Woolworths Supermarkets

{{see also|Woolworths Group (Australia)#History}}

Woolworths Limited (now Woolworths Group) was first registered on 22 September 1924 by five Australian entrepreneurs{{snd}}Percy Christmas, Stanley Chatterton, Cecil Scott Waine, George Creed and Ernest Williams.{{cite web |url=https://davidsonbranding.com.au/the-inspiration-behind-10-of-australias-iconic-brand-names/ |website=Davidson Branding |title=The inspiration behind 10 of Australia's iconic brand names |date=30 April 2018 |last=Davidson |first=Grant |access-date=10 December 2019}} The first store was opened on 5 December 1924 in Pitt Street of Sydney's Imperial Arcade, called "Woolworths Stupendous Bargain Basement".{{cite web |title=Our History | website=Woolworths Group |url=https://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/au/en/about-us/our-history.html |access-date=13 September 2024}}{{cite web |title=Our Story: 1924 September |url=http://www.woolworths.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/website/woolworths/about+us/our-story/september+1924 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905211646/http://www.woolworths.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/website/woolworths/about+us/our-story/september+1924 |archive-date=5 September 2015 |url-status=dead |website=Woolworths Supermarkets |access-date=10 December 2019}} Following the first store there were only 29 shareholders and there was little interest to accelerate the brand's growth. However, as trading continued and shareholders brought more capital, the dividends paid by the company increased from 5% to 50% after its third year of operation. Consumer interest in the company grew after December 1924, as more branches of the store were established across Australia. Woolworths stores began selling a variety of goods, claiming the lowest prices as well as money back guarantees.{{cite web |title=Our Story: 1924 December |url=http://www.woolworths.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/website/woolworths/about+us/our-story/december+1924 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711101319/http://www.woolworths.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/website/woolworths/about+us/our-story/december+1924 |archive-date=11 July 2015 |url-status=dead |publisher=Woolworths Supermarkets |access-date=10 December 2019}} At the forefront of retail innovation in Australia, Woolworths stores became the first variety store in the world to install receipt printing cash register machines in 1926.{{cite web |title=Our Story: 1926 Printing Cash Registers |url=http://www.woolworths.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/website/woolworths/about+us/our-story/printing+cash+registers+1926 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150327034208/http://www.woolworths.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/website/woolworths/about+us/our-story/printing+cash+registers+1926 |archive-date=27 March 2015 |url-status=dead |publisher=Woolworths Supermarkets |access-date=10 December 2019}} The second Woolworths outlet was opened on 6 August 1927, on Queen Street, Brisbane.{{cite web |url=https://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/page/about-us/The_Woolworths_Story/How_We_Were_Founded/ |title=Our History: The Woolworths Story |website=Woolworths Group |access-date=11 December 2019}} The first Woolworths store in New Zealand was opened in 1929 {{crossreference|(see also Woolworths New Zealand)}}. Following the opening of the Hobart store in 1940, Woolworths had a store in every state in Australia.{{cite web |title=Our Story: 1940 Woolworths Expands to Tasmania |url=http://www.woolworths.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/website/woolworths/about+us/our-story/tasmania+1940 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150330164334/https://www.woolworths.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/website/woolworths/about+us/our-story/tasmania+1940 |archive-date=30 March 2015 |url-status=dead |publisher=Woolworths Supermarkets |access-date=10 December 2019}}

File:SLNSW 31789 Nos 5 and 7 Sydney Road Manly taken for LJ Hooker Ltd.jpgWith the company and its stores running successfully, Woolworths began to experiment with expanding their grocery range{{snd}}more stores began stocking fresh fruits and vegetables and a larger range of food. The first self-service store in Beverly Hills, Sydney was opened in 1955. In 1958 the first supermarket was opened at Dee Why, followed by the first purpose-built supermarket at Warrawong Plaza in 1960.{{Cite book|last=Murray|first=James|title=The Woolworths Way. A Great Australian Success Story 1924-1999.|publisher=Focus Publishing|year=1999|isbn=1-875359-540|location=New South Wales|pages=103–108}} This site closed in 2012, but reopened in 2024. In 1958 Woolworths Limited acquired all 32 Brisbane Cash & Carry stores, which was a popular Brisbane grocery store chain. These were then later rebranded as Woolworths stores.{{Cite web |date=16 September 1920 |title=1923 Brisbane Cash and Carry opens - |url=https://australianfoodtimeline.com.au/brisbane-cash-and-carry/ |access-date=11 October 2021 |website=Australian Food Timeline |language=en-AU}} As Woolworths gradually focused more on groceries, the first Big W department store was opened in 1964 at Jesmond, New South Wales.{{cite news |url=https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/big-w-name-means-woolworths-brand-history-revealed-025140529.html |title=Big W reveals major twist in brand's 50-year history |last=Wolski |first=Gilllian |date=17 November 2020 |work=Yahoo Lifestyle |access-date=21 June 2022}}File:Lakeside Joondalup Shopping City Woolworths.jpg]]

