R.I.P Woolworths

[Scarlett.]

Trading in Woolworths shares was suspended this morning as talks to rescue the beleaguered retailer continued.

But following the breakdown of the talks the board plans to place the group's retail arm and distribution business into administration. However the holding company and 2entertain - a joint venture with the BBC - will not be placed into administration.

Neville Kahn a partner at Deloitte is expected to lead the administration.

In a brief Stock Exchange statement Woolworths announced this morning that it had asked the exchange to suspend trading "pending the outcome of these discussions".

Talks to save beleaguered retailer Woolworths, which employs almost 30,000 staff, broke up after 3am last night. They resumed this morning but broke down this afternoon.

The board of Woolworths had tried to persuade its lenders to back a restructuring plan that would have seen its loss-making retail chain sold to restructuring specialists Hilco and its stake in DVD publisher 2entertain sold to BBC Worldwide, its partner in the joint venture.

BBC Worldwide is understood to have bid in the region of £110m for 2entertain, which publishes DVDs including Blue Planet.

The deal with Hilco would have seen the restructuring specialist buy Woolworths retail chain for a nominal £1 but take on around £260m worth of Woolworths' debt alongside the stores.

EUK, Woolworths distribution business, would have remained in the ongoing Woolworths group along with around £120m of debt. Although best known for its retail business, EUK – alongside 2entertain – generates the majority of Woolworths' profits.

The collapse was sparked after a syndicate of the retailer's lenders - led by Bank of Ireland subsidiary Burdale Financial and GMAC Commercial – refused to sign up to the deal.

The syndicate - which also includes Barclays – lent Woolworths £385m in January secured against stock and other assets.

The collapse of Woolworths could spark further discounting as administrators try to clear stock in the run up to Christmas - hitting the profitability of other retailers.

Source (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/3526994/Exclusive-Woolworths-to-go-into-administration.html)

[Loukas]

Yup! 5 closed down near me recently. They gave away free sweets and drinks :tongue:

[Scarlett.]

D: D: D: D: D:


From the BBC:

High Street legend Woolworths has buckled under its debt and is set to go into administration, BBC business editor Robert Peston has learned.

The move will put tens of thousands of jobs at its 815 stores under threat.

The board of Woolies - one of the UK's oldest store groups - will meet at 1800 GMT to take the formal decision.

Deloitte will be appointed as administrators to the store chain and also to Entertainment UK, which supplies DVDs to supermarket groups.

However, Woolworths joint venture with the BBC, 2 Entertain, will not go into administration. It is owned by Woolworths' parent company, which will not go into administration.

The UK's Woolworths has no connection with several retail chains around the world that carry the same name.

See how Woolworths' shares plunged during the past year

High Street trouble


WOOLWORTHS FACTS
Unknown Woolworths store, 1955
First UK store opened in Liverpool in 1909
Has 815 stores across the UK
Owns 40% share of publisher 2 Entertain
Owns distribution business Entertainment UK

What is the point of Woolworths?
The news of Woolworths' demise comes on the same day that furniture chain MFI announced that it was to go into administration.

The company had asked its landlords for a rent-free period to help sort out its financial problems.

However, the troubled company with its more than 1,000 staff, failed to reach an agreement.

MFI had suffered several years of financial trouble. Only last September, as part of a management buyout led by chief executive Gary Favell, 81 loss-making outlets were placed into administration.

Now the remaining 110 stores could face closure.

Woolworths' £385m debt

The collapse of Woolworths is also likely to lead to the closure of hundreds of stores across the UK, and many thousands of redundancies.

The store chain employs 25,000 and Entertainment UK employs 5,000.

The company has struggled under the weight of £385m of debt. Its problems were compounded over the past couple of months when it was forced to pay cash when buying goods from suppliers, because trade credit insurers were no longer prepared to insure suppliers to Woolworths.

The company had tried all day to find buyers for its business.

[Nicky.]

ooo!

The one by me closed down about 2 months ago xD

We only have one now.. and that's in town xD

[bronaaaa]

I've only been to woolworths once..there's none near me

[pinkmichk]

its rubbish so close to christmas always thought woolies were busy (well they are near me) but if they having to clear out stock i'm gonna be there for some bargins

[Annie]

It used to be the best place to go when you were a kid like!

[xDramatick]

I only really used to like wollies when I was younger, never go in there now.

[Scarlett.]

The pick and mix :sad:

[NettoSuperstar!]

Im goin shoppin in woolies

[Nicky.]

Both woolies and MFI have both gone bankrupt !

[Scarlett.]

Originally posted by Nickyy
Both woolies and MFI have both gone bankrupt ! I know, imagine what the employees Christmas will be like :sad:

[Barbie]

i never use that shop.. i went through the other day and they were like sorry out of stock to every dvd people were trying to buy

[Scarlett.]

Originally posted by Barbie-big-bro
i never use that shop.. i went through the other day and they were like sorry out of stock to every dvd people were trying to buy No wonder they where out of stock

[Sam!]

Woolies is amazinng!

[Scarlett.]

http://www.visit4info.com/sitecontent/LG/fullZZZZZZTVD080412111928PIC.jpg


R.I.P Woolie and Worth :sad:

[GhettoSuperstar]

Zomg where the hell am I gonna get [reasonably] cheap pic'n'mixes now!?!?! GUTTED!

