Supermarkets often undergo makeovers to keep things fresh. They may apply a new coat of paint, update signage, and improve aisle labels.

However, when Woolworths Australia announced changes to their New Zealand stores, it was more than just a facelift—it was a massive $371 million makeover!

We frequently hear about mergers, collaborations, and closures in the ever-changing supermarket industry. While we appreciate the competition among companies, which often leads to better prices for customers, it's also refreshing to hear good news.

That's why Woolworths Australia's significant commitment to New Zealand is a cause for celebration. It's yet another positive step for the trans-Tasman relationship.

So, what does this move mean exactly?

The supermarket giant has announced a huge change to its NZ stores in a $371m transformation plan. Credit: Shutterstock.

Woolworths Australia is putting their weight behind this venture, spending almost $400 million NZD (that's $371 million AUD!) on a complete transformation plan. They've been operating in New Zealand for quite some time—under the name 'Countdown'—and now they're planning to change the brand back to Woolworths.

But it doesn't stop there, as the supermarket giant is also looking to make real and tangible changes to the way their trans-Tasman customers can shop.

Woolworths are aiming to provide more value for the people of New Zealand with the launch of a loyalty program and Everyday Rewards.

To make this happen, they'll be bringing in 22,000 new workers, which is a huge undertaking. Additionally, they're also looking to improve their online shopping service and open a state-of-the-art fresh food distribution centre in Christchurch in early 2024.

So, it looks like life in the land of the long white cloud is about to get a whole lot better!

Marketing Director of Countdown and Woolworths Group New Zealand, Spencer Sonn, said the move is part of a larger effort to increase customer satisfaction.

'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.'

'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.' he continued.

This significant news comes in the wake of the New Zealand Commerce Commission's comprehensive market study on the supermarket sector, which revealed that the operators were generating a surplus of NZ$430 million ($399 million AUD) in profit.

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths Australia is set to spend $371 million on a substantial transformation of its New Zealand stores.
• Woolworths has been operating in New Zealand as 'Countdown' since 2011 but plans to change back to the Woolworths brand, with older supermarkets set for the change first in early 2024.
• The decision comes in response to findings by the New Zealand Commerce Commission of excessive profits in the supermarket sector, and Woolworths claims it will offer more value to customers with a new loyalty program and the introduction of 'everyday rewards' for NZ shoppers.
• The supermarket will enhance its online shopping options, starting with a new distribution centre in Christchurch in 2024. The company also aims to deepen its connection to local communities and increase its commitment to high-quality fresh produce.

Members, if you or someone you know are in New Zealand, we definitely recommend keeping an eye out for changes to your local Countdown store in the coming months. What do you think of this change? Let us know in the comments below!

 

[Muzzza351]

Another Flippant waste of money by these behemoths. Who is paying for this . The Customer. On top of this they will still make huge profit. Wake up Customers Shop somewhere else.

 

[darrellh]

This is a double cost having already paid to change from Woolworths to Countdown many years ago and now they are paying countless millions again to change back. It really does beggar belief and surely the money could be better spent. I know we here would be unanimous on our answer here! An obscene waste of money.

 

[Staffordshire Whippet]

Thet would make the fourth (or us ut the fufth?... or suxth?) change of name for thus chain un the forty years sunce I feerst incountered ut over The Dutch, Bro'..... Ut's a but like putting lupstuck on a pug.

 

[Shane/#]

Supermarkets often undergo makeovers to keep things fresh. They may apply a new coat of paint, update signage, and improve aisle labels.

However, when Woolworths Australia announced changes to their New Zealand stores, it was more than just a facelift—it was a massive $371 million makeover!

We frequently hear about mergers, collaborations, and closures in the ever-changing supermarket industry. While we appreciate the competition among companies, which often leads to better prices for customers, it's also refreshing to hear good news.

That's why Woolworths Australia's significant commitment to New Zealand is a cause for celebration. It's yet another positive step for the trans-Tasman relationship.

So, what does this move mean exactly?

View attachment 25506

The supermarket giant has announced a huge change to its NZ stores in a $371m transformation plan. Credit: Shutterstock.

Woolworths Australia is putting their weight behind this venture, spending almost $400 million NZD (that's $371 million AUD!) on a complete transformation plan. They've been operating in New Zealand for quite some time—under the name 'Countdown'—and now they're planning to change the brand back to Woolworths.

But it doesn't stop there, as the supermarket giant is also looking to make real and tangible changes to the way their trans-Tasman customers can shop.

Woolworths are aiming to provide more value for the people of New Zealand with the launch of a loyalty program and Everyday Rewards.

To make this happen, they'll be bringing in 22,000 new workers, which is a huge undertaking. Additionally, they're also looking to improve their online shopping service and open a state-of-the-art fresh food distribution centre in Christchurch in early 2024.

So, it looks like life in the land of the long white cloud is about to get a whole lot better!

Marketing Director of Countdown and Woolworths Group New Zealand, Spencer Sonn, said the move is part of a larger effort to increase customer satisfaction.

