Woolworths mystery solved after sign appears on entrance to Chelmer Village Retail Park

A sign for Woolworths has appeared at Chelmer Village Retail Park
-Credit: (Image: KatrinaChilver/ReachPLC)


A mystery over whether a popular retail chain could be returning to Chelmsford has been solved. Eagle-eyed shoppers recently noticed a Woolworths sign on the entrance to the Chelmer Valley Retail Park in Chelmsford.

The retail chain, which used to have a store on the city's High Street, closed hundreds of stores between late December 2008 and early January 2009, resulting in thousands of jobs losses. Woolworths was known and loved for it's iconic pick and mix selections among other items.

Woolworth's iconic red logo appeared on a sign at the entrance to Chelmer Valley Retail Park in Chelmsford, sparking rumour and excitement about a possible return. But the frenzy has been quickly shot down by those with knowledge of the situation at the retail park.

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A retail boss involved in the unit's future said the new occupier would not be the popular former chain, telling EssexLive: "There are ongoing discussions with a number of national retailers."

The sign's appearance at the entrance to Chelmer Village Retail Park suggested Woolworths would be replacing Carpetright which closed earlier this year. Whilst it's been confirmed that Woolworths would not be replacing the British retailer of floor coverings and beds, the precise future of the unit remains a mystery.

The popular retail park continues to have a number of other stores, including Next, Mountain Warehouse, Halfords, Pets at Home, Argos, TK Max, Oakwood Furniture Land, Boots, Sports Direct, JD, Costa Coffee, Hobbycraft, Wren Kitchens and Currys. A McDonalds restaurant also recently filled a unit previously occupied by Pizza Hut.