6/29/09

U.K.-based Woolworths reemerges on the web

After having closed the last of its stores earlier this year, Woolworths re-emerged this week under its new parent, Shop Direct Group, as a U.K.-based web-only retailer selling toys, children’s apparel and entertainment products.

After having closed the last of its stores earlier this year, Woolworths re-emerged this week under its new parent, Shop Direct Group, as a U.K.-based web-only retailer selling toys, children’s apparel and entertainment products.

“We’re delighted to be bringing back Woolworths in its 100th year,” says Shop Direct Group chief executive Mark Newton-Jones. “We’ve been talking to families across the country and have responded with a site that delivers the best of what they loved about Woolies.” Woolies is a common nickname for Woolworths used by U.K. consumers.

Newton-Jones adds that the new Woolworths e-commerce site, at Woolworths.co.uk, is carrying a much larger selection of products than had been carried in its physical stores. “Many of the product categories will double in size between now and Christmas,” he adds.

The new site will encompass three sections-Main Shop, Entertainment and Party-each initially with its own shopping cart. The site will eventually offer integrated checkout for all three sections, the company says.

Shop Direct Group acquired Woolworths in February; terms were not disclosed. The company also operates several other web and catalog retailers, including Choice, Additions, Littlewoods and Kay.