SunLive: Woolworths Greerton store to close next month

Woolworths Greerton supermarket will close next month and regular shoppers say the “unbelievable” and “devastating” news has them worried about the impact of the decision, especially for those with mobility issues.

This was reported by a representative of FIRST Union. Bay of Plenty Times some employees have worked at the supermarket for more than two decades.

A Woolworths New Zealand spokesman said the company’s 38-employee Cameron Rd store in Greerton, Tauranga, would close in mid-November. The exact date has not been determined.

“Our Greerton store has been serving our customers well for many years, but local customers’ shopping preferences have changed.

“Looking to the future, with the current lease expiring in December, we believe it makes sense to consolidate our offer to customers in the area.”

The spokesman said Woolworths NZ’s priority was to support affected staff.

“We will contact our customers directly closer to the (closing) date.

“And we will work individually with each of the 38 team members at our Greerton store to transition them into new roles at nearby Woolworths stores where possible.”

A spokesman said the company had recently refurbished the nearby Fraser Cove store and looked forward to serving customers there and at other local Woolworths stores “as we consolidate Woolworths’ presence in the Tauranga area”.

FIRST Union Bay of Plenty organizer Hayley Derry said half of the 38 staff at the Woolworths Greerton store were FIRST Union members.

“We will work with the company to ensure redeployment can be made to other local stores where possible, and any other members who choose to make redundancies are supported throughout the process.

“It is sad to see stores closing in a fast-growing area like the Bay of Plenty and it will be a loss for the local Greerton community.

“Some of our members have worked at this store for over two decades. And we hope that the closure process will take into account their considerable efforts and expertise and ensure that workers are not disadvantaged in any way.”

Greerton Mainstreet Chair Rebecca Busby. Photo / Greerton Mainstreet.

New Greerton Mainstreet chairwoman Rebecca Busby was sad to learn of the closure.

“This will undoubtedly have an impact on both our local community and local businesses.

“Over the years the supermarket has been an important anchor for the area, attracting foot traffic to our village and indirectly contributing to the livelihood of nearby shops.”

Busby was concerned that the closure could lead to customers changing their habits and visiting other areas.

“However, we hope this can create opportunities for local businesses to come together and innovate in the way they engage with the community, especially given Greerton Village’s unique offering.

“We will be actively working on customer attraction initiatives that continue to make Greerton a vibrant and welcoming place to visit.”

Busby said the closure was a reminder of how much the retail landscape is changing and “how we all need to find ways to adapt.”

“On a personal note, as a regular customer at the store, I will miss the convenience and variety of products. But more than that, the sense of community is fostered here thanks to the wonderful staff. I sincerely hope they are all happy in their next steps.”

Buyers react to closure

Greerton local Ross Roycroft was saddened to learn of the closure, which he said would affect “many pensioners”, especially those with mobility issues and those unable to get to the nearest supermarket.

“It’s probably in Fraser Bay or Gate Pa, about 2km from here. For them, as for many other people, this will be a big change.”

Woolworths Greerton shopper Pat Clifton says she’s not happy the supermarket she’s shopped at for more than 20 years will close next month. Photo / Sandra Conchi.

Another regular customer is Pat Clifton, 88, from Pemberton Crescent.

“I’m not very happy about the closure at all. I have been shopping at this supermarket for over 20 years since it opened.”

Clifton said it takes her about 20 minutes to walk to the store using her walker.

“I usually shop here about three times a week because I can’t carry a lot of things with me. I go to the supermarket because it is good for my health and I want to maintain my independence.

“It’s incredible that the store is closing and my heart goes out to the lovely staff and I hope they all get new jobs.”

Clifton was worried about how she and her neighbors would adjust to shopping at other supermarkets some distance away.

Regular Woolworths Greerton shopper Annette Fillingham says she is devastated by the news the store will close next month. Photo / Sandra Conchi.

Greerton Village resident Annette Fillingham has been shopping at Woolworths Greerton for about 11 years.

“This is terrible news as I have mobility issues and we rely on this supermarket for our weekly shopping.

“It would take a lot of extra time and effort to get the bus to another supermarket, probably in Fraser Harbor. Closing is very inconvenient.”

“We all hope that another supermarket will open on the same site,” she said.

Another regular shopper, who wanted to be identified only as Irene, said her walking difficulties made her “very anxious” about shopping in an unfamiliar large supermarket.

“To be honest, I spent a couple of sleepless nights worrying about it. I’ve tried shopping online, but it doesn’t always work in your favor as sometimes my first preferences aren’t available and it doesn’t always work out cheaper.”

Pat Jacques, a longtime employee of the Bay Hobby Store, said he mainly buys tea, coffee and assorted paper from the supermarket.

“But there will be a lot of people on scooters and Zimmer frame users who will be heavily dependent on this supermarket’s supply.”

He said the Cameron Road site occupied by the Woolworths supermarket was a “very valuable” and advantageous location given the amount of parking.

“I’m pretty sure it will be bought by another supermarket chain or a major retailer to refurbish it.”

–Bay of Plenty Times