SHOPPERS are convinced iconic brand Woolworths is making a comeback to the UK after they spotted a mystery sign at a retail park.
The chain disappeared from British high streets in 2009 as one of many consumed by the 2008 financial crisis.
But fans of the retailer have been calling for its return ever since, and they may finally be in luck.
Eagle-eyed shoppers in Chelmsford, Essex, spotted a sign that may hint at the shop’s return.
At the front of the Chelmer Village complex lies a board which lists all the brands at the site.
Shoppers spotted that alongside established chains Halfords, JD Sports, Boots, and McDonald’s, Woolworths had secretly joined the sign.
Woolworths first opened in the UK in 1960 and was one of the most recognisable brands on the UK high street.
Following the credit crunch in 2008, where Woolworths closed all its physical stores, the brand became online only until 2015 when it was officially dissolved.
The chain had more than 800 stores across the UK before they all closed by January 6 2009.
Its trademark was then sold in 2021 to a German-based company Woolworth Germany.
Rumours of Woolworths’ return to the UK have been hinted at by the German company’s CEO, Roman Heini.
Just last year, the ex-Aldi UK boss spearheaded the launch of a string of new stores in Austria and Poland.
He said that in the midst of rising costs of living, there is an opportunity to “make Woolworth great again.”
Woolworth Germany – which has no connection to the now defunct UK retailer – has more than 600 shops and is very different from its pre-collapsed predecessor.
Formerly, Woolworth sold many branded goods, such as cosmetics, alongside categories including toys and confectionery.
But the retailer was increasingly unable to compete on such lines.
Now, though, the brand focuses on categories such as home goods and clothing basics like underwear and polo shirts.
Heini believes there are “over 300 million potential consumers” in Europe and told Retail Week: “I don’t know of any brands where the recognition will be as high as it is in Britain, without having any stores.
“We have secured all the trademarks for the brand for the whole of Europe, so we could operate if we make the decision.
“It may be in the mix for the mid or long-term future.”
After the problems caused by the pandemic over the past few years Heini acknowledged there is always the possibility of disruptive “black swan events”.
He highlighted the ongoing conflict in Gaza as one example of this, as it has disrupted Red Sea supply chains.
But, if business continues to boom for the German company, a return to the UK may just be one step closer.
While it remains unclear if the beloved nostalgic store will reopen in Chelmsford, the sign has stirred up a lot of attention.
Shoppers are convinced that the store will make a comeback although Woolworths and Chelmsford Retail Park bosses have yet to make any formal announcement.
