Is Woolies back? Woolworths will open three trial stores in Britain late next year

There was a burst of excitement today over short-lived rumours Woolworths could be making an unexpected return to the high street 11 years after closing its last branch.

A Twitter account claiming to be from the retailer said three trial stores were set to open in late 2021. 

However, Very Group – which now owns the Woolworths name – told MailOnline it had not heard of any plans to open stores, scotching the rumours to the dismay of Woolies fans. 

In 2018, Tony Page, a former Woolies director, tried to revive the brand by purchasing the name – even selling his family home to boost funds – but his bid of £10million was beaten by Very. 

Woolworths opened its first UK store in Liverpool in 1909 and became a much-loved fixture in high streets across Britain. 

The chain, famous for its pick ‘n’ mix sweets and homewear range, went into administration in 2008 and closed all its branches in January the following year.   

In the 1980s Woolies focused on entertainment, confectionery and children’s toys and clothing and – at one stage – was Britain’s largest pop music retailer.

Woolworths UK subsidiary was bought in 1982 by Paternoster, the group that is now known as Kingfisher. 

It demerged Woolworths Group in 2001, floating it on the London Stock Exchange.

The company’s financial problems were exacerbated by the credit crunch, which forced shoppers to rein in their spending.