Woolworths would not be missed say 43% of shoppers
The poll, conducted by ICM, found that 43 per cent of respondents would not miss the variety store group if it no longer existed, while 42 per cent said they would miss it “a little”; 14 per cent said they would miss it “a lot”.
The results are another indication of the scale of the challenge facing new chief executive Steve Johnson, who joined the company at the beginning of the month.
Last week, the retailer revealed first-half pre-tax losses of£99.7 million for the 26 weeks to August 2, compared with a£63.8 million loss for the same period last year.
A Woolworths spokeswoman said: “We remain convinced there is a future for a successful variety store offering great value. Under Steve Johnson we have started to take the actions necessary to ensure Woolworths stores become more attractive to our customers.”
At the time of its interim results, Woolworths’ auditor PricewaterhouseCoopers said that there were “material uncertainties, which may cast significant doubt about the company’s ability to continue as a going concern”.
First-half like-for-like retail sales fell 3.2 per cent, although trade has picked up, with like-for-likes up 0.4 per cent for the first six weeks of the second half.
Patrick Woodall, managing director of retail consultancy Pragma, said: “I’m not surprised at this result. 15 years ago these numbers would have been very different – there was fondness and nostalgia for Woolies then.”
Have your say
You must sign in to make a comment.
Share
Readers' comments (3)
Anonymous | 26-Sep-2008 12:14 pm
I think it depends on the respondees who answered this question. This is because in many small towns Woolworths is the main shop where a multitude of house hold items and entertainment can be purchased at reasonable prices.
I think the % will change area to area. This needs to be taken in to consideration.
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
David Emery | 26-Sep-2008 2:31 pm
The Woolies in our High St detracts from its charm (inside & out), the shop inside looks tacky and it's method of display has not changed ever since I can remember!
If Woolies wants to win back customers they need a complete overhaul of their presentation, it just looks dated and I'm afraid to say 'naff'.
Come on Woolies execs you know what you need to do, just do it.
The Chelmsford store looks just a 'naff' as our local one & that's in the County town!!
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
Anonymous | 26-Sep-2008 6:37 pm
The only unique product that I find in Woolworths is shoe repair kits. Supermarkets, specialist hardware and specalist toy shops do the rest for me. That space on the high street could be used much better to provide several smaller shops in most places
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment