Former Woolworths manager set to open Wellworths store

A former manager with the defunct Woolworths chain will reopen her store as Wellworths on Wednesday.

Claire Robertson, the former manager of the Dorchester Woolworths store, secured investment from the landlord and two other investors to reopen the store under the name Wellworths.

Robertson plans to run the store like its predecessor, stocking pick 'n' mix, toys, homewares and seasonal products. However, clothing and entertainment lines will not be sold.

Robertson, 34, had worked for Woolworths for 18 years. She has hired 22 ex-Woolworths staff to work alongside her.

The store closed on January 6 as Woolworths brought down the shutters on all its shops after collapsing into administration.

Robertson said: "I didn't see why the shop should close because it was profitable and was always popular. So I decided to open it myself and the name Wellworths cropped up.

"The shop is in a fantastic location in the middle of Dorchester and it covers 6,500 sq ft."

Separately, former Woolworths directors Tony Page, Steve Jebson and Andy Latham are launching a new chain in the wake of the 99-year old retailer's collapse.