I learn today that Woolworths has become the biggest victim of the credit crunch as it was revealed that bosses are in discussion with a potential buyer. And the mooted purchase price — the princely sum of £1.

I now feel a little guilty for my attack on Woolies' institutionalised retail apathy, if only because perhaps the writing was already on the wall by the time I wrote the post. Perhaps I was kicking it when it was already down.

So I'm sorry Woolies, it was intended to be the difficult truth as delivered by an old friend that holds you to a higher standard than you hold yourself, but now it seems it was all too little, too late.

My main worry is that Wool and Worth, the Woolies mascots, will now be out on the street. They are likely to be the first victims of any buy-out, and find themselves out of work in the period leading up to Christmas, a time when historically they've been at their most busy.

I'm sure Worth will find a good home, but I do worry about Wool. Because while a dog certainly isn't just for Christmas, a sheep might well be, making one last Yuletide appearance, on the dinner table, as a tasty alternative to turkey...