Deli dilemma: Woolworths' online shift sparks shopper outcry!
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In the bustling aisles of Woolworths supermarkets across Australia, the deli counter stands as a beacon of freshness and flavour, enticing shoppers with an array of gourmet cheeses, savoury meats, and delectable antipasti.
As a cornerstone of the grocery shopping experience, Woolworths' deli counter has long been revered for its quality offerings and personalized service.
However, recent changes to the way customers can access deli items both in-store and online have left many questioning the future of this beloved department.
Woolworths’ decision to remove the option for shoppers to purchase deli counter items through online orders was met with a wave of discontent from thousands of customers nationwide.
The supermarket giant's spokesperson communicated that this move is part of a broader review aimed at enhancing the freshness of deli goods delivered to homes.
‘ We’re listening to the customer feedback and always looking at ways to improve the freshness of the deli goods we have for home delivery,’ the spokesperson stated.
‘We’re undertaking a review of our delivery processes so we can continue to ensure we’re providing the best offering for our customers.’
‘Where we can, we will offer customers a suitable alternative if their preferred choice is not currently available,’ they added.
However, the promise of a review and potential alternatives did little to quell the frustration felt by many.
Disgruntled shoppers took to social media platforms to express their dissatisfaction and concern over the change, highlighting the inconvenience it poses, especially to those who are unable to visit the stores in person.
One shopper lamented, 'How come we can no longer buy deli items or your fresh baked bread like sourdough via online shopping?'
‘Can you tell me why I can’t buy any deli ham online at the Devonport store, please? There’s only some of the range of ham that’s available in-store and the rest isn’t available at all. It’s really inconvenient to people who can’t physically go in,’ another commented.
‘What’s with not more deliveries of deli sliced meat? Is kind of a staple for everyone,’ a third said.
‘I haven’t been able to purchase most deli items for over three weeks,’ added another.
The controversy came on the heels of Woolworths' trial of Deli Express sections in select Queensland stores last year.
This trial was initiated in response to what appears to be a shift in consumer behaviour, with sales of pre-packaged products reportedly on the rise and service sales, including those from the fresh deli counter, on a downward trend over the years.
While Woolworths has not reported any employee impacts as a result of the Deli Express trial, the current change has certainly impacted customer satisfaction.
Have you been affected by Woolworths' deli department change? How have you adapted your shopping habits? We encourage you to share your experiences and tips for navigating these changes in the comments below.
As a cornerstone of the grocery shopping experience, Woolworths' deli counter has long been revered for its quality offerings and personalized service.
However, recent changes to the way customers can access deli items both in-store and online have left many questioning the future of this beloved department.
Woolworths’ decision to remove the option for shoppers to purchase deli counter items through online orders was met with a wave of discontent from thousands of customers nationwide.
The supermarket giant's spokesperson communicated that this move is part of a broader review aimed at enhancing the freshness of deli goods delivered to homes.
Shoppers were outraged after Woolworths confirmed major change in its deli departments. Credits: Shutterstock
‘ We’re listening to the customer feedback and always looking at ways to improve the freshness of the deli goods we have for home delivery,’ the spokesperson stated.
‘We’re undertaking a review of our delivery processes so we can continue to ensure we’re providing the best offering for our customers.’
‘Where we can, we will offer customers a suitable alternative if their preferred choice is not currently available,’ they added.
However, the promise of a review and potential alternatives did little to quell the frustration felt by many.
Disgruntled shoppers took to social media platforms to express their dissatisfaction and concern over the change, highlighting the inconvenience it poses, especially to those who are unable to visit the stores in person.
One shopper lamented, 'How come we can no longer buy deli items or your fresh baked bread like sourdough via online shopping?'
‘Can you tell me why I can’t buy any deli ham online at the Devonport store, please? There’s only some of the range of ham that’s available in-store and the rest isn’t available at all. It’s really inconvenient to people who can’t physically go in,’ another commented.
‘What’s with not more deliveries of deli sliced meat? Is kind of a staple for everyone,’ a third said.
‘I haven’t been able to purchase most deli items for over three weeks,’ added another.
The controversy came on the heels of Woolworths' trial of Deli Express sections in select Queensland stores last year.
This trial was initiated in response to what appears to be a shift in consumer behaviour, with sales of pre-packaged products reportedly on the rise and service sales, including those from the fresh deli counter, on a downward trend over the years.
While Woolworths has not reported any employee impacts as a result of the Deli Express trial, the current change has certainly impacted customer satisfaction.
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