In 1982, Woolworths Limited acquired two Tasmanian grocery brands: Roelf Vos and Purity, which were converted into Woolworths stores in 2000.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}} After the arrival of American supermarket giant Safeway in Australia in 1962, Safeway Australia was bought by Woolworths in 1985. Woolworths Limited acquired all of the Safeway stores and the naming rights in exchange for a 20% equity interest in Woolworths Limited.{{Cite web |date=2021-08-17 |title=The 70-year battle that changed Australian retailing |url=https://www.afr.com/companies/retail/the-70-year-battle-that-changed-australian-retailing-20210801-p58eun |url-access=subscription |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=Australian Financial Review |language=en}}{{cite web |last=O'Connell |first=Jan |date=24 September 1980 |title=1985 Woolworths buys Safeway |url=https://australianfoodtimeline.com.au/woolworths-buys-safeway/ |access-date=10 December 2019 |website=Australian Food History Timeline}} At the time of the acquisition, Safeway had 126 stores across Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales.{{cite web |last=Prevor |first=Jim |date=2 November 2007 |title=How Woolworths Started & Grew |url=http://www.perishablepundit.com/docs/woolworthshistory.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330075838/http://www.perishablepundit.com/docs/woolworthshistory.pdf |archive-date=30 March 2018 |access-date=10 December 2019 |website=Perishable Pundit |page=31}} All Safeway stores in Queensland and New South Wales were rebranded as Woolworths supermarkets, but most Victorian stores continued trading as Safeway.{{cite web |title=Our Story |url=http://www.woolworths.com.au/AboutUs/OurStory/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913012011/http://www.woolworths.com.au/AboutUs/OurStory/ |archive-date=13 September 2008 |access-date=10 December 2019 |website=Woolworths Supermarkets}} In 2008, Woolworths announced it would rebrand Safeway stores as Woolworths, and this process was completed in June 2017.{{cite news |last=Powell |first=Dominic |date=6 June 2017 |title=Last Safeway shuts up shop... GDP growth at 0.3%... Kogan has plans for NBN market |url=https://www.smartcompany.com.au/business-advice/breaking-gdp-growth-at-0-3-kogan-has-plans-for-nbn-market-last-safeway-shuts-up-shop/ |access-date=10 December 2019 |publisher=SmartCompany}} This was when Safeway Wodonga was closed and rebuilt as a Woolworths, ending the company of Safeway.

File:Woolworths - Chadstone Shopping Centre.jpg, Victoria{{cite web |url=http://www.realestatesource.com.au/Victoria/Gandel-and-Colonial-Open-$140-Million-Wing-of-Chadstone-Shopping-Centre.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125121316/http://www.realestatesource.com.au/Victoria/Gandel-and-Colonial-Open-$140-Million-Wing-of-Chadstone-Shopping-Centre.html |archive-date=25 January 2009 |url-status=dead |title=Gandel and Colonial Open $140 Million Wing of Chadstone Shopping Centre |access-date=5 February 2009}}]]

In 2018, Woolworths Group stopped providing single-use plastic bags during checkout at the same time as Coles Supermarkets, bringing them in line with Australia's third-biggest supermarket, Aldi.{{cite news |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/woolworths-brings-forward-plastic-bag-ban |title=Woolworths brings forward plastic bag ban |date=4 April 2018 |work=SBS News |access-date=4 December 2018}} In the following three months, Australian's plastic bag use dropped by 80%, leading to 1.5 billion fewer bags going to landfill.{{cite news |url=https://www.news-mail.com.au/news/australians-have-used-15-billion-fewer-singleuse-p/3592616/ |title=We have saved 1.5 billion plastic bags from landfill |work=News Mail|last=Khalil |first=Shireen |date=4 December 2018 |access-date=4 December 2018}} Woolworths also committed to removing 180 tonnes of plastic packaging from their products in 2018.{{cite web |url=https://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/icms_docs/195396_annual-report-2018.pdf |title=2018 Annual Report |author=Woolworths Group |date=1 August 2018 |access-date=11 December 2019}}

