Nothing over Sixpence (woolworths.co.uk)

Member Name: robinlawrie

Product:	woolworths.co.uk
Date:	28/09/01 (422 review reads)
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Who used to sell hand painted Clarence Cliff style teasets for 6d a piece? The answer is Woolworth’s. (6d=2½p) This was the store that was the consumer’s champion. This was the store that used to claim that “ Nothing in their store was over sixpence” (Marks and Spenser fought back with nothing over one shilling and eleven pence three farthings) Not quite the same ring to it somehow.

OK so I can’t remember those days personally, but Woolies was the shop where you could buy practically anything that was needed for everyday life. I can still remember glass counters that groaned with stock all priced at a shilling or two. It was the store that everyone turned to when a new pan, teaset, tool, stationary etc was needed. The shelves were packed with items that were actually useful and needed. Where did you go for needles and thread? Woolies. New paintbrush? Woolies. Not only were they trusted to give value, but also the quality of goods was to a very high standard. Many of the tools that were sold 40 years ago for a shilling or two are still giving sterling service to this day.

Sweets were all fresh and loose. Real people served behind the counters and weighed your 2 oz into little pointed bags. Thinking of the smell of the loose roasted peanuts makes my mouth water to this day.

Woolies today are a sad shadow of its former glory. They have allowed the likes of Wilkinson’s to take over as the champion of the consumer. Look in any of their stores and you will see what I mean. Narrow aisles hold expensive toys that can be purchased cheaper elsewhere, limited stocks of electrical equipment, and plants that are not watered or tended from the moment they arrive at the store. True they do sell “Ladybird” children’s clothing, and sell “Pick n Mix” sweets, which are always good value, but they have lost their way in the high street of today.

A large part of Wo
olies is taken up with videotapes and CD/DVD’s. The prices are always at the top end of the market and can be bought much cheaper elsewhere. Look at this section of your local Woolies, and you will probably see a large queue. No they are not buying CD’s, but are purchasing lottery tickets, is this really what Woolies have come down to?

Where then is the future for Woolworth’s? Where can we find “The Wonder of Woolworth’s” that they used to shout about? Obviously they have decided to go online and join everyone else in world of cyberspace. Their website is at www.woolworths.co.uk

At first glance it appears to be a well-run professional site, with the usual search engines allowing you to browse by product or catalogue number. These work with a more than acceptable speed, bringing up the object selected very quickly.

•Pick of the Week
This brings up a page containing 16 items, some of which are on sale at half price. Good value if you are looking for a triangular table or a “Bounce Around Tigger”.
•Special Offers
Better news here, as the offers are more attractive. 3 DVD’s for the price of 2.There are also CD,s priced at 2 for £22 which sound attractive until you realise that it is on “selected” CD’s only.
•Music/Videos/Computer Games
Three sections which not only allow you to browse and buy the latest in your selected genre, but gives information on the latest releases, most popular, and “Woolies recommends”
•Phones and Electrical
A limited selection of pre-pay phones and an even more limited selection of household electricals, the only possible advantage is that you are asked what the colour of your kitchen is first. (Only green yellow and blue need apply.) Detailed information on mobile phones can be accessed in far greater detail at sites that specialise in them.
•At Home
Woolies
say they want to make you feel at home and show more special offers. Some of these have been shown earlier on other pages, but at least the thought was there.
•Toys
A large selection of toys are here, and can be searched once again by name or by catalogue number. What about an interactive E.T Doll?……£14.99. Woolies say that it will keep the kids entertained all summer. Wanna bet?
•Summers Sorted
Picnic equipment, travel luggage, BBQ’s, outdoor furniture, quite a comprehensive selection here including how to keep the kids entertained, yes you guessed it, buy the E.T doll for only £14.99.

And that’s really about it, apart from a lesson on how to wrap your perfect gift and the facility to send an e-card.

My verdict on the web site is that it is in a world where competition such as Argos and Wilkinson are the market leaders. Woolworth’s have failed to address the changing marketplace of today, leaving its high street shops hopelessly out of touch. Sadly, It is only a matter of time before the company is taken over or is forced to close its doors for the last time.

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