Mr Heini – who has worked in executive positions in both Aldi and Lidl and has been Woolworth chief executive since 2020.
Woolworths, operated by the F.W. Woolworth Company, faced financial difficulties in the UK and went into administration more than 15 years ago. The brand in Germany, however, where it is known as Woolworth, was saved by HH Holding.
Once a staple of the high street, Woolworths had more than 800 stores in the UK at its peak but shut it’s doors for the last time in 2009 resulting in 27,000 job losses.
The move is likely to be popular amongst retailers if 2022 a YouGov poll is anything to go by. Asked which defunct shop people wanted to see make a comeback, 49% said Woolworths.
The company had a long history in the UK, dating back to 1909 when the first store opened. It was known for its variety retail model, offering a wide range of goods at affordable prices such as much-loved pick ‘n’ mix sweets.
Company CEO Roman Heini is enthusiastic about the brand’s future and said:
“I don’t know of any brands where the recognition will be as high as it is in Britain, without having any stores. We have secured all the trademarks for the brand for the whole of Europe, so we could operate if we make the decision. It may be in the mix for the mid or long-term future.
“There are over 300 million potential consumers in Europe and no dominating player. The market is still there to be divided between the potential players for the future.”
Woolworth Germany has said it was “unable to confirm any plans for the company to return to the UK market” but that such a move was not ruled out in principle.
“Britain is on his [Roman Heini’s] bucket list, although nothing is imminent,” a spokesperson said, “but it may be in the mix for the mid- or long-term future”.
