Woolworths sent 15 staff to check out rival IGAs in one day
Woolworths sent 10-15 uniformed staff to two IGAs on September 1. They took photos. Owners say this was intimidating.
Security footage shows Woolworths staff at Tucker Fresh IGA Broadway on September 1. This happened during peak trading time.
They photographed displays and aisles. The IGA's executive partner said the group was not discreet.
It also disrupted customers. On the same day, similar footage captured Woolworths staff at Taylor Road IGA in Nedlands.
They checked produce stands and took photos. Taylor Road IGA owners James and Rita Kelly reported the visits to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
They said Woolworths was gathering information on competitors. Woolworths said market research is common in retail.
But the company expects staff to be respectful. The timing is awkward.
Woolworths is opening a new 4000-square-metre store just one kilometre from the Taylor Road location.
- 10-15 uniformed employees
- Staff sent to IGAs
- September 1
- Date of visits
- 4000 square metres
- Woolworths new store size
Why it mattersIf large supermarkets use intimidating tactics to gather information on small rivals, it may break competition law. It could squeeze independent retailers out of their own markets.
AustraliaAustralian shoppers rely on independent grocers for choice and price competition, and if big chains drive them out, communities lose options and prices could rise.
Corroborated by7news.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 7 h ago
