Empty Woolworths store to re-open under new name this month.
The store, which will offer similar DIY, housewares, gift and entertainment ranges as its previous occupant, is the brainchild of former Woolies managers Ken Holdway and Asad Khan.

The new outlet on Addington Road, South Croydon, will even boast a new and improved pick'n'mix section.

The Smallworths signage has already been hung above the door and a sign in the window announces its opening on Tuesday August 24.

Mr Holdway is a former manger of a Woolworths in Beckton, east London, while Mr Khan managed a branch in Peckham in south London.

Talking to DIY Week, Mr Khan admits the pair have been run off their feet getting everything ready for the opening but he is looking forward to the store's first day of trading.

The Addington Road store has stood empty since Woolworths went bankrupt towards the end of 2008.

The story echoes that of ex-Woolworth's manager Claire Robertson, who took over her branch in Dorcehster and re-named the outlet Wellworths.

Former head of stores and concessions at Woolworths, Andy Latham, and banker Gareth Thomas also raised £10m to launch a new Woolworths-style chain of up to 50 stores. The first Alworths outlet opened in Didcot on November 5 last year. The duo now operate eight stores in the south of England, with the latest opening in New Milton, Hampshire.