[~Kizwiz~]

Doesnt BigSister work for Woolies?

[Red Moon]

Originally posted by ~Kizwiz~
Doesnt BigSister work for Woolies?

Somewhere like that. She works really hard and does her course at University.

[Hugo]

Originally posted by ~Kizwiz~
Doesnt BigSister work for Woolies?

Yep :sad:

[supernoodles!]

last time i heard she did yeah,i loved wollies as a kid,never go in now however only with younger sis occasionally

[Scarlett.]

I hope she manages to get another job before the chain closes

[bluehill]

i love the woolie worthless :angel::angel:

[ParentalAdvisory]

I was in Woolies on Monday. I had a 20% discount voucher and the prices were already slashed even before I used the voucher. I spent about £50 and came home with double that value of goods.

I must admit it was bitter-sweet. Although I was happy to be getting the discount obviously, I did say to my friend that it felt wrong to be enjoying my bargains while the people working there feared for their jobs.

That store hasn't closed yet, but I'm sure it'll be on the cards judging by the business news. What a hellish time to find yourself unemployed. :(

[HeatherTWx]

Cant believe woollies is shuttin downn the one near me is still open. but everythins dead cheap , today we bought a computer table and chair for a fiver! it was reduced from £30 or summit like thatt!

[BigSister]

Yeah I do and im gutted. My mum works there too:sad:

[Scarlett.]

Thats bad :shocked:
Like I said on Facebook, I hope you both find somewhere new to work :sad:

[30stone]

Are woolworths not getting bailed out like most shops?

[Magic]

Originally posted by pinkmichk
its rubbish so close to christmas always thought woolies were busy (well they are near me) but if they having to clear out stock i'm going to be there for some bargins

When ever I go in the one near me its packed to.
Shame, for some reason it reminds me of when TOTP went, as we thought, for ever. Its like a national icon of the past 50 years.

[Scarlett.]

Originally posted by 30stone
Are woolworths not getting bailed out like most shops? I think the goverment is trying to avoid it

[BigSister]

Yeah thanks chewy

[~Kizwiz~]

Originally posted by BigSister
Yeah I do and Im gutted. My mum works there too:sad:

Awwww honey :hug:

I'm so sorry, I worked for a company that went bust many many years ago and it was a massive shock.

Chin up sweetie xxxx

[Callum]

Aw Becca I hope you and your mum can find a job elsewhere, this must be gutting for you both.
I'm sad about this too I used to love going in Woolworths and seeing all the new toys when I was little, this will effect music sales as well because they're a big seller. I remember the pick'n'mixes too, they were great. I've always liked MFI too in fact only recently a new one opened up in my town.

[MrGaryy]

Originally posted by Annie
It used to be the best place to go when you were a kid like!

OMG, i used to adore it when I was a kid it had everything a wanted! I still get a little excited when I go in.

[Red Moon]

Woolworths would have been 100 years old next year!

The latest, and sorry BigSister it's not good.

Woolworths set for administrationHigh Street legend Woolworths has buckled under its debt and is set to go into administration, BBC business editor Robert Peston has learned.

The move will put tens of thousands of jobs at its 815 stores under threat.
The board of Woolies - one of the UK's oldest store groups - is meeting to take the formal decision.

Deloitte will be appointed as administrators to the store chain and also to Entertainment UK, which supplies DVDs to supermarket groups.

However, Woolworths joint venture with BBC Worldwide, publisher 2 Entertain, will not go into administration as it is owned by Woolworths' parent company. And all stores will remain open and keep trading, at least for now. Money has been ring-fenced so that salaries will be paid to staff as normal on Friday, a spokeswoman added.

Our business editor says that Woolworths has been something of a lame duck retailer for years, losing market share against intense competition.

The company's weak position was also the reason why the government did not intervene to rescue it.

"Government policy is not to prop up lame ducks," our business editor said.

Peter Mandelson, the business secretary, had been in contact with the company on Wednesday, to ensure that if it went into administration, it would minimise the anxiety to its employees.

The company has been asked to do what it can to protect its pension fund, and keep its stores open if possible during the vital Christmas period.

The UK's Woolworths has no connection with several retail chains around the world that carry the same name.

The news of Woolworths' demise comes on the same day that furniture chain MFI announced that it was to go into administration.

The company had asked its landlords for a rent-free period to help sort out its financial problems.

However, the troubled company with its more than 1,000 staff, failed to reach an agreement.

MFI had suffered several years of financial trouble. Only last September, as part of a management buyout led by chief executive Gary Favell, 81 loss-making outlets were placed into administration.

Now the remaining 110 stores could face closure.

The collapse of Woolworths is also likely to lead to thousands of redundancies with the store chain employing 25,000 people and Entertainment UK employing 5,000.

The shopworkers' union Usdaw said the news was "devastating" for staff.

"We were hopeful that a last minute deal would be done and will want to meet with the administrators as soon as possible," the union's national officer John Gorle said.

The company has struggled under the weight of £385m of debt. Its problems were compounded over the past couple of months when it was forced to pay cash when buying goods from suppliers, because trade credit insurers were no longer prepared to insure suppliers to Woolworths.

