For generations of Northern Irish shoppers, Woolworths wasn’t just a shop, it was an institution. A trip to ‘Woolies’ was part of the fabric of childhood, a place where pocket money felt like you had won the lottery and where everything from pick ‘n’ mix to the latest chart singles could be found under one roof. Its closure in 2009 left a gap on our high streets that has never truly been filled. But for those of us who remember, we live in hope that one day it will return.
When Woolworths announced it was closing its doors in 2008, it felt like the end of an era. The economic downturn had taken its toll, and by early 2009, every branch had shut for good. In Northern Ireland, beloved stores in Belfast, Bangor, and beyond disappeared, leaving a high street that felt a little emptier. While other shops have since taken their place, nothing has quite managed to recapture Woolies' unique charm.
Woolies may be gone from our high streets, but it will always have a place in our hearts, and as such, we have taken a look back at some of our fondest memories of shopping in the store.
Pick 'N' Mix
If there’s one thing that Woolworths is most fondly remembered for, it has to be the legendary pick ‘n’ mix. The sight of those plastic bins filled with brightly coloured sweets was enough to send any child into a frenzy. Whether you were a fan of cola bottles, white mice, or those tiny pink and white jazzies, there was something thrilling about selecting your own perfect combination. Of course, there was always the temptation to sneak an extra sweet while scooping your selection and was a true test of self-control for any young Woolies customer.
The toy aisle
For many of us, Woolworths was the ultimate childhood shopping experience. Whether you were spending birthday money or just browsing, there was always something exciting to discover. The toy section was filled to the brim with Barbie dolls, Action Men, and board games. And let’s not forget the iconic annuals that lined the shelves every Christmas when The Beano, Dandy, and Blue Peter books were essential stocking fillers.
Ladybird clothing
Chances are that growing up, if you got new clothes they were either from Adams Kids or Ladybird at Woolworths. Their clothes were affordible, practical and often featured fun and colourful designs. From cosy pyjamas to school uniforms, parents trusted the quality of Ladybird.
Picking up the latest CDs and DVDs
Before streaming services and online downloads, Woolworths was the go-to place for music lovers. The music section was a must-visit, with its racks of cassette tapes, CDs, and, later, DVDs. Whether you were picking up the latest Now! compilation or tracking down a favourite boyband’s new release, Woolworths made sure you stayed up to date with the charts. The sight of a ‘Top 40’ board near the counter, updated weekly, is something many still remember fondly.
The place for back to School stationery
Chances are your school stationery also came straight from Woolworths. Every August, the store transformed into a back-to-school hub, packed with fresh exercise books, fancy pencil cases, and the all-important geometry set that everyone bought but few actually used. The thrill of picking out new supplies for the year ahead was made all the better by Woolworths’ seemingly endless variety of funky erasers, rulers, and novelty pens.
Christmas shopping at Woolies
At Christmas, Woolworths was nothing short of magical. The aisles overflowed with decorations, toys, and selection boxes. Whether you were picking up a last-minute gift or just wandering around soaking in the festive atmosphere, it was an essential part of the Christmas shopping experience.
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