Design, durability and economy
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The early Woolworths stores featured lots of clothing, but mainly in pattern form. Mary Fitch's designs from the 1910s, published exclusively under the Woolco brand, were widely recognised to be the finest examples of Edwardian fashion - and they helped to bring high style into the price bracket of ordinary people. |
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Little wonder that in the early days haberdashery was part of drapery, and needles, cotton and thread were also branded Woolco. In the 1920s music hall star Ernest Hastings even recorded a song featuring Woolworths home-made trousers, with "tanner legs and tanner seats and hinges at the knees"! (A tanner was the colloquial name for a sixpence or 2½p.) |
Woolies first bought from Pasold, the Ladybird company, in the 1930s, helping the family to re-establish themselves in the UK after fleeing Nazi Germany. The relationship endured for more than 50 years until we took the brand over completely. Our archives include many patterns and designs - of adult and childrenswear by Woolworth and Woolco from 1909 onwards, and from the first days of Ladybird. We also have all of the original Ladybird people brand equity - all amazingly retro! Quintessentially British design and a strong brand heritage is a key part of Ladybird, and Ladybird is a key part of Woolies. It's all part of passion for fashion over five generations. |
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