The Fate Of Woolworths' Connswater Branch

I see that the eminent entrepreneur, Mr Theo Paphitis, of BBC Dragons' Den fame, is interested in Woolworth's. Good luck to him. I hope he, or anyone else for that matter, can transform a coveted national institution into a national success. Woolworth and its staff deserve it.

It ought to be remembered that Woolworth has been established in Belfast for many decades; and that their main branch was in High Street, where Dunne's Stores now trade. Woolworth commercially supported the city of Belfast, and its citizens, through very hard and difficult times; right through the Troubles, in fact. We respect them for that. We wish them well.

Mr Paphitis is particularly keen on turning round the most profitable stores. I cannot help but wonder what the future holds for Woolworth's Connswater store in east Belfast. I fear it cannot be amongst the most profitable of Woolies' branches...