In September 2021, Woolworths launched an online marketplace called Everyday Market. The marketplace allows customers to purchase products from partnered companies, including products not normally sold in the supermarket.{{Cite web |last=Blake |first=Dean |date=2021-09-27 |title=Woolworths' Everyday Market launches nationwide |url=https://insideretail.com.au/business/woolworths-everyday-market-launches-nationwide-202109 |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=Inside Retail|language=en-US}}

In May 2023, Woolworths acquired Milkrun, a fast grocery delivery startup which ceased operations the previous month and competed with the supermarket's Metro60 delivery service. Woolworths rebranded Metro60 as Milkrun.{{Cite news |last=Barrett |first=Jonathan |date=2023-05-25 |title=Woolworths buys MilkRun with plan to resurrect collapsed fast grocery delivery service |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/may/25/woolworths-buys-milkrun-with-plan-to-resurrect-collapsed-fast-grocery-delivery-service |access-date=2023-05-25 |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite web |last=Bonyhady |first=Nick |date=2023-05-24 |title=Milkrun bet it could beat Woolies. Now it's part of it |url=https://www.smh.com.au/technology/don-t-call-it-a-comeback-woolworths-to-bring-back-milkrun-20230524-p5db2i.html |url-access=limited |access-date=2023-05-25 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}

In 1987, Woolworths launched the "Fresh Food People" campaign after implementing new company protocols for their fresh food departments. The slogan changed slightly in 2012 to "Australia's Fresh Food People" to promote the fact that 96% of fresh produce sold in Woolworths supermarkets is grown in Australia.{{Cite web|url=https://www.insideretail.com.au/news/woolworths-unveils-fresh-fresh-food-campaign-201206|title=Woolworths unveils fresh 'fresh food' campaign|website=Inside Retail|language=en-US|access-date=27 May 2019}} In 2014 the original "The Fresh Food People" slogan returned with a new lineup of television commercials. Various other catchphrases have been used in recent advertisements, including "That's Today's Fresh Food People", and "Get Your Woolies Worth."

Loyalty schemes include a number of incentives for purchasing at their stores by subsidising petrol prices at Caltex Woolworths petrol stations and the now defunct Woolworths Plus Petrol. Discounts included 2-cent, 4-cent, 6-cent and in some regional areas 10-cent discounts on fuel, rewarded for purchases over certain amounts.

{{Main|Everyday Rewards}}

In September 2007, Woolworths began a trial in central-west New South Wales of Woolworths Rewards, a Woolworths shopping card that automatically tracks supermarket purchases and fuel discounts, thus eliminating the need for shoppers to retain paper coupons.{{cite news |work=Australian Financial Review |title=Fuel change on the cards |page=20 |date=6 September 2007}} In addition it allows Woolworths to record purchases made by customers to offer them relevant promotions and for studies in demographics and marketing,{{cite web |title=Everyday Rewards Customer Charter |access-date=23 August 2008 |url=http://www.everydayrewards.com.au/CLCS-Web/faces/pages/fixed/customerCharter.jsp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719030828/http://www.everydayrewards.com.au/CLCS-Web/faces/pages/fixed/customerCharter.jsp |archive-date=19 July 2008|url-status=dead |website=Woolworths Everyday Rewards}} hence incentives for customers who register their details.

In February 2008, following the New South Wales trial, Woolworths announced that its Woolworths Rewards card would be rolled out nationally. The implementation began with South Australia and Northern Territory in mid-February 2008, and to other states (excluding Tasmania){{cite web |publisher=Woolworths |title=Everyday Rewards terms and conditions |access-date=29 January 2009 |url=https://www.everydayrewards.com.au/wps/portal/rewards/termsandconditions |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110220143342/https://www.everydayrewards.com.au/wps/portal/rewards/termsandconditions |archive-date=20 February 2011 |url-status=dead}} by the end of May 2008.{{cite news |title=Woolies revs up discount petrol war |publisher=Australian Financial Review |date=11 February 2008 |pages=1, 15}} In August 2009, Woolworths announced that there were 3.8 million cards registered, of which 1.2 million were linked to a Qantas Frequent Flyer account.{{cite web |publisher=Woolworths Limited |title=Company Results: Full Year ended 28 June 2009 |access-date=1 March 2016 |url=http://media.corporate-ir.net/media_files/irol/14/144044/fy00presentation.pdf}} File:Woolworths truck at Stirling Central.jpg.]]

Later, in about 2022, Woolworths rebranded its loyalty scheme to “Everyday Rewards” to further solidify its growth beyond the supermarket industry.

