A brief history of Woolworths

On February 22, 1879, the first 5 dime store was opened by Frank W. Woolworth in Utica, New York and failed almost immediately. From the article:

"A brief history of Woolworths

F.W. Woolworth was a mass market retailer, which established many of the standards which are still used in retail today. Supplier partnerships, loss-leading, supply chain efficiencies and strict, consistent branding, all had their origins at Woolworths.

In the early days the stores generated such riches that its Founder was able to put up the world's tallest building and pay for it in cash. Its shares were the gold standard of the markets, while to become a supplier was considered a licence to print money.

It created a consistent look around the world, while 'going native' to adapt to different communites and countries. UK shoppers considered 'Woolies' to be as British as fish and chips, while Americans called it 'the five-and-ten' sixty years after it abandonned its fixed prices.

But, having risen like a meteor, it faded into a peaceful retirement in North America in the 1990s, before falling like a stone in the UK in 2008. The 800-strong chain went from normal trading to complete oblivion in 41 days. Weeks later F.W. Woolworth GmbH of Germany became insolvent, though its administrators secured its survival and renaissance as a shop chain, rather than the website that now serves the UK.

There can be little doubt that if Frank Woolworth was starting out today it would be on the Internet, with its low costs and mass reach. But that is cold comfort for those who loved and cherished the stores in Britain, Canada and the USA. Fortunately the German company survives, along with some former British subsidiaries overseas in Zimbabwe, Barbados and the West Indies and a small chain in Mexico. But for most people these are a long way to walk for some pic'n'mix candy and a light bulb...". Read more on the website.