The non-food discounter Woolworth continues to grow: The chain, which has its headquarters in Unna, says it has now opened its 1,000th in Essen. Branch in Europe. Woolworth has a total of around 850 stores in Germany. There have also been locations in Poland and Austria since 2023, and in the Czech Republic and Slovakia since 2025.
“The 1,000th store is a significant step for us and confirms the viability of our business model,” explained Woolworth boss Roman Heini, according to a statement. “We continue to grow consistently, invest in new locations and thereby strengthen our presence in the cities.” The company sees potential for more than 1,500 locations nationwide. The branch that has now opened is the ninth in Essen.
Woolworth employs around 12,000 people in Germany
The next five branches are scheduled to open next week, but not in Germany. In the next twelve months, the company plans to open a total of more than 200 stores, including around 100 in Germany. Expansion into other European countries in the coming years is being examined, said a spokesman. On its homepage, the company lists the goal of more than 5,000 branches across Europe. Woolworth currently employs more than 14,000 people across Europe, including around 12,000 in Germany.
Woolworths primarily sells inexpensive clothing. There are also home textiles, shoes, party accessories, decorative and household goods, electrical and drugstore items as well as gift items. A total of around 10,000 items are permanently available, plus 8,000 promotional and seasonal products, according to the company. Around 90 percent of the items are own brands.