The Frequent Shopper Club, stylised as F$C, was a reward program for shopping in Woolworths stores in Tasmania. It was started by Purity Supermarkets in 1992, and was in use until January 2021.{{cite news |url=http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2009/07/18/85321_tasmania-news.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306012128/http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2009/07/18/85321_tasmania-news.html |archive-date=6 March 2012 |url-status=dead |title=Tassie misses rewards |last=Smith |first=Linda |date=18 July 2009 |access-date=11 December 2019 |newspaper=The Mercury}}{{Cite web|title=Frequent Shopper Club|url=https://www.frequentshopperclub.com.au/|access-date=2022-02-02|website=www.frequentshopperclub.com.au}} In July 2020, Woolworths announced that the program would be folded into the Everyday Rewards program.{{Cite web |last=Chamberlin |first=Chris |date=2020-07-27 |title=Woolworths Rewards lands in Tasmania |url=https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/woolworths-rewards-tasmania-earn-qantas-points |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817074039/https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/woolworths-rewards-tasmania-earn-qantas-points |archive-date=2020-08-17 |access-date=2020-08-17 |website=Executive Traveller |language=en}}

In 2007, Woolworths announced that it was planning to launch a general purpose credit card in 2008.{{cite news |last=Carson |first=Vanda |date=27 August 2007 |title=Now it's Woolworths the credit card people |publisher=The Sydney Morning Herald |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/now-its-woolworths-the-credit-card-people-20070828-gdqyvf.html |access-date=6 June 2007}} Woolworths offered these credit card holders reward vouchers redeemable throughout its store network.{{cite news |date=30 January 2008 |title=Retailers take on the banks…again |pages=1, 61 |work=Australian Financial Review}} Woolworths subsequently announced that the Woolworths Everyday Money MasterCard would be launched on 26 August 2008, allowing customers to earn shopping cards redeemable at Woolworths Group retailers.{{cite news |date=18 August 2008 |title=Woolworths launches new credit card |publisher=news.com.au |url=https://www.news.com.au/business/story/0,,24199187-462,00.html |access-date=18 August 2008}}{{cite web |date=15 August 2008 |title=Woolies MasterCard debuts in two weeks |url=http://www.thesheet.com/nl05_news_selected.php?act=2&stream=1&selkey=7022&hlc=2&hlw= |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080814214256/http://www.thesheet.com/nl05_news_selected.php?act=2&stream=1&selkey=7022&hlc=2&hlw= |archive-date=14 August 2008 |access-date=18 August 2008 |publisher=The Sheet}}

In 2023, Woolworths announced the credit card offering would be discontinued at the end of their 8-year partnership with Macquarie Bank.{{cite news|url=https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/woolworths-customers-furious-over-major-card-change-231827309.html|title=Woolworths customers furious over major card change|date=8 April 2023|publisher=Yahoo News}}

Woolworths has a range of generic or private label brands:

• Woolworths Essentials – A budget label covering everyday household products and groceries. Products within this range typically feature a red and white Woolworths logo on the top left corner on the front side of the packaging.{{cite web |url=https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/discover/our-brands/essentials |title=Essentials |publisher=Woolworths Supermarkets |access-date=27 May 2019}}

• Woolworths Select – A premium range launched in 2005.{{Cite web |last=McCubbing |first=Gus |date=2024-10-31 |title=Home brands have had a makeover - and customers love it |url=https://www.afr.com/companies/retail/forget-no-frills-supermarket-home-brands-are-coming-into-their-own-20241031-p5kmv3 |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=Australian Financial Review |language=en}}

• Woolworths Bakery – A low cost in store bakery purchase option that allows for cheap bakery purchases. Products within this range typically feature a black and white Woolworths logo on the top left corner on the front side of the packaging.{{cite web |url=https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/browse/bakery/in-store-bakery?srsltid=AfmBOorboK9xmp1G4ZXz-4axCqtRLB5y_3FuudjMLfyk5hO6sZ1pUOND |title=Woolworths Bakery |publisher=Woolworths Supermarkets }}

• Woolworths Food Range – Woolworths' most populous own brand range, it features food lines in all categories across the store. Products in this range feature a green and white logo. Customer can become part of a food sampling group called "Bunch" in order to test foods within this range and provide feedback to make improvements.{{cite web |url=http://www.woolworths.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/Website/Woolworths/Our+Brands/Select/https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/discover/our-brands/woolworths-range |title=Woolworths Food Range |publisher=Woolworths Supermarkets |access-date=27 May 2019}}

