Business is brisk at one Black Country Woolies, as shoppers spoke of their sadness at the demise of a great High Street name.

People queueing outside the Dudley Market Place shop before doors opened at 9am had nostalgic memories of the store – and agreed the town would be worse off without it.

Some turned up out of curiosity, many hoped news about the store going into administration would mean a few bargains would be on offer.

Among regular shoppers was retired butcher Anthony Sinclair, who used to work at Dewhursts.

Mr Sinclair, aged 69, has fond memories of going to Woolworths on his way home from St Joseph’s Primary School.

He said: “I have been coming in here since I was a schoolkid. I used to love to go in and get the broken biscuits which staff used to give away.

“Nowadays it’s the pick and mix I like to buy. Last month I bought a microwave and I am buying chocolates for Christmas presents.”

Many customers were buying Christmas decorations. Beauty sales assistant Julie Smith, 38, of Penfields Stourbridge, has used the store since she was a child.

She said: “My mother used to bring me to look at the toys especially the Sindy dolls. When I was older I bought a lot of music from here and now I bring my three children David, 14, Leah,12 and four-year-old Jamie.

“I think it’s a shame if it closes, I think it’s a really good shop and there are lots of bargains. There will be less reason for people to come to Dudley if it closes I think it would kill trade.”

Mrs Smith was buying chocolates for her children.

Paul Hickman, unemployed and from Kates Hill, Dudley, thought Woolworths was the best place to buy music from.

Mr Hickman, 30, said: “I always go to Woolies when I want to buy music in Dudley. I also buy a lot of computer games from there.

“I am buying Christmas lights for the tree and I did think there would be a lot of bargains. I think the High Street will completely change when we no longer have Woolworths.”