Woolworths To Close 6 Countdown Supermarkets

Six Countdown supermarkets will be closed before the end of their lease terms.

Australian parent company Woolworths announced to the ASX a A$1 billion plan to boost its bottom line that includes cutting 500 jobs in Australia and New Zealand.

Countdown spokesman James Walker said the six supermarkets to close in New Zealand includes Rangiora Central, which will close on October 2, and Countdown Waihi, which has already been shut.

He wouldn't name the other four supermarkets for commercial reasons.

The number of staff affected was not given, but Walker said Countdown would work to transfer staff to other locations where possible.

"We close stores to enable the redevelopment of stores and build new stores," Walker continued.

"Countdown will open three new stores and two replacement stores in FY17, which will create new employment opportunities. We anticipate our employment numbers to continue to increase over the next financial year, we recently announced the creation of 600 new jobs."

Woolworths also announced it will "explore options" to sell clothing retailer EziBuy.

Read the full story at nzherald.co.nz