London Business

BARNET: Going, going, gone, as Woolies shuts up shop

9:58am Friday 9th January 2009

Shoppers rummaged through the remaining stock left scattered on shelves at the collapsed Woolworths stores this week.

There were last-minute bargains to be had at the three stores in the borough before they officially closed, although many residents said they were sad to see an end to the “iconic” high street company.

The outlet in High Road, North Finchley, was among the last 200 stores to close their doors on Tuesday, which brought an end to a massive clearance sale that had even included fixtures and fittings.

Prices were slashed by more than 70 per cent, with only a few DVDs, CDs and broken toys still available for customers to buy on the final day.

“The closure is going to have a big impact on every high street. It has always been there ever since I can remember,” said one shopper on leaving the North Finchley branch.

“It’s something people have grown up with and it is so sad that they are closing.”

The collapse came despite last-minute attempts by administrators Deloitte to sell off parts of the business.

The 807 stores nationwide began closing on December 27, with the Mill Hill and Burnt Oak branches closing before Tuesday’s deadline.

Another shopper added: “It is an iconic shop worldwide. In the long term I think it is damaging to the community and especially for all the people that are working for them.”

The closure of the company, which would have celebrated its 100th anniversary this year, leaves 27,000 staff without jobs.

“I’m very sorry to see it go,” said another customer. “I’ve known it all my life and it’s like losing an old friend.”

Deloitte administrator Neville Kahn, said the decision to carry out the store closure programme was regrettable, but added: “We are confident we will sell the leases of the 300 stores currently under offer and hopeful that our ongoing discussions with other parties will also prove successful.

“We are extremely grateful to the staff and management for their support throughout this difficult time.”

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