South Yorkshire Times April 8, 1967

Customer Comfort at the New Woolworths Store.

Opening today (Friday) is a new Woolworths store in High Street Wombwell, bringing to fruition what has long been a “pipe dream.”

Before the outbreak of the Second World War a Woolworths store was talked of in the town, and since that time hopes have been alternatively raised and dashed more than one occasion.

Even after planning permission for the new store was given some time ago, delay was experienced because of mining subsistence threats.

Now, however, all that is behind and Wombwell can boast that at long last is as been put on the same shopping level as many larger towns.

Central Site

The store is bang in the centre of the town, part of a shopping area conforming to the new building line. Facing the main road, it is imposing swing doors and large windows enabling an unrestricted view to the rear of the premises.

The shopping area is light and cheery, with emphasis on customer comfort. Display cabinets are well stocked with a comprehensive range of usual Woolworths merchandise – eatables, usable’s and wearables.

Following the pattern most Woolworths stores erected in recent years, this is to be predominantly self-service, though some personal service will be retained. For those requiring personal service, browser been erected on some of the fixtures in order to summon an assistant. Though the self-service system requires customers to carry a wire basket which is provided by the store, this in no way bars those who merely wish to stroll round “window shopping.”

In the event of a customer not making a purchase, it is necessary only to deposit the basket and walked out without explanation been called for.

On an upper floor is a staff canteen, domestic offices and clerical section, and the basement accommodation is a large stock room. Unloading of goods is facilitated by a loading bay at the rear, this saw that congestion by part goods vehicles is avoided in a busy main thoroughfare.

Late Shopping Night

Wombwell’s traditional after closing on Thursdays will be honoured, and there will be a late shopping night on Fridays, this to cater for those who have full-time jobs and find it difficult to shop during normal opening hours.

Staff, however, will work a five-day week, a rota system being in operation to allow a one in three Saturday off. A full-time staff of 25 will be complemented by additional Saturday assistants.

Staff are being engaged prior to the opening of the store in order to get shelves well stocked, and the whole place “shipshape and Bristol fashion” for this morning’s opening.

Manager of the star is Mr MT Giles, who has come to Wombwell from Peterborough. He has been employed by the firm for about eight years.