Woolworths: the backbone of the highstreet? (Woolworths)

Member Name: Richard Smith

Product:	Woolworths
Date:	05/01/09 (43 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Warm atmosphere, diverse stock with something for everyone!

Disadvantages: None

Woolworths was one of those chains that we all took for granted, i know many people such as myself chose to go and buy an item such as a DVD or maybe something for the house from stores who seemed to brain wash us with fancy posters and advertising schemes which simply drew us in without even thinking about good old woolies that was usually only a stones throw away.

And now one of the oldest and dearest chains the United Kingdom has ever known has all but gone with the only reminants being its 850 former stores which stand empty and locked away from the outside world behind its boarded up windows, with only their distinct red and white 'Woolworths' sign left to haunt us all.

However its too late to morn what has passed, maybe Woolies could have been saved, maybe it couldn't. Possibly if we had respected it a little more then maybe it wouldn't have gone under but at the same time maybe if the former owners had invested in a little more diverse merchandise to tempt us in with then it could have saved itself? Who knows, what I do know is that Woolies was unique.
I have my own distinct and warm memories of being taken around my local Woolworths branch by my late mother, and I remember feeling as though this store had an atmosphere that couldn't be beat, especially on Xmas eve when the hole store would be alive with the pulse of festivity, and eager shoppers would be looking for there last minute stocking fillers. This was a common memory for people of my generation and I dread the day in the not so distant future when younger generations ask 'what was Woolworths?'

I would say that Woolworths was a shop that catered for all and welcomed anyone, it was the backbone of our highstreets, it was the pride of the nation. And of course the employer of over 23,000 staff who are the unrecognised victims from this collapse. So while the rest of us flocked in like vultures to clear the store of its stock during the closing down sales it was the staff who battled on with a smile knowing that each day which passed would be a day closer to losing there jobs, and some of these people had worked in the chain for generations! It is too these people that I extend my best wishes of luck for the future, and I bid farewell to a giant that was one of only a handful of victims to be taken during this credit crunch. And whats more, the chain is exactelly 100 years old this year with the first ever store opening back in 1909, so Happy Birthday Woolies and farewell.

Summary: The collapse is a no-win situation, and I am certain that people will one day miss good old woolies.