...to not really care about the collapse of Woolworths

[Raalix]

Sure, Woollies has been around for a century and I did shop there on occasions. But I won't miss it if it goes altogether.

Woolworths did not have a unique selling point - there was nothing in there that you couldn't buy somewhere else.

The stores themselves were staffed mostly by spotty teenagers with absolutely no sense of customer relations (a problem not unique to Woolworths). The interiors always seemed dirty and poorly arranged.

They were nothing special and I won't be sorry to see them go. Having said that - I wouldn't wish this situation on anyone, but I'm not going to lose any sleep over it either.

And op, I think you are being very insensitive to those people who are losing their jobs!

They've bought the one in Clapham Jcn as well.

A few people have pointed out that Woollies doesn't sell anything that you can't get elsewhere which is true-ish (I can't think of any other shops that carry pick & mix selections) but isn't that true of most stores? What does Tesco do that Asda doesn't? The thing about Woollies is it is (was ) so handy - all the bric-a-brac of life under one roof. And a really good selection of toys and dressing up clothes as well. I will miss it and I will miss the other shops that will form the gaps on the high street that will inevitably open up.

Gosh, such strength of feeling here about Woolies and claws out for the OP!

FWIW I don't give a stuff about Woolies going - if it was that great, it wouldn't be in administration. That doesn't mean I don't feel for those losing their jobs, or that I find it quite alarming that the High Street is struggling so much. I don't think the OP was being rude or insensitive though, just expressing a view on the value to us all of Woolies as a brand. The answer being "not very" valuable, else we'd all have been spending our money there a bit more often......

Oh god, not the 'spotty teenager' cliche again

For a teacher of expressive arts, it's not very expressive really.....

LOl Rusty

I do feel for the staff, who are certainly not all spotty teenagers, and those that are, sometimes do know what they're doing!

I can't say I'll miss Woolworths itself though. It lost its way a long time ago and the management had no concept of market placement. The stores were huge untidy barns, and people will only put up with that if the prices are extremely cheap, like Lidl.

I do have fond memories of spending my birthday money in the toy department as a child, however.

lots of memories here (mostly positive)

(from the Times)

YABU - there are a lot of people who will lose their jobs, and it is certainly NOT just staffed by spotty teenagers. What's wrong with them anyway?

I agree that some stores, especially my local ones, can be a bit of a jumble. However, I've always gone there for cheap stationery, last minute Christmas presents and the like. Sure I won't miss the shop a lot, I can go other places, but it's a shame that any large chain store is closing, because it will have a massive knock on effect.

Sorry to not have responded sooner - I had to go out this evening and this is my first chance to read your opinions.

Fair enough - I withdraw the spotty teenagers comment. I used to be one and worked in a rotten job in retail so I do indeed sympathise with those faced with losing their jobs.

My post was not about the people who lose their jobs - of course this is a terrible situation and I do feel for them. My post was specifically that I will not miss the shop itself.

Christiana had it spot on - Woollies didn't change with the times. They made a major management error back in 2001 when they entered into a poorly structured rent agreement which resulted in the cost of the stores rising every single year. With no serious rebranding/remarketing/reimagining, the shop was destined for failure.

Once again, I apologise if anyone took offence to the OP - it's the store not the people.

I am sorry for the people who will lose their jobs, but I often look in Woollies but very rarely buy nowadays, except for the Reeces Cups.
DVD's, games,cd's can all be bought a lot cheaper elsewhere.

I tried to get gloves for DS in there when he was about 9 and was told they only did "children's sizes" [hmmm]

I love Woollies, I will be very sad to see it go. We have a little one in our small town, if that goes it will be a further nail in the coffin for our high street which is already over populated by charity shops and betting shops.

Our Woollies is always busy and sells really useful stuff (honest). I really think its a very sad day for the high street and does not bode well for the near economic future.

fio hope you find out more soon