Hopes that Woolworths could return to Nottingham as boss reveals ambition
We need that Woolies pick ‘n’ mix back in our lives!
There are hopes that iconic high street chain Woolworths could return to Nottingham after a 15-year absence.
After Woolworths went into administration in 2009 following the financial crisis, the German brand, known as Woolworth, was saved by HH Holding.
Woolworth has around 580 stores in Germany and HH Holding boss Roman Heini has dropped a major hint that the iconic red lettering could reappear in UK towns and cities once again.
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In an interview with Retail Week, Heini said that expansion to the UK is on his “bucket list”.
He said: “We have secured all the trademarks for the brand for the whole of Europe, so we could operate if we make the decision and go for it – not in the near future, but it may be in the mix for the mid- or long-term future.”
In the late 2000s Woolworths had more than 800 UK stores, including several here in Nottingham.
Up until 2009 there were Woolies’ in Lister Gate and the Victoria Centre, with additional stores in Beeston, Clifton, Long Eaton and Eastwood.
Around 27,000 people lost their jobs when all 807 Woolworths shops closed between December 2008 and January 2009.
The brand was affectionately known for its pick ‘n’ mix sweets and WorthIt! Value range.
Hopes for a Woolies revival in the UK comes just months after fellow high street chain Wilko collapsed.
The homeware brand is now making a slow return to high streets after it was purchased by CDS Superstores, which also operates The Range.