Woolworths says New Zealand’s Countdown Supermarkets will rebrand itself from early 2024 onwards as Woolworths Supermarkets New Zealand as it makes long-term commitments with its accelerated transformation program.
It notes the transformation includes more value for customers through a refreshed loyalty program with the launch of Everyday Rewards for New Zealand planned for early 2024.
Managing Director of Countdown and Woolworths Group New Zealand, Spencer Sonn, says the supermarket retailer has been working hard to become a better business and do more to meet customers’ needs and expectations, and now is the time to accelerate that change.
“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,” he adds.
“But 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.”
Woolworths says significant investment is planned with more than $NZ400 million over the next three years allocated to a renewal of the store network, with a focus on older stores across Aotearoa.
Additionally, customers will see more convenient e-commerce 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. This will complement the Auckland Fresh Distribution Centre which opened in 2022.
Woolworths has a long history in New Zealand, opening its first store in Wellington in 1929, and now operating 194 Countdown supermarkets across the country, says Woolworths Group CEO, Brad Banducci.
“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,” he adds.
“The next stage of our transformation and the rebranding of our stores to Woolworth Supermarkets New Zealand, means we’re doubling down on our trans-Tasman connection to bring the very best to our Kiwi customers.”
Individual signage changes at Countdown supermarkets around New Zealand will begin in the coming months, and the entire network planned for the next couple of years.
For more information on Woolworths, click here.