How did they survive so long?

Many times I've alluded to poor generic strategy. No example stands out more than woolworths. The only person I can remember who really understood this chain was my Granny, and she's unfortunately been gone now a long time.

I do remember looking for something a few months ago in Woolworths in Blingford. I do know I'd tried three shops with no success. After five minutes of wandering around I had not only been unable to find the object of my quest, but I was also left wondering what market this strange, boring and outdated retailer was in. Sweets, CDs/DVDs and "haberdashery" - is that what you call all that junk that you can't classify clearly?

Not a staff member in sight and nothing to buy even if I wanted to.

Bye bye Woolworths. Social darwinism does have its uses after all.