During the past few days the company had tried to sell itself for a nominal price of £1, where the new owner would have to take on the firm's debt.

US restructuring firm Hilco was rumoured to be a potential buyer, with the BBC's commercial arm set to take over Woolworths' share in music and film publisher 2 Entertain.

Earlier this week, Woolworths' largest shareholder - property tycoon Ardeshir Naghshineh - had called on Woolworths to delay plans to sell parts of the business.
Mr Naghshineh said the firm should instead look at making money by selling of some of its outlets.

In the end Woolworths' board ran out of time.
Source: BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7751064.stm)

[BigSister]

Yes i know thats the latest I know we should know more tommorow
And thanks for all your kind words

[Red Moon]

Originally posted by BigSister
Yes i know thats the latest I know we should know more tommorow
And thanks for all your kind words

Good luck to both of you... we will be thinking of you.

[Jackie]

Yeah good luck Big Sister.

[matchfit]

well see you this weekend i got 5 pound

[Angel.D]

This is so sad i will miss both

[Red Moon]

Theo Paphitis linked with Woolworths rescue bidDragons' Den star Theo Paphitis is apparently one of several bidders interested in saving Woolies...

Theo Paphitis, the entrepreneur best known to the British public as the slightly scary one off Dragons’ Den, is reportedly interested in putting together a bid to save some of Woolworths’ most profitable stores, thus keeping the 99-year old brand on the high street. Woolies finally collapsed into administration last week, and apparently Deloitte (which has been appointed to oversee the process) has received ‘substantial interest’ from external parties in cherry-picking some of its best assets.

Talks with these potential bidders are ongoing – but time is not on their side. Not surprisingly, most of Woolies’s suppliers are refusing to provide any more stock to the ailing chain – leaving the chain in serious danger of running out of its best-selling lines in the run-up to Christmas and potentially hastening its demise. And we’d be very surprised if its staff weren’t all trying to get out of there as quickly as possible, to avoid being dragged down in the wreckage.

However, Paphitis is apparently willing to throw the company a lifeline. And to be fair to the London-based entrepreneur, he doesn’t just make his living snarling at hapless entrepreneurs on BBC reality shows. He also has a successful track record in turning around failing businesses, including stationers Ryman and Partners, and also lingerie chain La Senza, which by all accounts has had a storming few months, shrugging off the downturn with aplomb (presumably women will always need lingerie). Judging by his recent documentary, staff at his stores can expect him to turn up unannounced and shout at them – but that’s probably better than being unemployed.

There’s clearly still a lot of affection for the Woolworths brand among the British public – and judging by the crowds in a store MT visited on Saturday, shoppers haven’t deserted it altogether (unless it was just bargain-hunters hoping for a fire sale). So you can see why buyers are interested. Plus of course it still has a few great assets – notably some great high street locations, and its profitable distribution arm Entertainment UK. Largest shareholder Ardeshir Naghshineh is one of those planning a bid, according to yesterday's Indie.

So this potential Paphitis bid throws up another possible solution: perhaps the Woolies rescue should be turned into a reality TV show, with one potential bidder being whittled out each week following a business challenge – a sort of match made in heaven between the Apprentice and X Factor, to whip up some more public support? You heard it here first...
Source:Management Today (http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/channel/Leadership/news/866230/theo-paphitis-linked-woolworths-rescue-bid/)

[NettoSuperstar!]

the likes of Asda, Tesco do the same stuff cheaper it was bound to happen

[NettoSuperstar!]

MFI sell ****

[Jackie]

Made
For
Idioits :bigsmile:

[MarkWaldorf]

Are Woolworths getting new stock? I went to two different ones yesterday and there were no new CDs there.

[Jackie]

Originally posted by Markus
Are Woolworths getting new stock? I went to two different ones yesterday and there were no new CDs there.


Well they've been withdrawn from their supplier.

[BigSister]

not yet mark hoping Thursday though *crosses fingers*
But yeah we havent got Britney yet or take that

[Jackie]

I've just seen on the newstheir closing down sale starts tomorrow as they've failed to get a buyer,their website is down at the moment.

[pinkmichk]

i just heard that is a shame i really feel for everyone who is facing loosing jobs so close to christmas

[Jackie]

WOOLWORTHS will have a final closing down sale tomorrow.
Administrators running the store announced today that everything must go because a buyer has not been found.

Neville Kahn, reorganisation services partner at Deloitte, said: “We continue to make every effort to convert interest in the Woolworths assets into firm offers.

"While we are still seeking bids from interested parties, Christmas is clearly the busiest time of the year for retailers and it is prudent to do all we can to sell existing stock.

"By moving to a store closing sale and further discounting the stock, we are maximising the sales potential that this period offers."

Deloitte, the accountants appointed to the iconic high street retailer last month, will be telling staff they have been “unable to find a buyer”.

The move comes despite a last-ditch effort by Sir Geoff Mulcahy, the retail veteran and former Woolworths owner, to save the brand.

He offered to take on around 650 stores and pay back some of the £385 million debt owed by Woolworths to the banks on Friday.

It is understood he made another offer for 500 stores yesterday afternoon.

Both approaches were rejected.

Deloitte’s move could be to put pressure on any remaining potential bidder to show its hand.

