Abstract

This case is about Woolworths Limited (Woolworths), the leading retailer in Australia. It discusses the transition of Woolworths from a chain of small variety stores to big supermarkets, and details its growth strategies. Woolworths, well known as the ‘fresh food people’ in Australia, was established in 1924. Its businesses included supermarkets, consumer electronics stores, discount department stores, petroleum and liquor outlets, and hotels. The case discusses the operating divisions of Woolworths that included supermarkets, general merchandise and consumer electronics, and hotels. It also details some of the strategies that Woolworths adopted in the areas of supply chain and pricing, that helped it provide the customers with wide choice, high quality, and reasonable prices. The case also outlines the challenges faced by Woolworths in the Australian retail market.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the factors behind the growth of Woolworths
• Understand Woolworths’ operations and operational strategies
• Analyze the supply chain practices adopted by Woolworths
• and Determine the challenges faced by Woolworths in the competitive Australian retail market.

Keywords

Operations, Operational strategies, Retail operations, store operations, Supply chain management, distribution, EDLP, uniform pricing system, technology, Retail, Woolworths , Australia