• Gold – This own brand features premium products which are usually only available around Christmas time, and include products such as Christmas puddings, fruit mince pies and cakes.{{cite web |url=https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/discover/our-brands/gold |title=Gold |publisher=Woolworths Supermarkets |access-date=27 May 2019}}

• Macro Wholefoods Market – Macro features a range of foods that are free from artificial sweeteners, colours, flavours, added MSG and hydrogenated oils. Many products in this range are promoted as organic foods.{{cite web |url=https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/discover/our-brands/macro |title=Macro Wholefoods Market |publisher=Woolworths Supermarkets |access-date=27 May 2019}} The brand was launched in December 2019 following Woolworths' acquisition of the Macro Wholefoods organic grocery chain earlier that year.{{Cite web |last=Mitchell |first=Sue |date=2009-12-02 |title=Woolies launches Macro brand |url=https://www.afr.com/companies/woolies-launches-macro-brand-20091203-iwcnv |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-09-04 |website=Australian Financial Review |language=en}}

• Delicious Nutritious – This range is a collaboration between Woolworths and Australian personal trainer Michelle Bridges. The range is exclusively chilled and frozen meals, all of which include 2–3 serves of vegetables, grains and protein, and are all under 450 calories per serve.{{cite web |url=https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/discover/our-brands/delicious-nutritious |title=Delicious Nutritious |publisher=Woolworths Supermarkets |access-date=27 May 2019}}

• The Odd Bunch – This is a fresh produce brand which features fruit and vegetables, such as carrots, lemons and apples, that are oddly shaped or are otherwise imperfect. These products are sold at a cheaper price as a concession to this.{{cite web |url=https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/discover/our-brands/the-odd-bunch |title=The Odd Bunch |publisher=Woolworths Supermarkets |access-date=27 May 2019}}

Woolworths Temora 01.jpg|Woolworths supermarket and adjoining Woolworths Liquor in Temora, New South Wales

Butler Central Woolworths.jpg|A Woolworths store in a shopping centre in Butler, Western Australia

Woolworths Coolangatta 2019.jpg|Woolworths supermarket in Coolangatta, Queensland

File:Putaruru Countdown.jpg supermarket in Putaruru, New Zealand]]

• Woolworths NZ is the trading name in New Zealand. Woolworths also operated supermarket brands Foodtown and Woolworths until November 2011, which were rebranded as Countdown. On 18 July 2023, it was announced by Woolworths Group that Countdown will be rebranded Woolworths from early 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/au/en/media/latest-news/2023/countdown-to-woolworths.html|title=Countdown to Woolworths|publisher=Woolworths Group (Australia)|date=18 July 2023|access-date=28 August 2023}}

File:Woolworths Metro supermarket at the Central Park complex in Sydney July 2022.jpg store in Sydney]]

• Woolworths Metro is a chain of small format grocery stores launched in 2013. The first store opened in Sydney, and the chain now has over 90 stores across Australia as of August 2023. Three of them are former Thomas Dux stores, while others are mostly placed within central business districts.

File:Ampol Chatswood June 2022 2.jpg service station (Now rebranded to Foodary)]]

• Ampol Woolworths MetroGo was a chain of smaller Woolworths Metro convenience stores launched in March 2022, and were found exclusively in some Ampol service stations.{{cite web|url=https://www.ampol.com.au/about-ampol/news-and-media/ampol-woolworths-metrogo|title=MetroGo shifts into gear as Ampol and Woolworths Metro rebrand convenience stores|publisher=Ampol|date=17 March 2022|access-date=18 June 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/discover/metro-petrol|title=Ampol Woolworths MetroGo|website=Woolworths|access-date=18 June 2022}} These stores were owned and operated by Ampol (and previously Caltex Australia), and were first launched in November 2019 as Woolworths Metro stores.{{cite web|url=https://www.ampol.com.au/about-ampol/news-and-media/caltex-woolworths-metro-north-ryde|title=Caltex and Woolworths Welcome Customers to The New Age of Convenience|publisher=Ampol|date=13 November 2019|access-date=19 June 2022}} The chain had over 50 stores across Australia. On 28 August 2023, it was announced in the 2023 Half Year Results that all 50 Ampol Woolworths MetroGo stores would be rebranded to Foodary.{{cite web|url=https://wcsecure.weblink.com.au/clients/ampol/headline.aspx?headlineid=21467373|title=ASX Release 2023: Half Year Results Presentation|publisher=Ampol|date=21 August 2023|access-date=28 August 2023}}

