Huge change coming to Woolworths
Woolworths is spending almost $400m on a transformation plan that will see stores in NZ change for good.
The Australian supermarket giant has operated in New Zealand as “Countdown” since 2011, but now they plan to change the brand back to Woolworths.
It claims the move, which will cost the Australian parent company $371 million ($400 million NZD), is a “long term commitment to delivering its best supermarket experiences for customers” across its 194 stores.
Older supermarkets will undergo the change first in early 2024.
The major change comes after the New Zealand Commerce Commission conducted a market study into the supermarket sector and found the operators were making NZ$430 million ($399 million AUD) in excess profits.
In a statement, Woolworths said the change would offer “more value for customers” with a new loyalty program and the launch of “everyday rewards” for New Zealand customers.
The supermarket will continue to establish more online shopping options, beginning with a new distribution centre in Christchurch in 2024.
“Customers will also see more convenient eCommerce shopping options, a deeper connection to grassroots community activities, and further commitment to top quality fruit and vegetables with a state-of-the-art Christchurch Fresh Distribution Centre opening in 2024,” the company said in a statement.
Marketing Director of Countdown and Woolworths Group New Zealand, Spencer Sonn, said the retailer has been working hard to improve its business.
“Having had the privilege of leading the New Zealand team for over two years now, I know there’s a lot that people love about what we do, and none of that will be going away,” Mr Sonn said.
“Our ambition is to be the best and to do this we know we need to be a better place to shop, better to work for and all-round better for Aotearoa’s tomorrow.”
Mr Sonn said the company will employ more than 22,000 new workers to bring the best for its customers.
Woolworths Group CEO, Brad Banducci said Woolworths has a long history in New Zealand with its first store opening in 1929.
“I’m excited by today’s announcement and what it means for our continued commitment to New Zealand and its ongoing importance to Woolworths Group,” Mr Banducci said.
“The next stage of our transformation and the rebranding of our stores to Woolworths Supermarkets New Zealand means we’re doubling down on our trans-Tasman connection to bring the very best to our Kiwi customers.”
Countdown will begin its rebrand in early 2024 with individual store signage changes occurring in coming months.