But the Sun understands that dozens more support staff were laid off earlier today. Deloitte axed 450 head office workers last Friday.

The accountants is expected to earn up to £20million in fees from its work at Woolworths.

Yesterday Sir Geoff — chairman of the British Retail Consortium — told the Sun: “You have 25,000 staff at Woolworths and there must be a way of trying to save this business.

“It’s late in the day — but there’s still a possibility. We’re considering a number of options.”

But last night industry sources claimed the tycoon was likely to be disappointed.

Administrators have agreed to sell 50 Woolworths stores to Iceland, the frozen food retailer.

And it is understood there are separate deals in place for a further 350 stores to a range of supermarkets and discount chains.

One insider told The Sun that Entertainment UK — the wholesale CD and DVD arm of Woolworths — would also be liquidated within days.

This will leave up to a dozen of the world’s biggest film and music studios out of pocket.

Microsoft is owed around £26million by EUK, Nintendo an estimated £21million and Paramount £32million.

All EUK’s main customers — Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Asda and Zavvi — are already sourcing their music and film products from other wholesalers. The insider said: “It’s almost over.

A closing-down sale offering 50 per cent discounts is still running.

Sir Geoff was part of a consortium that bought Woolworths from its American owners 26 years ago.

He led a three-man management team that ran the business and went on to build Kingfisher — a multi-billion conglomerate owning Woolworths, Comet and B&Q.

Woolworths was then de-merged on to the stock market as a separate business in 2001.

At the time its annual profits were £130million and Sir Geoff said he was “extremely positive” about its growth potential.

[Callum]

Aw it's gone for good then, I will miss their Pick N Mixes. This a real shame and hope you can find another job Becca.

[30stone]

Do woolworth still do pick n mix ??

[BigSister]

yeah they do its caled candy king now though
and thanks Callum

[Hugo]

Goodbye Woolworths. Hello Tesco Express :sad:

[30stone]

ohh awesome cheers bigsister.

ill have to go there tomorrow.

sad to see it go.

[beanny]

I work at Woolworths. At the moment we have an up to 50% off sale but tomorow sees the start of the CLOSING DOWN sale. Not good news for me.

Darn it.

[BigSister]

awwww beany im a fellow woolworths worker too. Tommorows gonna be hell*headbang*. Good luck anyway

[pinkmichk]

:hug: for you both loosing a job at any time is bad enough but so close to christmas :sad:

[Glenn.]

Ours is closing down. Everything is 50% off. Bargain!!!

[Locke.]

Gonna have to get up and go tomorrow morning now.

[andyman]

Even ps3 games half price???

[BigSister]

Yeah 10% off and it could be more

[Tom]

Iceland want to buy 50 stores and turn them into err ... Iceland's :nono:

[Scarlett.]

Went to the Blackpool one.....was like one of them post apocloptic films where everything is all knocked over, there was an ambulance outside too O_O

[BigSister]

LOL not surprised chewy ive started calling it the hellhole it was AWFUL today

[andyman]

No more winter wonderland.

[Scarlett.]

Argh!
By the 10th January, Woolworths is gone.....

[Magic]

:O

Really! NOOOO.
Is that for defo?

I hope we have a TOTP turn around somehow haha.
They really need to drag it in to 21st century, and cut their prices back.
[/Sir Alan :P]

[Scarlett.]

Yeah, its gone for good.......
Farewell Woolworths 1909-2008

[Magic]

nooo.
I think everyone on TiBB should put in money and buy itt.

[Scarlett.]

hehe
Iceland have bought a few of the stores, that will become Icelands

[Magic]

Originally posted by Chewy
hehe
Iceland have bought a few of the stores, that will become Icelands

Eww. thats crap.
Keryy Katona watching out at us.

Today I thought of a huge way for Mc.Donalds to make money, do Mc.Donalds local, so basically a Mc.Donalds takeaway fish and chip kinder thing. Everyone would go cuz its Mc.Donalds.

I might make it myself, it will look the same, just be call Mc.Samalds, and loads of people wouldnt know. :whistle::whistle:

[Scarlett.]

LOOOOOL!
Maybe a smaller company could rise up and build an empire

[beanny]

All 807 stores are going to be closed by the 5th january.

207 close on the 27th, 200 on the 30th, 200 on the 2nd and the last 200 on the 5th.

Thats 27,000 more people unemployed, including me and BigSister.

This just sucks.:blush:

[Magic]

Originally posted by Chewy
LOOOOOL!
Maybe a smaller company could rise up and build an empire

Magic Chews
You Chew. At Magic Prices

A new fast food restaurant, that allows you to buy goods while you eat!

So McDonalds/Argos! :tongue:

[Scarlett.]

I feel sorry for you guys....I hope the goverment has plans to deal with this....

[Magic]

Originally posted by Chewy
I feel sorry for you guys....I hope the goverment has plans to deal with this....

Yeah, I think maybe they should nationalise it, and they they could sell it on in a few years.

But then I suppose people could say why aren't they nationalising all closing shops.

[beanny]

I feel sorry for the workers who have been at WW for years, supporting their families.
Im only 17 and been there just over a year so am going to find it easier than some to get another job..
Still such a shame to see such a big company go down the pan.

Where will i get my pic and mix from now eh?!

