Please be generous, say store staff

Please be generous, say store staff

Two workmen were laying a paper tape measure across the glass frontage of the Woolworths' store on a bustling main road in Chorlton, south Manchester, yesterday afternoon. "Our boss told us we would be manufacturing a new sign for this place in January, with something new opening in February or March next year," one of the workmen said. "I doubt it is anything to do with Woolworths though."

A sign in the window screamed: "Store closing save up to 50%." Inside, on a paper pic'n'mix bag on the counter, was written: "Please help us for Christmas meals. Woolworths has cancelled it on us." The weary staff were accepting donations but were also having to deal with customers arguing about discounted items. One customer stomped off after one row.

Many shelves were empty, with stock strewn on the floor. The pic'n'mix section was severely depleted. A Will Young CD was on offer for £8, a flower-shaped rug was half-price at £3.49, and sun cream was £1 a bottle. Christmas chocolates such as Milk Tray and All Gold were reduced to £3.35 (10% off).

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Florence Daniel, who was browsing in the sparse aisles, said: "It is sad to see Woolies going, but I have come to see what bargains are on offer. The prices generally could be a lot less and most of the good things have gone by now."

Kevin Brierley had called in with his four-year-old daughter Clarissa. They had bought pic'n'mix sweets and Bindeez beads. "We tend to pop in once a week after school to buy something," he said. "We will have to find somewhere else to go now." Alison Lock, who was shopping with her mother, said: "The problem with Woolworths is you can get everything here a lot cheaper in the pound shops. The sad thing is this store is left looking like a jumble sale."

In the interests of supporting an ailing retailer, the Guardian bought three items for £7.97, saving a total of £2. On the receipt, it urged: "Avoid Jan sale queues. Xmas returns can be accepted from Monday 29th Dec."

Unfortunately, there will be no Woolies stores from Twelfth Night.

guardian.co.uk © Guardian News and Media 2008