Woolworths may return to UK high streets, says boss who revived brand in Europe

20 January 2024 , 16:46

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Woolworths went into administration in 2009 (Image: Southport Visiter)

Woolworths could be returning to our high streets, says the German CEO who runs the much-missed brand.

Roman Heini is leading an expansion of Woolworth Germany in Europe and says new UK shops are on his “bucket list”. Once famed for their pick and mix sweet counters, the stores vanished from our town centres when the British firm went into administration in 2009 after 100 years.

Mr Heini said: “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.”

Woolworths were famed for their pick and mix sweet counters (Grimsby Telegraph)

Woolworth Germany also collapsed into insolvency in 2009 but made a comeback, expanding into Austria and Poland. It has over 600 shops, does not sell online and specialises in own-brand household goods and clothing, including underwear.

Mr Heini, previously boss of Aldi and Lidl, told trade mag Retail Week: “There are over 300 million potential consumers in Europe and no dominating player. The market is still there to be divided between the potential players for the future.”

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