THE people of Bradford would love to see Woolworths return to the district's high streets.

It comes as the once revered department store could soon be making a return to the UK.

Known for its pick 'n' mix sweets and bargain prices, Woolworths is perhaps the ultimate blast of high street nostalgia.

In 2009 when its British shops closed after the financial crisis, the brand in Germany, where it is known as Woolworth, was saved by HH Holding.

Current HH Holding chief Roman Heini seeks to expand internationally and says the UK is on his "bucket list" of destinations.

The news has been greeted well by our readers who took to Facebook to express their happiness.

Mirza Rahman said: "I still remember the most popular store at Darley Street, next to M&S. Absolutely everyone would want it back in Bradford."

Agnes Briggs added: "I would like this to happen."

Pam Smith said: "It would be great."

"Yes please, I loved Woolies," said Sue Grimshaw.

Barbara Conroy said she would also "love it" if the store made a return.

Another reader Heather Choudhary took a different view.

She said: "I used to have a Saturday job here (at the Shipley store). It was fun. I used to like shopping at the one in Darley Street but, as for bringing Woollies back? I think that bird has flown - so many discounters everywhere which isn’t a bad thing but it’s a saturated market I’d have thought - unless they put a new spin on it."

Popular chain Wilko, which filled the gap left by Woolworths, infamously collapsed just last year in 2023.

If "Woolies" were to return to UK High Streets, it is unclear how it would be spelt.

Woolworth Germany told the BBC: "The brand name 'Woolworth' (without the 's') is owned by us throughout Europe. Should we ever plan to return to the UK, we would scrutinise the naming rights to minimise the risk of confusion. A transfer of rights could help if necessary."

Woolworths originated in the US and operated for 100 years in the UK, having opened its first store in Liverpool in 1909. It had 807 British stores and its closure left more than 27,000 people unemployed.

Woolworth Germany said it was "unable to confirm any plans for Woolworth to return to the UK market" but that such a move was not ruled out in principle.