Woolworths has opened a new convenience format store in Sydney in what appears to be a successful but low-key event. C&I WEEK visited Woolworths Central for a late lunch on 17 December to find the store experiencing a fairly brisk level of trade. The self-service checkouts were experiencing a constant stream of customers and at times customers queued at the two manned cashier points.
Above left: The window signage of Sydney’s Woolworths convenience format small store reads ‘We’ll wait up for you. Open 24 hours’. Above right: under-awning signage brands the store with its Central Station location.
Immediately inside the doors, the café is prominent and features an attractive black tiled wall and stainless steel décor. With both an internal and a street facing service area, the café appeared to be trading at a fairly constant rate.
As customers enter the store, newspapers are in easy reach and attractive food to go offers fill the display stands nearest the entry. On a nearby wall, hot soup and a bread roll is on offer at $4.50. Further in there is a good range of pre-prepared ready to reheat meals. Good use has been made of the impulse areas around the self-service checkouts with Perspex bubble display holders filled with small treats. The space around the full service cashier desks is utilized to maximize impulse purchases with a good range of single serve confectionery.
In addition to a café offering, the store boasts a bakery, sandwiches and wraps, salads, hot soup, hot pies, ready meals, groceries, fresh meat and fruit and veg. There is also a strong personal care and household needs section and for those so inclined the store could easily satisfy most day to day needs.
The store trades 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is located just metres from a 7-Eleven and Sydney’s Central Station.
Above, the café viewed from within Woolworths Central
Hot Soup and a freshly baked bread roll make a quick lunch or light dinner, priced at just $4.50
A varied chilled drink offer
Grocery, confectionery and biscuits
Personal care (left aisle) and household needs (right aisle)
Ready to heat meals
Lunch to go