What is Woolworths in Australia?
Woolworths is Australia's largest supermarket chain, with around a thousand stores across the country. Founded in Sydney in 1924, it is often called Woolies and markets itself as the Fresh Food People.
The first store opened in the Imperial Arcade in Sydney in December 1924 as a variety store selling cheap household goods. The founders borrowed the name of the American Woolworth chain, although the companies were not related.
Over time, Woolworths moved into groceries and opened supermarkets, becoming one of the most powerful retailers in the country. It now operates as part of Woolworths Group.
Retail empire
Woolworths Group also owns Big W discount department stores and has had interests in liquor, hotels and hardware in the past. Its Endeavour Group liquor and hotels business, including Dan Murphy's and BWS, was demerged in 2021.
Woolworths and Coles together control a large share of the Australian grocery market. This duopoly has been criticized for its power over suppliers and prices, and was the subject of inquiries into supermarket pricing in 2024.
The company runs the Everyday Rewards loyalty program and has expanded online shopping and home delivery. Woolworths also operates supermarkets in New Zealand under the Woolworths and formerly Countdown brands.
Did You Know?
Woolworths' green apple-style logo was introduced in 2008.