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The unforgettable retailer was founded right here in the UK back in 1909 but was forced to close its doors on home soil in 2009.
After 100 years of welcoming Britons to its stores, Woolworths lost its 807 branches when it entered administration during the Great Recession.
Renowned for its bold red logo, bargain stock and pick-and-mix sweets kiosks, the brand has long been regarded as a nostalgic feature of the great British high street.
And now, Woolworths could make a comeback according to the German CEO, Roman Heini who claimed that new stores are on the horizon.
Roman said: “I don’t know of any brands where the recognition will be as high as it is in Britain, without having any stores.”
Woolworth Germany also collapsed into insolvency the same year as it did in the UK, but managed to make a comeback.
It has since expanded into Austria and Poland, boasting more than 600 shops across the three countries.
Unlike many modern retailers, Woolworth Europe does not sell stock online and instead, remains a specialist in own-brand household goods and clothing which are exclusive to physical branches.
Now, the CEO of Woolworth Germany is pushing the chain to expand both domestically and abroad, which could include the UK.
Mr Heini revealed that opening branches in Britain is on his professional “bucket list” as he sees potential for some 5,000 shops across Europe.
He explained: “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.”
The CEO has plenty of experience in the industry as the former boss of Aldi and Lidl, which have become the two most popular budget supermarkets in the UK.
Roman told trade magazine 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.”
The news of the possible return of Woolworths, better known as “Woolies” to some, has sparked widespread reactions from Britons.
Some took to X, formerly Twitter to share their nostalgic memories of the high street chain.
One person wrote: “We used to go from school to Woolworths on Tuesday at lunchtime, and stand by the transistor radio counter, one of which would always be helpfully tuned to Radio 1, for the new chart rundown.”
Another posted: “Woolworths might be coming back, people stealing from the pick and mix rejoice.”
