The sorry state of our local Woolies as it is stripped bare has saddened me and brought back some fond memories of my teenage years.
My first job at 16 was as a Saturday girl for the now dying company - on the Pick n Mix till! Amazing now to think that an assistant was required just for the Pick n Mix.
People used to actually queue to pay, clutching bags stuffed with Turkish Delight, Strawberry Creams, Fruitellas and Humbugs. All were individually wrapped and handfuls were scooped into plastic bags. Bags were firmly sealed upon payment and in between customers I had to fill up from huge bags which were stored in drawers under the counter.
Many were regular customers, coming for their weekly sugar fix. Many would buy pre-packed sweets and chocolates along with their Pick n Mix. I vividly remember a gentleman buying about 20-30 large Yorkie Bars, "the dog loves these, yes" he announced as he paid, sending me into fits of giggles.
I was even propositioned on the Pick n Mix. A weedy boy from college who obviously had his eye on me would come in week after week for his sweet selection. He would stop to offer me a lift if I was on the Bus Stop - "no thanks, I'm waiting for my friend".
He asked me to join the Venture Scouts which coined him the nickname "I am a Venture Scout" and eventually over a bag of Cadburys Eclairs he found the courage to ask "Are you doing anything tonight?"
"Yes, seeing my boyfriend" I replied. Fate obviously ensured my answer, as "my boyfriend" later became "Adventure Husband".
"Yes, seeing my boyfriend" I replied. Fate obviously ensured my answer, as "my boyfriend" later became "Adventure Husband".
For several years "I am a Venture Scout" appeared everywhere, whichever pub I went with friends, they would say "look over there" and there he was - in our village, in town, our neighbouring town, but never when I was out with Adventure Husband to be. It's been about 15 years since I've seen him now, so he must have eventually got the message!
During the summer holidays I would work extra and I can vividly remember earning £106 one month which was like winning the lottery to a 16 yr old in 1986!
As I wandered around the branch on Christmas Eve, I remembered that very day some 22 years earlier, when I was required to strip down the Christmas decorations and replace them with "Sale". It was so un-Christmassy!!
As I wandered around the branch on Christmas Eve, I remembered that very day some 22 years earlier, when I was required to strip down the Christmas decorations and replace them with "Sale". It was so un-Christmassy!!
I will miss Woolies, where will I buy kids birthday presents? A quick pressie for a newborn baby? My boys will miss being able to spend their pocket money in town. I dread to think what our town centres and high streets will look like a year from now.
On a happier note, as this is my first post of 2009:
"Happy New Year"
Our family mission statement for this year "Moaning is uncool". This is to complement "Only boring people say they are bored"!
5 comments:
I know what you mean about Woolies.
It's so very sad and most people have some memory of the store, which is pretty incredible to have a memory of a shop!
And like you said, what shop sells baby vests, SpiderMan outfit, plates, chocolate and computer games all under one roof?
Love the mottos (loved Woollies too- their staff were all so helpful and upbeat leading up to Christmas even though the spectre of unemployment was upon them). We have declared our house a 'no moan zone' in 2009!
Happy New Year! I'm not sure the loss of woolies will be completely disastrous. Maybe less big shops will mean more space for small sellers to return to our market towns.... ok so maybe not but you have to hope! t.xx
It is a shame about Woolies. Our local one has shut now too. I guess Argos will do well out of it.
CJ xx
The news says that Woolies failed as it didn't have a Unique Selling Point, the USP for me was the Pic N Mix!!
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