It's the wonder of Wellworths as store greets 100,000th customer

Published on Monday 22 June 2009 21:10

IT WAS the solitary phoenix that rose from the ashes of a fallen British institution.

Opened amid hope but no certainly that it would survive, Wellworths aimed to keep alive the tradition of the store it sought to replace.

Now, three months from opening its doors for the first time, Wellworths has served its 100,000th customer.

Set up by former Woolworth's shop manager Claire Robertson, 34, the new store has defied the recession.

Robertson's initiative gave 21 colleagues their jobs back and she has since hired a buyer for the store.

The branch – in Dorchester, Dorset – was one of 815 that closed after Woolworths went into administration last November with debts of 385 million.

Robertson, said: "To be here in this economic climate is an achievement in itself, but to be doing so well has exceeded our expectations.

"I couldn't have got this far without the great support and help of my team, who are listening and acting on suggestions from customers."

She added: "People are still coming from all over the country to visit the store because it was a good news story at the time and people had an affinity to Woolworths.

"People come here and tell us they are buying things to support Wellies. People have been inspired by the story, those who have lost their jobs and want to do something about it."

Robertsonworked for Woolworths for 18 years, starting out as a Saturday girl in Yeovil, Somerset and managing the Dorchester store for the past five years.

She gained the financial backing of a consortium led by the Ireland-based owner of the premises.

The familiar red and white Woolworths sign was replaced by a blue, white and orange Wellworths motif.

Like its predecessor, the store has pick-n-mix, but has abandoned children's clothing.

Instead it has new lines, including a craft and pet section, with a stronger focus on products by local firms including one that makes wooden toys.