A total of 200 Woolworths branches are set to close today as the retailer winds up its presence on the high street.
Outlets in Aberdeen, Halifax, Ipswich, Birkenhead and other cities are closing down today while the stores' remaining 600 branches are set to cease trading by January 5th.
Woolworths faced problems such a mounting £385 million debt as well as demands from other firms to meet trading obligations in cash. It was forced to call in administrators last month and so far no buyer has been willing to take up the firm's operations.
A total of 27,000 employees are set to lose their jobs if no investor expresses an interest in buying parts of the ailing business.
Woolworths is one of a number of high-profile casualties of the difficult trading environment for retailers in the country during the credit crunch. Zavvi, MFI and Whittard of Chelsea have also all gone into administration in the last week or two.
There are also serious concerns there will be further high street casualties in the New Year.
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