the original company Adolf Pasold & Son and Woolworths. On 1 February 2009, Shop Direct Group acquired the brand along with all associated rights from the administrators.
External links
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- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Woolworths Group Plc., et al. (2006). "The Woolworths Virtual Museum - The European connection - Frank Woolworth's second home" – "As he grew older it was fashionable for Americans to trace their ancestry - particularly if they could trace their roots back to the "old country" - England or Ireland. ... Frank's research indicated a strong link with Woolley, Cambridgeshire and he used to claim that he could trace his line back through the Pilgrim Fathers to a farm in middle England."
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Woolworth, Frank W. (personal communication 19 May 1909) -- "It has been a dream of mine for the past ten years to establish a chain of stores in the UK and have asked for volunteers, but have received no offers from any of the managers until in March 1909 when I was taken ill, Mr. Fred Woolworth of the Sixth Avenue, N.Y. Store and Mr. Samuel Balfour of the 14th Street, N.Y. Store came up to see me while I was ill and offered their services as volunteers to open up stores in England."
- ↑ Woolworth, Frank W. (personal communication 19 May 1909) -- " ... and it is expected that these three gentlemen will sail with me", for England
- ↑ Carson, Peck C. (personal communication 11 June 1909) -- "I have seen bunches of boys blindly follow a leader in all sorts of dangers: I have seen them follow a leader into all sorts of good things. There is no question but that you have had a good leader during your business career and I admire your blind faith in his leadership, but I want to say one or two things, and would like to find out, if possible, whether this rush to get away from present conditions is because of a spirit of adventure or dissatisfaction with your present conditions."
- ↑ Carson, Peck C. (personal communication 11 June 1909) -- "Now, strange as it may seem on looking over these return sheets, I should judge without having it scheduled up, that at least 150 out of 220 managers have blindly volunteered their services for they know not what."
- ↑ Carson, Peck C. (personal communication 11 June 1909)
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedBigW - ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedBBC26Nov08er - ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Template:Cite news ...
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- ↑ Alain-Christian Monkam analysis on CJEU ruling
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ 48.0 48.1 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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