Brits miss Woolworths more than any other retailer
Despite the disappearance of many favourite names from our high streets during the Covid pandemic, we Brits still miss Woolworths the most, according to research from ParcelHero.
The home delivery specialist’s Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks., says: “Consumers are showing decreasing brand loyalty in the era of internet shopping, but still remain loyal to the memory of many former favourites.”
The top five most missed physical stores are:
1. Woolworths
Woolies vanished as long ago as 2008, yet it’s still the store Brits miss most of all.
People miss its eclectic mix of competitively priced products, from baby clothes to saucepans to the infamous Pick n’ Mix.
2. Debenhams
A close second came Debenhams, which closed its high street stores in 2021, although it survives online as part of boohoo.
The department store could trace its history back to 1778. Respondents said they particularly valued Debenhams’ beauty products, cafes and handy loos.
3. Mothercare
The baby and infants’ store Mothercare came third in the poll.
Shoppers said they really miseds the fact they could buy large items such as prams, together with smaller items including children’s clothing, in one shop.
Mothercare opened in 1961 and closed its UK stores in 2019, though it is still represented on high streets inside Boots chemists.
4. Laura Ashley
Laura Ashley, founded in 1963 and a staple part of every 1980s high street, went into administration in 2020 as a result of changing consumer fashions.
However, the Laura Ashley name can now be seen once again in many Next stores.
5. Topshop
By the time it closed in 2021, Topshop wasn’t the fashion leader it had been when it was founded in 1964, but its 300 UK stores were still a major part of the high street.
Asos took over the brand, which continues as an online only retailer. Ironically, in 1999 the UK’s first online fashion site, Zoom, was born out of Topshop’s high street success and had its launch event at Topshop’s Oxford Street, London store.
Honourable mentions
Respondents also listed many other familiar names that they wish were still in existence.
Honourable mentions should go to BHS (the former British Home Stores) which closed as long ago as 2016, and the toy superstore Toys ‘R’ Us, which disappeared from the UK in 2018.
Three other retailers had many Brits feeling nostalgic, long after their final closure.
1. Blockbuster
The video rental store chain was once a vital part of people’s Friday and Saturday night plans.
The famous blue and yellow stores closed in 2013, after the rise of streaming channels made hiring videos obsolete.
2. Athena
The card and poster store disappeared way back in 1995 but is fondly remembered for its range of iconic posters. Who can forget the infamous tennis girl poster?
3. Tandy
A number of men who responded mentioned the electronics favourite Tandy, which closed in 2001.
Back in the ‘80s it was a favourite place for buying graphic equalisers and 5-pin DIN plugs.
“It’s interesting that most of the top five stores still have an online presence. Indeed, there was huge excitement over the fake launch of a new Woolworths site last year,” says Jinks.
“However, we have been warning about the dangers of a shift to online only stores for some time. We believe a balanced bricks and clicks approach will be best for retailers and shoppers alike.”
