No, Woolworths Is Not Returning To The UK's High Streets

2020 continues to dole out the disappointment.
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It was the news we all needed amidst an awful year – the finest purveyor of pick ’n’ mix the world has ever known was returning to our high streets.

That’s right, Woolworths is back. Well – it was if you had a cursory glance at social media. Or, er, most of the UK’s major news websites.

Unfortunately, as it’s 2020 and everything is crap, it was a cruel fabrication by persons unknown with no regard for long-deprived fans of white chocolate mice.

A Twitter account claiming to be run on behalf of the variety store retailer that went into administration in 2008 teased a return, claiming it was “here to save 2020”.

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? pic.twitter.com/k5BtcYdcAI

— Woolworths UK (@UKWoolworths) October 27, 2020

The Twitter account asked for feedback on what people want from a physical store and promised to make further announcements and provide chances to win gift cards – to a joyful and nostalgic response pleading for the return of pick ’n’ mix and Ladybird clothes.

But rats were sniffed and a closer look revealed a number of curious discrepancies.

Firstly, they spelled “Woolworths” wrong in a subsequent tweet which is a bit of a red flag tbh.

So... we’re popular (that’s for sure!)

Our trial stores will open in 2021. Very own the online Woolsworths, so we will be retail only. Before we launch we have a few legal contracts to sign, but we’re super excited!

This will be your Woolsworths ❤️ pic.twitter.com/SwEXD1Gs3w

— Woolworths UK (@UKWoolworths) October 27, 2020

Secondly, the account is unverified, has barely any followers and linked to a website that doesn’t exist.

Thirdly, the company that owns the Woolworths name didn’t have a clue about it.

After keeping HuffPost UK waiting for more than an hour, a Very spokesperson said: “We own the Woolworths trademark in the UK. The Twitter account UKWoolworths is not connected to The Very Group.”

Despite this, the country’s media jumped on the news as high street gospel.

Every major online outlet has reported Woolworth's is returning to the high street.

One call from me to owner Very's PR - he doesn't know a thing about it.

Surely a story based on a Twitter account with 900 followers (and spelling mistakes) should be verified? pic.twitter.com/bdfGf2R6Nm

— Tom Witherow (@TomWitherow) October 27, 2020

But credit where credit is due, Woolworths has been top trend all morning and the mystery account is still going strong.

CONFIRMED: The famous Woolworths Pick ‘n’ Mix is coming back!

Who’s excited?#Woolworths pic.twitter.com/rTVHQ2CqZK

— Woolworths UK (@UKWoolworths) October 27, 2020

The household name, which sold everything from chocolate bars to toasters and televisions, collapsed into administration amid the global financial crisis and Britain’s economic downturn.

An estimated 27,000 people lost their jobs as the store – affectionately known as “Woolies” – closed its doors.

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