[M X]

Hmm.. I dunno why people are so bothered by this, do you do all your shopping at Woolworths? LMAO.

*thinks*hmm.. i will miss the pick'n'mix*cry*

[Ross]

Originally posted by beannyy2k7
I feel sorry for the workers who have been at WW for years, supporting their families.
Im only 17 and been there just over a year so am going to find it easier than some to get another job..
Still such a shame to see such a big company go down the pan.

Where will i get my pic and mix from now eh?!
Wilkinsons always did a better Pic n Mix anyway *runs* :whistle:

I'm joking.
I'm just glad that I work in TESCO - the biggest supermarket around so I don't think my job is going anywhere anytime soon.

[Magic]

Originally posted by TheMichaelO
Hmm.. I dunno why people are so bothered by this, do you do all your shopping at Woolworths? LMAO.

*thinks*hmm.. i will miss the pick'n'mix*cry*

LOL I think its more all of the job losses, and some people feel WoolWorths is 'part' of Britain.

[Ross]

Originally posted by TheMichaelO
Hmm.. I dunno why people are so bothered by this, do you do all your shopping at Woolworths? LMAO.

*thinks*hmm.. i will miss the pick'n'mix*cry*
Erm... because people are losing their jobs. Simple.

Maybe because you're still like 11 and haven't grown up with Woolworths. So "LMAO" to that.

[Magic]

Originally posted by Ross
I'm just glad that I work in TESCO - the biggest supermarket around so I don't think my job is going anywhere anytime soon.

http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/06_01/tescoworkerMS_468x334.jpg
Aww babe, like your new hair.

[pinkmichk]

Originally posted by TheMichaelO
Hmm.. I dunno why people are so bothered by this, do you do all your shopping at Woolworths? LMAO.

*thinks*hmm.. i will miss the pick'n'mix*cry*

:bored:
cos if a company as big and longstanding as wollies can down the pan it kinda poses a possible scary future for all other retailers its the credit crunch and sadly its just gonna get worse before it gets better
oh and not forgetting all the many thousands of people who will jobless as of january a little tact goes a long way theres at least 2 such people on tibb in fact in this thread

[\PJ/]

Originally posted by Ross
Originally posted by beannyy2k7
I feel sorry for the workers who have been at WW for years, supporting their families.
Im only 17 and been there just over a year so am going to find it easier than some to get another job..
Still such a shame to see such a big company go down the pan.

Where will i get my pic and mix from now eh?!
Wilkinsons always did a better Pic n Mix anyway *runs* :whistle:

I'm joking.
I'm just glad that I work in TESCO - the biggest supermarket around so I don't think my job is going anywhere anytime soon.
ASDA and TESCO are the biggest supermarket around.

[Magic]

Originally posted by PJ
Originally posted by Ross
Originally posted by beannyy2k7
I feel sorry for the workers who have been at WW for years, supporting their families.
Im only 17 and been there just over a year so am going to find it easier than some to get another job..
Still such a shame to see such a big company go down the pan.

Where will i get my pic and mix from now eh?!
Wilkinsons always did a better Pic n Mix anyway *runs* :whistle:

I'm joking.
I'm just glad that I work in TESCO - the biggest supermarket around so I don't think my job is going anywhere anytime soon.
ASDA and TESCO are the biggest supermarket around.

I think Tesco is bigger, apparently 1 in every 7 pound spent in retail is spent at Tesco.

[Scarlett.]

Originally posted by TheMichaelO
Hmm.. I dunno why people are so bothered by this, do you do all your shopping at Woolworths? LMAO.

*thinks*hmm.. i will miss the pick'n'mix*cry*

Do you understand the economy?
And do you understand what unemployemnt means?


Thought not

[beanny]

Customer - "well how the bloody hell can you be out of stock?"
Me - "Do you not watch the news? Whos next please..."

Customer - "whats the guarantee on this?"
Me - "Probably the next two weeks at most - why not buy 2 in case this one breaks?"

Things like this make the last days more fun! :whistle:

[30stone]

Originally posted by Chewy
Originally posted by TheMichaelO
Hmm.. I dunno why people are so bothered by this, do you do all your shopping at Woolworths? LMAO.

*thinks*hmm.. i will miss the pick'n'mix*cry*

Do you understand the economy?
And do you understand what unemployemnt means?


Thought not

yeh if you are unempolyed for to long you turn out like me... lol..

[pinkmichk]

Originally posted by beannyy2k7
Customer - "well how the bl***y hell can you be out of stock?"
Me - "Do you not watch the news? Whos next please..."

Customer - "whats the guarantee on this?"
Me - "Probably the next two weeks at most - why not buy 2 in case this one breaks?"

Things like this make the last days more fun! :whistle:

:hug::hug::hug: some people are far too rude all for the sake of saving a couple of quid

[beanny]

Originally posted by pinkmichk
Originally posted by beannyy2k7
Customer - "well how the bl***y hell can you be out of stock?"
Me - "Do you not watch the news? Whos next please..."

Customer - "whats the guarantee on this?"
Me - "Probably the next two weeks at most - why not buy 2 in case this one breaks?"