• Flemings was a chain of supermarkets in Sydney and the Central Coast. On 19 May 2020, the final store in Jannali closed and was replaced with a Woolworths Metro store.{{Cite web |last=Trembath |first=Murray |date=2020-05-08 |title=Farewell Flemings {{!}} Jannali grocery store last to close |url=https://www.theleader.com.au/story/6749802/farewell-flemings-jannali-grocery-store-last-to-close/ |url-access=registration |access-date=2020-05-19 |website=St George & Sutherland Shire Leader |language=en}}
• Food For Less was a discount supermarket chain located in Queensland and New South Wales. Since 2010 stores were either closed or rebranded to Woolworths, with the last store rebranded in 2018.
• Safeway was the trading name of Woolworths for most of their Victorian stores until 2017, when the last store in Wodonga, VIC rebranded to Woolworths.
• Thomas Dux was launched in 2008 in two New South Wales locations. The stores had a larger fresh food offering than traditional Woolworths stores, along with a larger delicatessen section.{{cite web|publisher=Inside Retailing|title=Woolworths to launch new grocery chain|date=13 December 2007|access-date=19 December 2007|url=http://www.insideretailing.com.au/articles-page.aspx?articleType=ArticleView&articleId=1912|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090420044633/http://www.insideretailing.com.au:80/articles-page.aspx?articleType=ArticleView&articleId=1912|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 April 2009}} At its peak the chain had 11 stores. From 2014, the stores gradually closed and the chain ceased operation in late 2017. Three of the stores were retained under the "Woolworths Metro" brand; the other seven were either closed entirely or sold to other businesses. In 2021 however, the former Thomas Dux site at Black Rock, Victoria, which was retained as a "Woolworths Metro" store, was closed and is thought to be being replaced by a BWS or Dan Murphy's liquor outlet.
• Caltex Woolworths, a joint venture with Ampol (previously Caltex Australia), operated service stations across Australia. Woolworths sold the operation to the EG Group in April 2019 which has since been renamed EG Australia. Woolworths and EG entered a 15-year agreement that would maintain its fuel discount redemption across the network, and enable Woolworths Rewards points to be earned on fuel transactions across its network.{{cite web|url=https://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/page/media/Latest_News/woolworths-group-to-sell-petrol-business-and-enter-into-commercial-alliance-with-eg-group|title=Woolworths Group to sell Petrol business and enter into commercial alliance with EG Group|publisher=Woolworths Group|date=9 November 2018|access-date=4 March 2020}} The sites were rebranded to EG Ampol.
• Caltex Safeway operated service stations in Victoria until it was converted to Caltex Woolworths in 2008–2010.
• Roelf Vos and Purity were trading names used in Tasmania prior to being rebranded as Woolworths in 2000.
• Woolworths Supermarket Liquor (including former Safeway Liquor in Victoria) was a liquor division of Woolworths with stores attached to its supermarkets, until all 475 stores were rebranded as BWS in 2012–2013.{{cite web|url=https://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/icms_docs/183561_Annual_Report_2013.pdf|title=Annual Report 2013|publisher=Woolworths Limited|page=21|access-date=1 July 2022|archive-date=1 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701012500/https://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/icms_docs/183561_Annual_Report_2013.pdf|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/icms_docs/184187_FY_13_Half_Year_Profit_Presentation.pdf|title=Company Results Half Year Ended 30 December 2012|publisher=Woolworths Limited|page=19|access-date=1 July 2022|archive-date=14 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814153714/https://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/icms_docs/184187_FY_13_Half_Year_Profit_Presentation.pdf|url-status=dead}}
• Woolworths MetroGo was a convenience store based of Ampol. Formed as a smaller version of Woolworths Metro, MetroGo was more of a convenience store. They had stores in New South Wales and Victoria. It met its fate when all sites were rebranded to Foodary.

In July 2020, Woolworths were found guilty of breaching spam laws in excess of 5 million times and failing to unsubscribe customers from their mailing lists when requested to do so. The Australian Communications & Media Authority (ACMA) found Woolworths had unlawfully spammed more than a million customers between October 2018 and July 2019.{{cite web |url=https://smh.com.au/business/companies/woolworths-hit-with-record-1-million-fine-for-spamming-customers-20200701-p557yf.html |title=Woolworths hit with record $1 million fine for spamming customers |work=Sydney Morning Herald |date=1 July 2020 |access-date=2 July 2020 |author=Mills Turbet, Hanna}} The supermarket was found to have repeatedly ignored consumers who had tried to prevent receipt of marketing emails and had not attempted to improve, despite the ACMA notifying the company that they had received customer complaints. The company was fined $1,003,800.

