Woolies To Wellies Dorset

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"Woolies" to "Wellies"

Guide2 Dorset has learnt that the former Dorchester branch of Woolworths, closed earlier this year along with the other 800 branches of the store chain, is to be reopened by former manager Claire Robertson, and will trade as Wellworths selling much the same variety of products as before including the famous pick 'n' mix.

Ms Robertson, 34, who worked for the high street chain for18 years starting in Somerset as a Saturday girl, plans to reopen the store in March when refurbishment is completed. Ms Robertson said "I remember as a Saturday girl filling the pick''n'mix counters" sees the building as her "second home."

Ms Robertson described the closure of Woolworths as "very sad"  and went on to say that "The idea was very easy [as] Dorchester's Woolworths was a successful store - The getting it on to a business plan and convincing somebody that it was a good idea was slightly more difficult."

She added that she hoped to "get back Woolworths customers and attract some new ones as well."

Patti Ball and Terri Edwards, who worked for their former boss in Dorchester's Woolworths branch who could not find a job when it closed told BBC News: "We can't wait [until it opens] - our little family back together again." 

Ms Robertson has employed the same team that worked for her before the store closed acknowledged the present economic climate by saying "It would be silly not to think in this time opening a new retail outlet is not going to be difficult but people out there need to buy goods at good value".

"We have already sourced our pick' n' mix."

Guide2Dorset wishes Claire every success in her new venture in Dorchester.

Also see our article on DJ Chris Evans who wants to Open the store in March.