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On Woolworth's Day, we honor the iconic store that brought us pick 'n' mix, lunch counters, and affordable goods for generations. Happy shopping!
Get ready to step back in time and celebrate Woolworth's Day on February 22! This day commemorates the founding of the famous retail store, F.W. Woolworth Company, in 1878. From its humble beginnings as a five-and-dime store, Woolworth's became a household name and a staple of American culture. Even though the company closed its doors in 1997, its impact on the retail industry continues to be felt today. So let's take a trip down memory lane and remember the iconic store that brought us countless treasures for over a century.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1879</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Woolworth Store</div><div class='timeline-text'>Frank Winfield Woolworth opens his first store in Utica, New York, but it fails within a few months.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1879</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Successful Store Opening</div><div class='timeline-text'>Woolworth opens his successful "five-and-dime" store in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in June, starting the Woolworth's empire.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1913</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Woolworth Building Completed</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Woolworth Building in New York City is completed in April and was the tallest building in the world until 1930.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1924</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First UK Store</div><div class='timeline-text'>Woolworth extends its business overseas, opening the first UK store in Liverpool.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1997</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>End of the Line: US</div><div class='timeline-text'>The last Woolworth's department store in the U.S. closes in July, marking the end of an era.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2008</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>End of the Line UK</div><div class='timeline-text'>Woolworth's last UK store closed in December, marking the final end to the iconic retail chain originally started in 1879.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit your local Woolworth's store</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip down memory lane and visit your local Woolworth's store. Browse through the aisles and reminisce about the good old days when Woolworth's was a popular shopping destination.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a 1950s-themed party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Since Woolworth's was popular in the 1950s, why not throw a themed party to celebrate Woolworth's Day? Encourage guests to dress up in 1950s fashion and serve classic dishes like milkshakes and hamburgers.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a DIY project using Woolworth's items</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative and make a DIY project using items that you can find at a modern-day Woolworth's store. This could be anything from a homemade photo album using scrapbook supplies to a unique piece of jewelry made from buttons and beads.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a movie set in a Woolworth's store</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There are several movies that feature scenes set in a Woolworth's store, such as "Pleasantville" and "Big Fish." Make some popcorn, grab some snacks from Woolworth's, and have a movie night to celebrate the store's legacy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share your favorite Woolworth's memory on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Join the online conversation and share your favorite Woolworth's memory on social media using the hashtag #WoolworthsDay. This is a great way to connect with others who also have fond memories of the store.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors an important moment in history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Woolworth's Day commemorates the opening of the first Woolworth store on February 22, 1879. This store revolutionized retail by introducing the concept of fixed prices and self-service, transforming the shopping experience for consumers.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates a company that has made significant contributions to society</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Over the years, Woolworth's has not only been a successful business, but it has also been a major philanthropic force. The company donated millions to charities and social causes, including funding scholarships for African American students during the Civil Rights Movement.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It reminds us of our childhood memories</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>For many people, Woolworth's stores were a staple of their childhood - whether it was buying candy at the penny candy counter or picking out toys and other treasures from their selection. Celebrating Woolworth's Day allows us to look back on these fond memories and appreciate the impact this company had on our past.</p></div></div>
Woolworth's Day is celebrated on February 22nd every year. In 2024 Woolworth's Day will occur on a Thursday.
2023
Feb 22
Wednesday
2024
Feb 22
Thursday
2025
Feb 22
Saturday
2026
Feb 22
Sunday
2027
Feb 22
Monday
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