Things like this make the last days more fun! :whistle:

:hug::hug::hug: some people are far too rude all for the sake of saving a couple of quid

Haha completly agree. :hug:

"Ha so your losing your job then!"
"Yeah merry christmas to you too you idiot"

[BigSister]

LOL Ive had EXACTLY the same comments as well
We arent closing on the 27th though

[beanny]

Haha we are not on the 27th either..
Theyre judging it on how much total bookstock you have left for the whole store, so the quicker the stock runs out, the earlier you are closed :sad:

[Scarlett.]

Originally posted by BigSister
LOL Ive had EXACTLY the same comments as well
We arent closing on the 27th though
The British public amazes me :laugh:

Thats good, will you be paid for the work you do in January too?

[beanny]

Originally posted by Chewy
Originally posted by BigSister
LOL Ive had EXACTLY the same comments as well
We arent closing on the 27th though
The British public amazes me :laugh:

Thats good, will you be paid for the work you do in January too?

Yeah payday is scheduled for 28th january so hopefully it still goes ahead! :rolleyes:

[Matt08]

Originally posted by beannyy2k7
Originally posted by Chewy
Originally posted by BigSister
LOL Ive had EXACTLY the same comments as well
We arent closing on the 27th though
The British public amazes me :laugh:

Thats good, will you be paid for the work you do in January too?

Yeah payday is scheduled for 28th january so hopefully it still goes ahead! :rolleyes:

I expect the administrators will have to make sure that there is enough money kept by from sales to pay all of the staff's wages.

[Scarlett.]

Originally posted by beannyy2k7
Originally posted by Chewy
Originally posted by BigSister
LOL Ive had EXACTLY the same comments as well
We arent closing on the 27th though
The British public amazes me :laugh:

Thats good, will you be paid for the work you do in January too?

Yeah payday is scheduled for 28th january so hopefully it still goes ahead! :rolleyes: Thats good
You guys deserve being payed, seeing as its most likely ruined Christmas '08 for you guys

[M X]

Originally posted by Ross
Originally posted by TheMichaelO
Hmm.. I dunno why people are so bothered by this, do you do all your shopping at Woolworths? LMAO.

*thinks*hmm.. i will miss the pick'n'mix*cry*
Erm... because people are losing their jobs. Simple.

Maybe because you're still like 11 and haven't grown up with Woolworths. So "LMAO" to that.

Jesus christ, take a chill pill - what's your problem?

[Scarlett.]

Originally posted by TheMichaelO
Originally posted by Ross
Originally posted by TheMichaelO
Hmm.. I dunno why people are so bothered by this, do you do all your shopping at Woolworths? LMAO.

*thinks*hmm.. i will miss the pick'n'mix*cry*
Erm... because people are losing their jobs. Simple.

Maybe because you're still like 11 and haven't grown up with Woolworths. So "LMAO" to that.

Jesus christ, take a chill pill - what's your problem? The problem is you finding Big Sis and beanny2k's unemployment a "LMAO" worthy thing

[M X]

God - I wasn't talking about people's job's being lost - I was talking about the actual fact the shop was closing down. And you saying because maybe I havent grown up with it - god its a SHOP - not a pet you have had since birth and now it's died.

[M X]

Originally posted by Chewy
Originally posted by TheMichaelO
Originally posted by Ross
Originally posted by TheMichaelO
Hmm.. I dunno why people are so bothered by this, do you do all your shopping at Woolworths? LMAO.

*thinks*hmm.. i will miss the pick'n'mix*cry*
Erm... because people are losing their jobs. Simple.

Maybe because you're still like 11 and haven't grown up with Woolworths. So "LMAO" to that.

Jesus christ, take a chill pill - what's your problem? The problem is you finding Big Sis and beanny2k's unemployment a "LMAO" worthy thing
Read my post underneath that one^

[Scarlett.]

Originally posted by TheMichaelO
God - I wasn't talking about people's job's being lost - I was talking about the actual fact the shop was closing down. And you saying because maybe I havent grown up with it - god its a SHOP - not a pet you have had since birth and now it's died.

A shop that has been around for 99 years.....and that will leave a big hole in the economy...which will stop money flowing...which will mean prices going one way



^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[pinkmichk]

Originally posted by TheMichaelO
God - I wasn't talking about people's job's being lost - I was talking about the actual fact the shop was closing down. And you saying because maybe I havent grown up with it - god its a SHOP - not a pet you have had since birth and now it's died.

as i said in my post its a worrying sign for the state of the high street in due to credit crunch a longstanding large retailer like woolies can go into administration then what hope is there for other smaller shops things are gonna get worse we are gonna hear more and more about it with more shops closing down

[Scarlett.]

Its worrying to think whats next.....to think...if American housing companies and Northern Rock would have been more careful.......

[Magic]

Originally posted by Chewy
Its worrying to think whats next.....to think...if American housing companies and Northern Rock would have been more careful.......

It would of happend soon at some point I think anyway.

[Matt08]

When there's a booming economy, there always has to be a bust.

[Scarlett.]

Originally posted by Magic
Originally posted by Chewy
Its worrying to think whats next.....to think...if American housing companies and Northern Rock would have been more careful.......

It would of happend soon at some point I think anyway.

True, we were walking on thin ice, I hope it ends soon...apparently we should be getting back to normal around 2010

[Locke.]

First Music Zone now Woolies, there are NO shops left that sell DVDs or CD's within miles of my house now.

