Gransnet forums

Chat

Anyone miss shopping in Woolworths?

(90 Posts)
Cardashian123 Fri 23-May-25 08:43:12

You could get anything in there it was such a versatile shop and in my local high street. I even worked there in Haberdashery as a Saturday girl in the 60s. Memories…..

recklessgran Sat 24-May-25 17:34:19

Another Woolworths Saturday girl here. I worked on the record counter and we were allowed to play the records to the whole store through what I imagine was the p.a system. I just remember playing Maggie May on repeat. Happy days!

Sadgrandma Sat 24-May-25 18:08:02

Definitely Miss Woolworth’s, Wilco, Debenhams. BHS and C&A. The way things are going we might end up losing M&S too! Went to a John Lewis the other day and it was such a pleasure to just potter round looking at all the nice things. How much longer will that last?

Moth62 Sat 24-May-25 23:11:07

I was also a Saturday girl in the run up to Christmas when I was 16. I worked on the sweetie stall and we had two of those old fashioned tills that you had to really press down to open. Another girl from school worked on the record counter and used to constantly play songs from the Band on the Run LP by Wings. Even now (and this was over 50 years ago) whenever I hear the song “Jet”, I am immediately transported back to those days! My mum used to buy different sized packs of stick on heels and soles so that dad could mend our shoes. I used to love their Evette make-up and I had a mirror for years that had a pretty little porcelain stand and tray at the bottom. Happy days.

Esmay Sun 25-May-25 08:06:43

I loved Woolworths .
I even remember those wooden floors and girls wearing those cream uniforms with little caps embroidered with a red W .
Later my elder girl used to cram her mouth full of those Milady chocolates and the pockets of her duffel coat too .
She'd do the same to her sister .
I asked her where they'd come from .
The lady gave them to us she said and her sister concurred .
I wasn't entirely convinced.
I explained that it was very nice of the lady because she'd have to pay for them .
After that I gave them money and we'd count out how many toffees they could have .
I saw a couple of Woolworth smile and wink at me .
I don't know for sure ,but I think that my daughter was happily helping herself to the pic and mix !

Sarnia Sun 25-May-25 08:14:29

They sold the best and longest lasting school trousers on the High Street. The Ladybird range was excellent. Good quality clothes for a reasonable price.
My youngest son got a job there when he was 15 and worked weekends and school holidays right up to graduating. He still works in retail and gives Woolworths the credit for starting him on that road.
My granddaughter in Brisbane has a Woolworths near her.

essjay Sun 25-May-25 10:26:11

christmas shopping with saved up pocket money, always had enough to buy for everyone

Aldom Sun 25-May-25 10:56:19

When Woolworths in Dorchester, Dorset was due for closure the staff got together to run the store. I know nothing about the financial arrangements/ownership. The store had a new name Wellworth.
It was similar to Woolworths, but sadly didn't last long.
Marks and Spencer has also closed in Dorchester. Such a pity. Much needed.

HelterSkelter1 Sun 25-May-25 11:35:38

My daughter at 5 saved up pocket money to buy a small teddy in a dress from FWW. She still has it at 46.

Happilyretired123 Sun 25-May-25 19:12:32

Oh yes! In the late 60s / early 70s I used to meet my friends in the cafe, then get pick n mix. A few years later when I shared a flat my flatmates and I used to get ham, cheese and lots of food from Woollies. In the 80s I bought my kids Ladybird clothes and toys from the Woollies in the small town where we lived.
Happy days and I do admit I miss the bustle of shopping in stores!

Happilyretired123 Sun 25-May-25 19:16:12

When I went travelling in Australia 40 years ago Woollies in Sydney was one of my go to shopping destinations

Twopence Mon 26-May-25 06:03:28

I'm still using the "everyday" cutlery we bought in Woolies before we married nearly 58 years ago!

Delila Sun 01-Jun-25 12:56:28

If only Woolies could come back, together with Wilko…🤔

Llamedos13 Sun 01-Jun-25 14:24:29

On a recent trip to Barbados I discovered a Woolworths in Bridgetown.

JackyB Sun 01-Jun-25 18:20:03

www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002cqqr

This podcast tells the story of what happened to Woolworths . It may have been what prompted the OP.