Woolworths has confirmed its Katoomba and Leura stores will not be closing and there will be no job losses at these stores.
Late last month the company said it would shed 500 jobs in its administration and supply chain and close 21 Australian supermarkets in a major restructure.
“We are now looking to close 17 under-performing stores across Australia over the next year,” the spokesman said. “Our Woolworths stores at Leura and Katoomba are unaffected by the announcement.
“Woolworths operates more than 970 supermarkets, and will still open 45 new supermarkets over the next three years. We will continue to employ 180,000 Australians.”
Woolworths also indicated it would close five under-performing Big W stores.
The spokesman would not comment on the fate of Katoomba’s Big W.
As part of the restructure, a new operating model will introduce long-term performance measures, including sales per square metre, and return on funds employed, it was also reported.
Chief executive Brad Banducci said the group was still committed to opening new stores, but at half the pace that had previously been scheduled. Its focus will now be on refurbishing existing stores, Fairfax Media reported.
Meanwhile, the mystery continues around the vacant site in Raymond Road, Springwood, following the closure of the Supa IGA supermarket in June.
The Woolworths spokesman would not comment on whether the company was interested in opening a store in this location.
