People are getting nostalgic about former High Street favourite Woolworths.

The department store, famed for selling everything from records to rolling pins, posters to party food, was a high-profile casualty of the high street revolution after the arrival of online shopping.

But now, speculation is rife about "exciting news" the brand is set to reveal today.

In a tweet, Woolworths UK said: "We have decided to push our 2021 announcement forward.

"Some exciting news later today, see you then."

Red, gold and always with a bargain to be found, Woolworths was once the crown of the UK high street.

Before the days of the internet, where anything could be purchased with the click of a finger, the retail chain was a treasure trove of bits and bobs, waiting under one roof.

If you couldn’t find it, Woolworths probably had it.

From pick ‘n’ mix, to novelty decorations and first-time jobs, Woolies was home to many memories in its 100-year spell in the UK.

To the dismay of shoppers, this came to an end on 5 January 2009, when over 800 Woolworths stores closed their doors for good.

Almost 11 years on Woolworths is a place of the past, but News Shopper readers still remember the chain fondly. Here’s what people miss the most.

News Shopper:

‘A one-stop-shop’

Chaotic or convenient, you could rely on Woolworths for selling everything and anything at a reasonable price.

Dinah Colley said: “I worked in Downham Woolworths in the early 70's. Wish it was still around, miss the variety of things you could buy in there, a one stop shop really!”

While John Finn missed: “The wooden floors and countertops which displayed all manner of things. I'm going back to 1962.”

Particularly handy at certain times of year – Woolies saved shoppers in a fix over the festive period.

Carla J Collins said: “I used to work @ the one in Lewisham, I put on sooo much weight I was always buying sweets and chocolate! Christmas was great you could buy great pressies.”

Other readers praised the Christmas decorations, cards and toy selection, which some said were best browsed after a tipple (or two).

Pic’n’mix

White mice, flying saucers, fizzy cola bottles, rhubarb and custards – Woolworths did confectionary like none other.

The endless plastic containers filled with treats emptied the pockets of children and parents alike.

The "last" bag of Woolworths pic 'n' mix - snapped up by a store manager before the branch closed in Kent - sold for more than £14,500 on eBay in 2009.

“I worked in the Erith one as a Saturday job. When we filled shelves the pick n mix were the only items locked inside a cage in the stock room. The manager had to unlock it. Only ever ate one in my entire time, a chocolate covered peppermint cream,” said Lesley Lamb.

While Dawn Kent added, “Why is it whenever I see something about Woolworths they always call it Pick and Mix. Surely the proper name was Pick and Nick!”

Broken biscuits, bought from counters at a reduced price, and slabs of cake by the ounce, were also among readers’ favourite foods at Woolies.

News Shopper:

Saturday jobs

A part-time job at the store was the first taste of independence for many.

Laura Downes donned the blue nylon apron in 1972-3 as a Saturday Girl in the Woolwich branch.

“Mainly I was on the tills (still miss that sometimes) but envied those on music dept. And we got our wages on the day in a small brown envelope. Aaaahhh happy days,” she said.

Picking the store tunes was a resounding highlight for the young workers.

“I was on the music counter, loved it, met several of my boyfriend's there!” said one ex-employee.

What next?

Is there anything to full the Woolies-sized gap in the high street?

News Shopper:

A few readers suggested there was:

“To be honest Wilko seems to have filled the gap left by Woolies,” said one reader.

But unfortunately, for most, Woolies just can’t be replaced.

“I miss everything...there are things that are difficult to find on the High Street now since Woolworths closed," said a reader.