Shop Direct is part of the Littlewoods group, which is owned by Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay, and already runs Littlewoods Online, one of the largest UK web retailers. The company bought the brand name in February.

Woolworths.co.uk will feature a main shop selling toys and children’s clothing, an entertainment store, a party goods outlet and the iconic pick ‘n'mix sweets, now known as click n' mix.

Shop Direct chief executive, Mark Newton-Jones commented: “Families wanted us to bring back Woolies as soon as possible, so that's what we've done.

"From acquiring the brand to launching it has only been 20 weeks; something you could never achieve with a High Street business but can do online.”

Newton-Jones went on to say that Woolworths.co.uk would make a profit in its first full-year of operation but would not make any specific forecasts.

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The firm is hoping the site will create a one-stop-shop and compete with online retailers such as amazon.co.uk.

Matthew Hardcastle, the head of Woolworths said: "We don't have to create awareness about Woolworths because it's a well known brand, which is a good starting point.

“We're using different channels such as facebook, twitter, and blogs to promote the online store and we think that will generate interest in the new Woolworths."

Woolworths went into administration in January after failing to find a buyer.