ACMA chairman Nerida O'Loughlin said of the violation:

"The spam rules have been in place for 17 years and Woolworths is a large and sophisticated organisation. The scale and prolonged nature of the non-compliance is inexcusable."

In 2019, Woolworths admitted to having underpaid 5,700 of its employees by up to 300 million dollars from 2010 to 2019.{{cite news |last1=Bonyhady |first1=Nick |date=18 June 2021 |title=Wages ombudsman takes Woolworths to court over underpayments |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/wages-ombudsman-takes-woolworths-to-court-over-underpayments-20210618-p5824u.html |url-access=limited |access-date=2 April 2023 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Ryan |first1=Peter |last2=Chau |first2=David |title='We unreservedly apologise': Woolies admits underpaying staff up to $300m over nine years |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-10-30/woolworths-underpays-5700-staff-up-to-300-million-dollars/11652656 |access-date=18 November 2024 |work=ABC News |date=29 October 2019 |language=en-AU}}

In 2024, Woolworths admitted to underpaying staff by $1.24 million in long service leave entitlements between November 2018 and January 2023. More than a thousand employees in Victoria were affected, and Wage Inspectorate Victoria fined Woolworths $1.263 million.{{cite news |last1=Wong |first1=Leanne |title=Woolworths fined $1.2 million over 'gross failure' to pay Victorian staff entitlements |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-26/woolworths-underpayment-long-service-leave-court-penalty/103772456 |access-date=18 November 2024 |work=ABC News |date=26 April 2024 |language=en-AU}}{{cite web |title=Woolworths fined $1.263 million for underpaying $1 million in long service leave |url=https://www.vic.gov.au/woolworths-fined-1263-million-underpaying-1-million-long-service-leave |website=www.vic.gov.au |publisher=Wage Inspectorate Victoria |language=en-AU |date=26 April 2024}}

In 2023, Woolworths came under scrutiny for converting some of its full-size stores into the smaller Woolworths Metro format stores. Woolworths Metro stores typically stock a lesser range of products and have a different pricing structure than the full format stores.{{cite news |last1=Brook |first1=Benedict |title=Wages ombudsman takes Woolworths to court over underpayments |url=https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/retail/woolworths-plans-to-convert-more-stores-to-metro-format/news-story/c360f4220fbdf2d8ee4aa73a7adbdd4f |access-date=9 November 2023 |work=news.com.au |date=30 June 2023 |language=en}} In August 2023, residents in Alexandria protested the planned conversion of their local Woolworths to a Woolworths Metro. A petition, promoted by local community groups, gathered over 1600 signatures, with support from the City of Sydney mayor, Clover Moore. Despite the community feedback, Woolworths pushed through with the Metro conversion.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-25 |title=Supermarkets record huge profits as Australians face cost of living crisis |url=https://www.9news.com.au/finance/supermarket-coles-woolworths-profits-consumer-expense-inflation-interest-rates/178f1e88-2206-40ac-b288-714342877d52#:~:text=Coles%20and%20Woolworths%20both%20claimed,increase%20in%20grocery%20product%20costs. |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=www.9news.com.au}}{{Cite web |date=2023-08-29 |title=Major change coming to some Sydney supermarkets - and not everyone is happy |url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/more-woolworths-metro-stores-to-roll-out-across-suburb-sydney-suburbs/cdb98160-32ae-4545-9a59-95b62722471d |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=www.9news.com.au}}

