Woolies to be resurrected as online-only store

Woolworths has been given the kiss of life as an online-only store after Shop Direct bought the now defunct UK High Street retailer’s brand name.

Financial terms of the deal were kept secret by the David and Frederick Barclay-owned company, which is Blighty’s biggest home shopping dealer and operates under well-known brands such as Littlewoods and Kays.

"Woolworths is a much-loved brand that engenders huge affection among British consumers and is an important part of the country's retail heritage," said Shop Direct CEO Mark Newton-Jones.

"In what will be Woolworths' 100th year, we are proud to be reviving the brand for future generations.”

Woolies went into administration in November last year when it shuttered more than 800 stores, with the loss of around 27,000 jobs across the UK after it failed to secure a buyer in time.

Shop Direct said it planned to launch the Woolworths online store this summer, and Woolies' clothing label Ladybird will also be resurrected on the interwebs, it added. ®