It was announced in July that Woolworths would spend $400 million on a transformation plan for upgrades, renovations, store safety and team enhancement.
The entire network of 194 Countdown stores will take a couple of years to switch their signage to Woolworths.
Woolworths New Zealand director of property Matt Grainger says as part of the supermarket’s transformation to Woolworths New Zealand, it is investing significantly in upgrading stores nationwide to provide a better experience for its team and customers.
“The upgrade of our Te Awamutu store is an example of this investment. We’ve undertaken a $6.2 million renovation to modernise our store and better meet the needs of our customers and team.
“It’s not just changing our signage to Woolworths — it’s about investing in improving our offer to our communities and providing the best supermarket experience.”
Woolworths Te Awamutu store manager Daniel Van Rooyen says the team are excited to be able to unveil the transformation of the store to the local community.
Woolworths Te Awamutu's store modernisation cost $6.2 million. Photo / Jesse Wood
“It’s really exciting that our customers will see and experience the full benefits of our upgraded store as they visit us in the busy run-up to Christmas. I know the team is really proud and keen to show what we can now offer,” Van Rooyen says.
“We’ve refurbished the store throughout, including new checkouts, new flooring and decor, introducing a health foods aisle and upgrading our fresh produce, deli, bakery, and seafood areas — to offer an enhanced shopping experience from start to finish.
“We’ve also added five undercover direct-to-boot car parks for customers to pick up orders — a popular move as online shopping grows in popularity due to its convenience. This service will go live early next year once the canopy over this area is completed.
“For our team, we’ve upgraded their amenities and cafe area.”
Team and customer safety was another significant consideration with the installation of bollards, double entry gates, and trolley locking.
Two dedicated courier parks have a separate store entry/exit to make it safer for drivers and the team.
As part of a company-wide focus on reducing food waste and addressing food security, Woolworths Te Awamutu partners with Kaivolution and Te Awamutu Foodbank to redirect food that cannot be sold but still good enough to eat, to help address hunger in the community.
At the relaunch, Woolworths Te Awamutu donated a trolley full of groceries to both groups help their work in the holiday season.
The store also donated a trolley of toys to its Operation Christmas appeal.
Woolworths Te Awamutu is at 180 Sloane St and is open 7am-10pm, seven days a week.
Woolworths has a long history in New Zealand, opening its first New Zealand store in Wellington in 1929.
