Axe falls on Woolies stores

A quarter of Woolworths stores - including five branches in the West Midlands - will close today as the end looms for the failed retailer.

Administrators Deloitte have earmarked for closure around 200 of the chain's 800-plus stores at sites. Stores at Dudley, Wednesbury, Walsall, Kidderminster and Rugeley will shut their doors for the final time tonight in the first wave of closures which will see Woolworths cease trading on January 5 unless a last-minute buyer is found.

This is set to spell a miserable new year for 27,000 staff at the retail chain who face losing their jobs. Shelves were almost stripped bare at the Dudley and Wednesbury stores by 10am today.