A news story claiming that Woolworths was about to re-launch on the UK’s High Streets has turned out to be a hoax, despite being reported by most mainstream media outlets.
The Twitter account @UKWoolworths, which now has now been deleted, claimed the much loved high street store was on the way back, having closed its 815 stores between 2008 and 2009, owing £385m.
The account tweeted: “Here to save 2020.
“Woolworths is coming back to your High Street, as a physical store.
“A couple of legal things to get sorted but we’re full steam ahead at Woolworths HQ.
“We want to get this right, so we need your help.
“What do you want at your UK #YourWoolworths?”
News outlest were quick to pick up on the story, but have now had to correct their stories.
Very, the company that owns the local rights to the Woolworths brand, confirmed it was a hoax.
“We own the Woolworths trademark in the UK,” a spokesman told BBC News.
“The Twitter account @UKWoolworths is not connected to the Very group.”
Woolworths opened its first store in Liverpool in 1909 and became a much-loved fixture in high streets across Britain.
In the 1980s Woolies focused on entertainment, confectionery and children’s toys and clothing and – at one stage – was Britain’s largest pop music retailer.
