In April, Woolworths confirmed that approximately 30 Big W stores would close over the next three years, in addition to two distribution centres in Warwick QLD and Monarto SA, that will close at the end of their leases. This represents around 16% of the current network.
In July, Chullora, Auburn and Fairfield stores in Sydney were confirmed as the first three stores impacted by the announcement and are due to close in January 2020.
Big W managing director, David Walker acknowledged the support of these communities and the hard work and commitment of the store team members.
Woolworths group CEO, Brad Banducci said while the recovery in trading for Big W is encouraging, there remains further opportunity for improvement and the speed of conversion to earnings improvement is taking longer than planned.
The decision will lead to a more robust and sustainable store and DC network that better reflects the rapidly changing retail environment, he said.