[Magic]

Originally posted by Chewy
Originally posted by Magic
Originally posted by Chewy
Its worrying to think whats next.....to think...if American housing companies and Northern Rock would have been more careful.......

It would of happend soon at some point I think anyway.

True, we were walking on thin ice, I hope it ends soon...apparently we should be getting back to normal around 2010

Yeah, I hope so.
Although I swear when it all began they should it be over by late '08/early '09.

[Matt08]

Originally posted by Magic
Originally posted by Chewy
Originally posted by Magic
Originally posted by Chewy
Its worrying to think whats next.....to think...if American housing companies and Northern Rock would have been more careful.......

It would of happend soon at some point I think anyway.

True, we were walking on thin ice, I hope it ends soon...apparently we should be getting back to normal around 2010

Yeah, I hope so.
Although I swear when it all began they should it be over by late '08/early '09.

The worst of the recession will hit the UK in early 2009. Then after that the economy should begin to pick up again. However, we won't be back into a boom again until about 2010.

[Scarlett.]

Originally posted by Magic
Originally posted by Chewy
Originally posted by Magic
Originally posted by Chewy
Its worrying to think whats next.....to think...if American housing companies and Northern Rock would have been more careful.......

It would of happend soon at some point I think anyway.

True, we were walking on thin ice, I hope it ends soon...apparently we should be getting back to normal around 2010

Yeah, I hope so.
Although I swear when it all began they should it be over by late '08/early '09. Aye, it could be over by mid 2009...I hope it is...

Who remembers when Kwik Save closed...I think that was an early indication of what was ahead

[Matt08]

Originally posted by Chewy
Originally posted by Magic
Originally posted by Chewy
Originally posted by Magic
Originally posted by Chewy
Its worrying to think whats next.....to think...if American housing companies and Northern Rock would have been more careful.......

It would of happend soon at some point I think anyway.

True, we were walking on thin ice, I hope it ends soon...apparently we should be getting back to normal around 2010

Yeah, I hope so.
Although I swear when it all began they should it be over by late '08/early '09. Aye, it could be over by mid 2009...I hope it is...

Who remembers when Kwik Save closed...I think that was an early indication of what was ahead

:laugh3: Kwik Save should have survived, it was one of the cheapest supermarkets ever.

[BigSister]

oh and beany we are so low on stock its entertainment thats keeping us going
and we better get paid in january

[beanny]

Originally posted by BigSister
oh and beany we are so low on stock its entertainment thats keeping us going
and we better get paid in january

I work on entertainment and in our store the whole CD and DVD chart walls have been taken down because theres no stock to fill it! Half our entertainment is empty :sad: Dont think we will be one of the last stores open!

[BigSister]

Well we got a large delivery friday(Take that etc) and we got 100 o hancock tuesday I bet we are one of the last ones to close
And we just fill iyt with sale stuff so it looks kinda full

[TwinklesB12]

It will be sad to see the stores go as so many of us have grown up eating their pic'n'mix lol!I feel so bad for the staff though!

[Xander]

Ah shame, never used to go in to woolworths but always remember it in my town before I moved.
WH Smith will be next, I reckon... :wink:

[M X]

God - just because it's been around for like 100 years or something dosen't mean everyone will miss it - because it's a shop. There's plenty more. It's a shame about people's jobs though - but I never menitoned anything about that.

[BigSister]

Beany when are you cloisng we are in the last 200 to close jan 5th for us

[beanny]

Originally posted by BigSister
Beany when are you cloisng we are in the last 200 to close jan 5th for us

We havent been told yet. :sad:

We did fill our charts with sale stuff but then we ran out! oh well. we are going to make the last days fun!
anyone for football in the stockrooms?! :laugh2:

[MarkWaldorf]

Sorry to all those who lost their jobs. I read some staff stories on the BBC news website this morning and it doesn't seem like the staff have been treated very well during this whole thing. I can't imagine losing a job so suddenly, let alone in huge numbers and right before Christmas.

[beanny]

Originally posted by Markus
Sorry to all those who lost their jobs. I read some staff stories on the BBC news website this morning and it doesn't seem like the staff have been treated very well during this whole thing. I can't imagine losing a job so suddenly, let alone in huge numbers and right before Christmas.

Thats the problem im facing at the moment, its to close to christmas to find another job. Everywhere has taken on their christmas temps and will be letting people go in January. So I would say, until january im pretty much screwed! :shrug:

[officialstephaniefan]

bye woolworths....you shall be missed.:flowers:

[BigSister]

ooooh its prob Jan 5th then as Dec 30th and Jan 2nd have been told

[hannah.]

:(

[Magic]

mine has a countdown sign.

[BigSister]

Yeah yours will have if its closing saturday or next wednesday

[Spike]

My local store is one of the first to close, I am really going to miss Woolworths its the only shop worth going to in my local town centre. i'm almost certain that the area will be turned into another pound shop which will blend in nicely to the rest of my local town centre.

[BigSister]

Ours is in the last 200 to close. I love it though when people ask me when we are cloisng and im like oh not till beginning of jan the look on their faces is so funny

[Spike]

Originally posted by BigSister
Ours is in the last 200 to close. I love it though when people ask me when we are cloisng and Im like oh not till beginning of jan the look on their faces is so funny

lol there big posters all over the shop telling customers when our local one is shutting yet I still hear people ask lol.
Do you know if they will give things away for free on each stores last day of opening?

