Woolworths stores across the Black Country and Staffordshire were poised to close early on their last day of trading today after last-minute bargain hunters stripped shelves bare.

Shoppers flocked to branches in Wolverhampton, Bilston, Bloxwich, Brierley Hill and Stafford to pick up bargains and even the fixtures and fittings.

The stores were due to close yesterday but were given a reprieve by administrators in a bid to shift the last of the stock. Wolverhampton’s branch was expected to close by early afternoon as the shelves were almost empty apart from a few CDs, cards, books and bags.

At the Bilston branch, there were still seven aisles worth of goods, including stationary and computer games just before 11am.

Shopper Betty Steadman, aged 64, of Bradley, said: “This is a blow for Bilston – it is a pity to lose a big shop.

“The high street here is dead now compared to how it used to be. Forty years ago, you couldn’t move here.”

Brierley Hill’s store was today deserted with staff outnumbering customers. It only opened in the Moor Centre in July. Woolies in Bearwood, Wednesfield, Kings Heath and Wednesfield will close on Tuesday.