On 10 January 2024, Woolworths Group announced that Woolworths supermarkets and Big W would no longer be stocking Australia Day-themed merchandise, citing declining demand and the broader discussion about the national holiday.{{cite news|last=Antrobus|first=Blake|date=10 January 2024|title=Woolworths dumps Australia Day merchandise from all stores, cites 'gradual decline' in demand|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/woolworths-dumps-australia-day-merchandise-from-all-stores-cites-gradual-decline-in-demand/news-story/fc387453c94309174f0858cba8bfb78c|work=The Australian|location= |access-date=10 January 2024}} The decision caused some controversy, with Liberal opposition leader Peter Dutton calling for a boycott for its decision{{Cite web |last=Ireland |first=Matthew Knott, Olivia |date=2024-01-11 |title=Dutton’s Australia Day boycott of Woolworths blasted as ‘culture war’ division |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/dutton-calls-for-boycott-of-woolworths-for-not-selling-australia-day-items-20240111-p5ewlh.html |url-access=limited |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/jan/11/woolworths-big-w-australia-day-merchandise-dropped-sale-peter-dutton-boycott-calls | title=Peter Dutton calls for boycott of Woolworths after Australia Day merchandise dropped | newspaper=The Guardian | date=11 January 2024 | last1=Butler | first1=Josh }}{{Cite news |date=2024-01-11 |title=Dutton wants people to 'boycott Woolworths', but it's not the only company backing away from Australia Day |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-11/woolworths-big-w-shops-australia-day-merch-sales-decision/103309612 |access-date=2025-02-09 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}{{Cite web |date=2024-01-11 |title=Dutton calls for Woolworths boycott after Australia Day merchandise dropped |url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/australia-day-woolworths-drops-products/46a83c7c-41ee-46ac-b441-960c4a2214e7 |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=www.9news.com.au}} and vandalism to two stores in Brisbane.{{cite news|url=https://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/crime/two-woolworths-stores-defaced-over-australia-day-merchandise/news-story/5e2f3261bacef7215d92ca293d32f1b3|title=Two Woolworths stores defaced over Australia Day merchandise|date=2024-01-16|access-date=2024-01-16|publisher=news.com.au}}{{cite news|url=https://7news.com.au/news/second-brisbane-woolworths-targeted-with-graffiti-after-supermarket-announced-it-would-stop-selling-australia-day-merchandise--c-13229407|title=Second Brisbane Woolworths targeted with graffiti after supermarket announced it would stop selling Australia Day merchandise|publisher=7news|date=2024-01-15|access-date=2024-01-16}}{{cite news |date=2024-01-15 |title=Brisbane Woolworths store vandalised with graffiti amid Australia Day merchandise controversy |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-15/qld-graffiti-woolworths-australia-day-boycott-peter-dutton/103319654 |access-date=2024-01-15 |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}}

Both Woolworths and Coles Supermarkets have come under scrutiny in 2023–2025 due to their alleged collaboration in price gouging. Together, the two form a duopoly in the Australian supermarket industry colloquially known as Colesworth.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoo6XVxpiU8 |title=The cost of living with Coles and Woolworths {{!}} Four Corners |language=en |access-date=2024-03-30 |via=www.youtube.com}} The supermarket chain claims this is an ongoing effect of the global 2021–2023 inflation.

CEO Brad Banducci was interviewed on the news program Four Corners in February 2024 and subsequently walked out mid interview, but later returned after being coaxed into returning to complete the interview. He subsequently announced his intention to resign from the position in September of that year with the managing director of e-commerce and loyalty, Amanda Bardwell replacing him as CEO.{{cite news |last=Jolly |first=Nathan |date=2024-02-21 |title=Brad Banducci quits as Woolworths CEO after trainwreck ABC interview |url=https://mumbrella.com.au/breaking-brad-banducci-quits-as-woolworths-ceo-816628 |access-date=2024-02-21 |publisher=mumbrella}}

In September 2024, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) brought legal action against Woolworths, accusing the supermarket of misleading customers on discounts through their Prices Dropped promotions.{{Cite news |last1=Barrett |first1=Jonathan |last2=Butler |first2=Josh |date=2024-09-23 |title=ACCC sues Coles and Woolworths over allegations of 'illusory' discounts on common products |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/sep/23/accc-suing-coles-woolworths-discounts-misleading |access-date=2024-09-24 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} The ACCC claimed that prices under the promotion were subjected to sequential price rises of at least 15 percent for brief periods. It is also alleged that 266 products over a 20 month period were affected by the misconduct committed by the supermarket giant.{{Cite web |date=23 September 2024 |title=ACCC takes Woolworths and Coles to court over alleged misleading 'Prices Dropped' and 'Down Down' claims. |url=https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/accc-takes-woolworths-and-coles-to-court-over-alleged-misleading-prices-dropped-and-down-down-claims#:~:text=The%20ACCC%20alleges%20that%20Woolworths,September%202021%20and%20May%202023. |access-date=24 November 2024 |website=accc.gov.au}}

==See also==

{{portal|Australia|Companies|Supermarkets}}

• List of supermarket chains in Oceania

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website|https://www.woolworths.com.au/}}

{{portalbar|Supermarkets|Companies}}

{{Woolworths}}

{{Supermarkets in Australia}}

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Category:Supermarkets of Australia

Category:Woolworths Group (Australia)

Category:Food and drink companies established in 1924

Category:Retail companies established in 1924

Category:Australian companies established in 1924

Category:Australian grocers