'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.'

'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.' he continued.

This significant news comes in the wake of the New Zealand Commerce Commission's comprehensive market study on the supermarket sector, which revealed that the operators were generating a surplus of NZ$430 million ($399 million AUD) in profit.

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths Australia is set to spend $371 million on a substantial transformation of its New Zealand stores.
• Woolworths has been operating in New Zealand as 'Countdown' since 2011 but plans to change back to the Woolworths brand, with older supermarkets set for the change first in early 2024.
• The decision comes in response to findings by the New Zealand Commerce Commission of excessive profits in the supermarket sector, and Woolworths claims it will offer more value to customers with a new loyalty program and the introduction of 'everyday rewards' for NZ shoppers.
• The supermarket will enhance its online shopping options, starting with a new distribution centre in Christchurch in 2024. The company also aims to deepen its connection to local communities and increase its commitment to high-quality fresh produce.

Members, if you or someone you know are in New Zealand, we definitely recommend keeping an eye out for changes to your local Countdown store in the coming months. What do you think of this change? Let us know in the comments below!

Countdown what your bank account will their inflated prices

 

[Milica]

$371 million makeover - is this money from all the price hikes, taking away from customers being able to put good food on the table - it's pathetic, all superficial - just get on with doing the right thing Woolworths in looking after your customers so they can afford to do there weekly shopping. They would have been better off announcing that they where donating this amount or even half of this amount to Health, Housing, Homelessness, if they really want there Name to stand for giving a whatever... about the community and the customer that shops at there stores. Show us that the second half of your name (worths) is something you take pride in delivering to your customers.

 

[kevinwoodtufftyke52@gmail]

Supermarkets often undergo makeovers to keep things fresh. They may apply a new coat of paint, update signage, and improve aisle labels.

However, when Woolworths Australia announced changes to their New Zealand stores, it was more than just a facelift—it was a massive $371 million makeover!

We frequently hear about mergers, collaborations, and closures in the ever-changing supermarket industry. While we appreciate the competition among companies, which often leads to better prices for customers, it's also refreshing to hear good news.

That's why Woolworths Australia's significant commitment to New Zealand is a cause for celebration. It's yet another positive step for the trans-Tasman relationship.

So, what does this move mean exactly?

View attachment 25506

The supermarket giant has announced a huge change to its NZ stores in a $371m transformation plan. Credit: Shutterstock.

Woolworths Australia is putting their weight behind this venture, spending almost $400 million NZD (that's $371 million AUD!) on a complete transformation plan. They've been operating in New Zealand for quite some time—under the name 'Countdown'—and now they're planning to change the brand back to Woolworths.

But it doesn't stop there, as the supermarket giant is also looking to make real and tangible changes to the way their trans-Tasman customers can shop.

Woolworths are aiming to provide more value for the people of New Zealand with the launch of a loyalty program and Everyday Rewards.

To make this happen, they'll be bringing in 22,000 new workers, which is a huge undertaking. Additionally, they're also looking to improve their online shopping service and open a state-of-the-art fresh food distribution centre in Christchurch in early 2024.

So, it looks like life in the land of the long white cloud is about to get a whole lot better!

Marketing Director of Countdown and Woolworths Group New Zealand, Spencer Sonn, said the move is part of a larger effort to increase customer satisfaction.

'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.'

'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.' he continued.

This significant news comes in the wake of the New Zealand Commerce Commission's comprehensive market study on the supermarket sector, which revealed that the operators were generating a surplus of NZ$430 million ($399 million AUD) in profit.

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths Australia is set to spend $371 million on a substantial transformation of its New Zealand stores.
• Woolworths has been operating in New Zealand as 'Countdown' since 2011 but plans to change back to the Woolworths brand, with older supermarkets set for the change first in early 2024.
• The decision comes in response to findings by the New Zealand Commerce Commission of excessive profits in the supermarket sector, and Woolworths claims it will offer more value to customers with a new loyalty program and the introduction of 'everyday rewards' for NZ shoppers.
• The supermarket will enhance its online shopping options, starting with a new distribution centre in Christchurch in 2024. The company also aims to deepen its connection to local communities and increase its commitment to high-quality fresh produce.

Members, if you or someone you know are in New Zealand, we definitely recommend keeping an eye out for changes to your local Countdown store in the coming months. What do you think of this change? Let us know in the comments below!

They can afford to waste money on makeovers but CANNOT keep prices of their products low!

 

[Subduedshilo]

$371 million makeover - is this money from all the price hikes, taking away from customers being able to put good food on the table - it's pathetic, all superficial - just get on with doing the right thing Woolworths in looking after your customers so they can afford to do there weekly shopping. They would have been better off announcing that they where donating this amount or even half of this amount to Health, Housing, Homelessness, if they really want there Name to stand for giving a whatever... about the community and the customer that shops at there stores. Show us that the second half of your name (worths) is something you take pride in delivering to your customers.

Spot on!!