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Woolworths Holdings Limited is a South African chain of retail stores and one of the largest in the country, modeled on Marks & Spencer of the United Kingdom.
This relationship with Britain's Marks and Spencer was formed after the Second World War, which led to the retailer buying all of the unissued share capital of Woolworths in 1947. These shares were later sold, but close ties still remain. The first Woolworths store opened in The Old Royal Hotel in Cape Town in October 1931. It was founded by Max Sonnenberg assisted by his son Richard and Fred Kossuth.
Woolworths now incorporates a series of food stores, some of which are attached to retail stores, while others stand alone or are attached to Engen petrol stations in prestigious areas, such as the ones on Main Road in Bryanston, Rivonia Road in Rivonia and William Nicol in Sandton. Some stores also include a Cafe W restaurant. Woolworths goods are sold at 149 corporate stores, 51 international franchise stores throughout the rest of Africa and the Middle East and 69 South African franchise stores nationwide.
Woolworths operated through both corporate and franchise stores throughout South Africa and neighbouring countries. Various store formats include full-line stores, food stand-alone stores, food and homeware lifestyle stores, stores offering textiles (clothing, footwear and homeware). Only a selection of merchandise is also available online. Cafes offering organic teas and coffees as well as light meals are situated some larger stores, while several stores also offer a tapas bar style restaurants.
This relationship with Britain's Marks and Spencer was formed after the Second World War, which led to the retailer buying all of the unissued share capital of Woolworths in 1947. These shares were later sold, but close ties still remain. The first Woolworths store opened in The Old Royal Hotel in Cape Town in October 1931. It was founded by Max Sonnenberg assisted by his son Richard and Fred Kossuth.
Woolworths now incorporates a series of food stores, some of which are attached to retail stores, while others stand alone or are attached to Engen petrol stations in prestigious areas, such as the ones on Main Road in Bryanston, Rivonia Road in Rivonia and William Nicol in Sandton. Some stores also include a Cafe W restaurant. Woolworths goods are sold at 149 corporate stores, 51 international franchise stores throughout the rest of Africa and the Middle East and 69 South African franchise stores nationwide.
Woolworths operated through both corporate and franchise stores throughout South Africa and neighbouring countries. Various store formats include full-line stores, food stand-alone stores, food and homeware lifestyle stores, stores offering textiles (clothing, footwear and homeware). Only a selection of merchandise is also available online. Cafes offering organic teas and coffees as well as light meals are situated some larger stores, while several stores also offer a tapas bar style restaurants.