5-7 Southgate Street, Launceston, Cornwall PL15 9DR
Woolworths opened in the Cornish town on Launceston in 1953. It was a branch that only traded for 20 years, which we know thanks to this detailed post by Launceston Then.
Source: Launceston Then!
In post-war 1950s, new Woolworths stores opened in existing buildings. Here in Launceston they opened in a Grade II Listed building, which is the reason this store was closed on 9 June 1973 – no alterations/extensions etc could be made to the building and access to the rear of the building was difficult.
Built as a large town house and shop by Philip King, a ‘clothier and father to Philip Gidley King’, in the early to mid-eighteenth century, No. 5 was subsequently occupied by a Mr Nicolls – selling clothing and groceries – and later by Cookes stores, prior to Woolworth’s arrival.
Oct 3rd, 1953:
Launceston Then!
Shoppers queued from 4.30am to 9 am for the opening of Woolworth’s store in Launceston. The first three through the doors were presented with tea sets by the manager, Mr M J Norris.
Source: Launceston Then!
Today there is a shop called Country Chic where Woolworths used to be.
Source: More Creative
Woolies Buildings - Then and Now 