Woolworths and Croydon

Woolworths may of been founded in Liverpool but how many of you know that it's biggest success is right here in Croydon. The site of the Woolworth store in North End, Croydon was chosen by Frank Woolworth and was opened 4th May 1912.



Croydon Woolworths is the oldest store which is still operating in it's current location. Croydon has changed dramatically around what was the original store as has the store itself by expanding into what was originally a cinema in 1929 and into the Whitgift centre in 1969.

Over the last few years Woolworths has been slowly suffering like a cancer. In the last 24 hours, it doesn't look to good and like a trip to the doctor which you are trying to put off as long as you can, it looks like it is about to get the news everyone dreads. Not good for the staff just before Christmas and for all those suppliers who may not get paid, but the signs have been there for some time and like it or not, it can't really blame the current slow down if it does go under.

Yes it would be a shame to see another original store disappear off our high street but at the same time, it could also cause havoc to other areas like Hamsey Green, New addington and Selsdon as Woolworths there pull in customers for all the community.

Picture - Croydon woolworths shop floor in Spring 1914 - visit Woolworth Museum