Sad shoppers say goodbye to 'Woolies'

GRIMSBY shoppers said goodbye to Woolworths on Saturday, as the store closed its doors for the final time.

The Victoria Street branch was the latest in the area to close, with the loss of 61 jobs.

As reported, the Cleethorpes store closed on December 30, and the Louth branch is due to close for the last time tomorrow.

They are among 807 Woolworths stores across the country to close following the collapse of the former high street giant.

Administrators Deloitte were appointed to try and find a buyer for Woolworths in November, but were unsuccessful and announced a huge closing down sale just weeks later.

About 600 stores have closed already, with the final round of closures to take place tomorrow.

Shoppers in Grimsby were busy snapping up the final bargains on Saturday, with CDs, DVDs, toys and childrenswear all reduced to clear.

Pamela Ellis (70), of Grimsby, said: "I think it is a shame that it is closing. I want it to still be open. It has been there for years and I have been shopping there since my children were young.

"I remember the store on Freeman Street where I used to go. I would buy everything from there, like toys and clothes.

"I don't know why it has happened, but I think it ought to still be open."

Jenny Atkin (48), of Grimsby, said: "I think it is a real shame, especially for all the people who are losing their jobs.

"I shop for everything here. They have always got cheap toys and we don't have any other decent toy shops in Grimsby.

"The old Woolworths on Freeman Street had a really big toy department – I got lost in it when I was a kid!

"I am sad to see it go."

More to come:

Look out for a full report of the closure of our area's last remaining Woolworth's store in tomorrow's Grimsby Telegraph.

See page eight for further economic developments in our area.