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Broadband keeps Woolworths alive

In December 2008, tears were shed as Woolworths stores across the country closed down. The move followed several months of plunging sales and a failed rescue bid. But now it’s all smiles as broadband is set to reignite the famous high-street brand.

The Woolworths name was bought today, for an undisclosed sum, by the UK’s biggest broadband internet and home shopping retailer.

Shop Direct, which owns the Littlewoods, Marshall Ward and Kays catalogues, is set to continue Woolworths’ legacy in a summer relaunch on broadband.

Broadband to bolster Woolworths brand

The Woolworths brand on broadband will come under the watchful eye of David and Frederick Barclay, whose business involvements include the Telegraph newspaper group.

The popular Woolworths childrenswear brand, Ladybird, has also been bought by Shop Direct with a view to re-launching over broadband.

Shop Direct said it was confident the store would “stay at the heart of British retailing” as a presence on broadband internet.

Speaking to the Guardian about the transition to broadband, Shop Direct’s chief executive, Mark Newton-Jones, said: “Woolworths is a much-loved brand that engenders huge affection among British consumers and is an important part of the country’s retail heritage.”

As Woolworths was launched 100 years ago, Mr Newton-Jones said the move to broadband would revive the brand for future generations.

Details of the new Woolworths clothing ranges on broadband will be released later this year.

02/02/2009
Author: CompareBroadbandUK staff writer

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