Woolworths lives on in cyberspace shop

AN Oldham-based company is helping revive the world-famous Woolworths brand.

Shop Direct, part of the giant Littlewoods home shopping group, which has its distribution and logistics hub in Shaw, has launched a Woolworth’s website.

Bosses at the parent group, which bought the brand name in February, are hoping the virtual reincarnation of the iconic Woolies brand will appeal to the family market and tap into the burgeoning trend to shop online. Many of the goods stocked in the stores, similar to the now-closed site in High Street, Oldham, will be available, including an interactive pick ‘n’ mix sweets counter complete with sound effects.

CDs, DVDs, children’s party and fancy dress items and toys all feature on the www.woolworths.co.uk site.

Many items which Woolworths always considered too big to sell in stores — such as barbecues, outdoor tables, chairs and family-sized swimming pools — will also be offered. DIY goods and household items such as kettles and irons are out.

Heading the new online operation is Matthew Hardcastle, who said that the stock had been listed in line with customer feedback.

“We have been talking to families across the country and have responded with a site that delivers the best of what they loved about Woolies,” added Shop Direct chief executive Mark Newton-Jones. The site has three sections — party, entertainment and the main shop — with three checkouts, although it is hoped these will be integrated by the autumn.

Woolworths was forced into administration in November, last year, after 99 years of trading.

Efforts to rescue the business did not prove successful and 27,000 jobs were lost when the last of 807 stores closed in January.

New owners Shop Direct own catalogues such as Kays and Marshall Ward, employ around 10,500 staff and have some five million customers.