Woolworths, affectionately known as "Woolies" to generations of British shoppers, represented far more than just another retail chain. For decades, it served as a cherished one-stop destination where Londoners could find nearly everything they needed under one roof. From its impressive record department stocked with vinyl treasures to its irresistible array of sweets and chocolates, Woolworths created shopping experiences that remain vividly etched in collective memory.
The Woolworths Experience: More Than Just Shopping
Originally launching in the UK as a branch of the American FW Woolworth company in Liverpool back in 1909, the retailer expanded to operate more than 800 outlets across the nation. The chain became particularly popular during festive seasons like Easter and Christmas, when families would flock to its stores for seasonal treats and gifts. What made Woolworths truly special was its remarkable diversity of offerings – you could purchase everything from household essentials to fashion accessories, all within the same welcoming space.
Londoners Share Their Woolworths Memories
When asked to recall their experiences with these legendary stores, Londoners responded with an outpouring of nostalgia. Linda Worley reflected on her visits to the Tooting branch: "I loved going to the Woolworths in Tooting and would browse for ages at the Outdoor Girl makeup counter. Then I'd buy some hot cashew nuts." This combination of leisurely browsing and indulgent treats perfectly captures the Woolworths shopping experience.
For many, the Pic 'n' Mix counter represented the heart of the Woolworths experience. One former employee revealed on social media: "As a teenager I had a Saturday job in Woolworths in Beckenham High Street. I really enjoyed it - all the staff were very nice and I made friends with a couple of the other Saturday girls. I used to love replenishing the Pic 'n' Mix counter as I would eat lots of sweets in the stock room, on the sly."
Working Life at Woolworths
Sid Swift boasts an impressive Woolworths employment history, having worked at three different London branches in Lewisham, Roman Road, and Catford. His memories intertwine with the vibrant music scene of the 1960s and 70s: "Went to the Isle of Wight festival and saw Dylan. Went with one of the trainee managers and the guy who ran the deli. The Lewisham pay was 24 bob less a five pence stamp. I spent all day packing the returns up in the stores and never had a chance to chat up the girls who worked there."
Jacqui Ferguson looks back fondly on her time in the record department, a distinctive section that stocked treasures other shops didn't carry. In the pre-digital era, discovering a rare album on Woolworths' shelves felt like unearthing vinyl gold. "I worked every Saturday on the record department playing Grease and Saturday Night Fever on repeat," she remembers.
Fashion, Food and Unforgettable Incidents
Angela Russell recalls Woolworths as a fashion haven during her teenage years: "Oh yes I remember shopping in Woolies when I was a teenager. False hair that was nothing like the colour of your own and false fingernails and eyelashes." The store offered affordable style accessories that allowed young people to experiment with their appearance.
Janet Kingsland's memories of the Holborn branch include a story about a cunning thief: "Saturday job in the Holborn store (only half a day). We had a shop lifter who would linger outside until he saw a bus coming, then he'd run in, grab some tins of cat food then out and on the bus. Until the time he was spotted and the floor walker was faster than him that day."
Darker Moments in Woolworths History
Gina Da-Silva Everett reflected on more serious times during her employment at the Camden High Street branch from 1990 to 1993: "Many good memories but one not so good that stands out...In 1991 there was a bomb in high street that exploded opposite the store. Scary day! We were all evacuated to the pub up the road on Delancy Street whist the area was cordoned off. We were in there for hours before the police opened up the road again. I had to cash up the tills and remember finishing at 11:30pm that night. I was 16. Its always stayed in my memory."
The Human Touch at Woolworths
Saillie Robarts, who worked on the legendary Pic 'n' Mix counter, reveals the compassionate side of Woolworths employees: "I worked on the Pic 'n' Mix counter and became very au fait with 'hovering' the bag over the scales especially when our regular pensioners came in... emptying their pockets and purses used to pull at my heart... so I would always makeup my own prices regardless of the weight."
Robarts also worked at wig stands in Oxford Street and Victoria stores during the 1960s, recalling a chaotic incident: "The store in Victoria had a room behind my displays where the shop walkers (security) used to take shop lifters before they called the police. Once, a man ran out screaming and started to demolish my stand - there were hair pieces flying all over the place - and one of the heads that wigs were displayed on ended up hitting a poor customer."
Unusual Working Conditions and Amusing Anecdotes
Jim Kirby remembered an unusual promotion in Kentish Town during 1991: "They were having a kids book promotion so had people dressed as characters from the books outside, pointing this out to people with kids as they walked past. On my return there was mayhem in the street. A car had clipped a woman crossing the road. She was in shock and I will never forget the look on her face as she was helped into the back of the ambulance by Captain Pugwash and Peter Pan...still cracks me up all these years later!"
Susan Beatty recalled a disastrous shift while working at the Strand branch during her school days: "I worked after school at Woolies in the Strand. I was on plastic flowers and decided they needed a freshen up in a bucket of soapy water. After swishing them about the heads detached themselves and I couldn't reattach them as they floated around. I was removed to another section."
Jacqueline Harris remembered working during challenging times: "I worked in Woolworths when Ted Heath was in power (1970-74). We had to work by candlelight electricity was on ration."
The End of an Era
Despite its beloved status and decades of service to British communities, Woolworths' golden era couldn't last forever. The chain struggled to adapt to changing retail landscapes, particularly the rise of online shopping, and became increasingly directionless in its final years. This beloved staple of the high street entered administration in 2008, resulting in the closure of all 800 shops the following January.
The memories shared by former employees and customers reveal Woolworths as more than just a retail chain – it was a social hub, a workplace that created lasting friendships, and a repository of shared experiences that defined generations of British shopping culture. From its humble beginnings in 1909 to its final days in 2008, Woolworths left an indelible mark on London's retail landscape that continues to resonate with those who experienced its unique charm.
