Sweet return for Woolies stores? (From Daily Echo)

Pic n' mix to return to Hampshire?

11:00am Tuesday 26th May 2009 in News

Sweet return for Woolies stores?

PIC ’n’ mix sweets could stage a return to Hampshire’s high streets after it emerged the former boss of failed retailer Woolworths planned to buy back its vacant stores and create a similar chain.

Tony Page, previously managing director of the Woolworths store chain, is understood to have joined forces with ex-UBS banker Gareth Thomas to raise between £5m and £10m to snap up the old shops, which include branches across the region.

He is planning to launch a variety store that will fill the void left by Woolworths, bringing back the muchloved pic ’n’ mix sweets, toys and everyday items.

The loss of Woolworths was a blow to many small shopping centres across Hampshire and the prospect of its return, along with the footfall it brings, will be a welcome antidote to recession gloom for retailers.

Mr Page is reportedly tapping up wealthy investors and private equity firms this week to garner support for the plans, which could breathe new life into vacant stores in Eastleigh, Ringwood, Romsey, Bitterne, Woolston, Shirley, Gosport, Fareham, Totton and Andover.

Other former Woolworths bosses are also thought to be working with Mr Page, including the store’s commercial director Steve Jebson.

The plan would expand on the successful launch of Wellworths in Dorchester, Dorset, which was opened by former Woolworths manager Claire Robertson as a replacement when her local shop closed down.

It is said to be seeing higher profits now than when it traded as Woolworths.

Hundreds of Woolworths shops have remained empty since the group’s demise.

Plunging sales and mounting debts forced the group into administration late last year just after its 99th birthday.

Some 27,000 jobs were lost.

The brand is also being revived as an online business by Littlewoods Direct owner Shop Direct Group, with woolworths.

co.uk set for a launch this summer.