Iconic high street chain which had 807 stores before closing and was loved by shoppers for 100 years ‘may return to UK’

AN ICONIC high street chain loved by shoppers for more than 100 years could return to the UK.

The store left our streets in 2009, closing its 807 branches across the country.

Known for its pick-n-mix sweets and bargain buys the shop was once as British as fish and chips - before it fell victim to the credit crunch.

But now Woolworths might be making a comeback as the German boss says new UK stores are on his "bucket list."

Roman Heini is leading an expansion of Woolworth Germany in Europe, according to

Mr Heini said: “I don’t know of any brands where the recognition will be as high as it is in Britain, without having any stores.

"We have secured all the trademarks for the brand for the whole of Europe, so we could operate if we make the decision.

"It may be in the mix for the mid or long-term future.”

Woolworth Germany also collapsed into insolvency in 2009 but made a comeback, expanding into Austria and Poland.

It has more than 600 shops, does not sell online and specialises in own-brand household goods and clothing, including underwear.

Mr Heini who has previously been the boss of  and , told trade mag Retail Week: “There are over 300 million potential consumers in Europe and no dominating player.

"The market is still there to be divided between the potential players for the future.”

It comes as we revealed the exact locations where beloved store, Wilko, will return.

Hearts broke around the country when beloved Wilko announced it would be closing all of its shops.

But now it's now making a comeback launching new stores across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland which will "offer shoppers everything they need".