[HeatherTWx]

the one in my local town closes on saturday :bawling:

[BigSister]

I dunno spike
and im sick of people asking lol i said we were shutting in febuary yesterday

[Scarlett.]

Some closed today.....:sad:

[Spike]

My local one shut today
a lot of people weren't even paying for the stuff, I don't know if the staff just allowed it.

[Scarlett.]

Im not sure if the one close by has closed, or the Seafront one...
I think the closer one will have

[BigSister]

the little blackpool one closed yesterday chewy

[HeatherTWx]

the southport one closed yesterday :/

[Hugo]

They are selling the fittings [shelves ect] of the store at my local one!!!!!!
:shocked:

[Scarlett.]

Originally posted by BigSister
the little blackpool one closed yesterday chewy Damn...:sad:

That one is just two streets away from me :sad:

[AngRemembered]

what a shame for all those poor workers at the Woolworth's shops, I do hope they find alternate jobs and soon.
And now Adams the childrens cloths shops has gone into admin, very sad times indeed:bored:

[Scarlett.]

Aye, I never thought I'd see something like this happening
I always thought we were one of the safe countries

[Fom]

I need to pop to my woolworths before the 5th. Its 70% off everything!

[pinkmichk]

i went in our local one yesterday not sure when they will be gone but they had hardly anything left and actually had barriers etc across parts of the shop that were just empty shelves although the staff in there seemed quite upbeat different to how they were few days before

[Scarlett.]

The death of a legend :sad:

[Fat.Rat]

Originally posted by Chewy
The death of a legend :sad: i know!!! i still cant get over the fact that there will be no more woolworths!!! theres always been a woolworths!!:bawling::bawling::bawling::bawling:

[Jackie]

I hope we get a decent shop to replace our Woolworths,something like Primark will do as our nearest is at least 20 miles away.

[Nicky.]

Bargins I got in my woolies!

I got a McFly CD 3/4 off .. so got it for £3! Apposed to like £12! (Even though I already have it.. but I couldn't leave it!)

and I got a McFly Live DVD for £5 ! :spin:

The boxes of Pick n Mix were all reduced too.. so like you could get like a whole box of gummy bears for a fiver! xD

[Sam!]

Originally posted by Nickyy
Bargins I got in my woolies!

I got a McFly CD 3/4 off .. so got it for £3! Apposed to like £12! (Even though I already have it.. but I couldn't leave it!)

and I got a McFly Live DVD for £5 ! :spin:

The boxes of Pick n Mix were all reduced too.. so like you could get like a whole box of gummy bears for a fiver! xD

Wtf was the point of buying a CD you already had :| hahaha

[BigSister]

Apparently most of bthe shops that are buying are tesco or iceland

[xDramatick]

I went in there today, it was the last day.
LOL @ selling the fittings for £50, I was tempted :tongue:

I bought four CDs.
Duran Duran - Astronaut.
Jack Johnson - Sleeping Through The Static.
Marilyn Manson - Eat Me, Drink Me.
Same Difference - Pop.

Duran Duran was only 40p.
Cheapest album I've ever bought.

I wanted Robyn and Rufus Wainwright's "Release The Stars" and my friend wanted No Doubt's greatest hits but people had stolen the CDs from the cases.
Seriously, what's the point of stealing an album that costs like 50p :\

[BigSister]

I know darren people were doing that at ours too i mean what is the point

[Shaun]

I have nowhere to buy cheap DVDs/CDs now! There's only a Woolworths [no longer], Zavvi [no longer] and Blockbuster's [too expensive] in Torquay.

-sobs-

[Magic]

Originally posted by Shaun
I have nowhere to buy cheap DVDs/CDs now! There's only a Woolworths [no longer], Zavvi [no longer] and Blockbuster's [too expensive] in Torquay.

-sobs-

play.com.
Free delivery, I am now a official addict. You'll never look back.

[xDramatick]

Woolworths here wasn't cheap, CDs were expensive.

Go Tesco Shaun, they're fairly cheap.

[Shaun]

The only nearby Tesco is a Tesco Metro, so the selection isn't great. And I don't do online, Magic. -pouts- :dazzler:

[Tom]

Originally posted by Shaun
I have nowhere to buy cheap DVDs/CDs now! There's only a Woolworths [no longer], Zavvi [no longer] and Blockbuster's [too expensive] in Torquay.

-sobs-

Rent DVD's from Blockbuster (first month free) then copy them and send them back :blush2::tongue:

[Shaun]

I have a fine on my card :tongue:

[Fom]

The Zavvi in Manchester isn't showing any signs of closing down... its just as expensive as ever in there.

[BigSister]

LOL shaun

[AngRemembered]

A sad day for all those 27,000 workers who are now looking for another job in these unsettled times. All those friendships between collegues in some case going back generations, a real shame for thos involved.
I hope they get lucky in the very near future.

[Christina]

I got 9 posters today for £2.. waited in a half an hour queue and fought for a Corbin Bleu poster [got it eventually off of my friend lmao]. RIP Woolworths!