Buderim Woolies backs move to metro store set-up

A supermarket spokesman has backed the decision for a Sunshine Coast store to go “metro”, amid shopper backlash, insisting customers will still be able to complete a full shop.

The Buderim Woolworths is changing to a metro supermarket. Picture: File

A controversial move by a supermarket giant to change a Sunshine Coast suburban store has caused customers to complain there are fewer options on the shelves.

The Woolworths store at Buderim is transitioning to a metro store and some shoppers have vowed to go elsewhere in order to buy their regular groceries.

Woolworths, however, is reassuring customers that they can still do a “full shop” at the supermarket.

Metro stores are described by Woolworths as offering more local produce as well as easy dinner and entertaining options.

Buderim resident Alison Peckover said she had already noticed a bulk of the items she usually buys missing.

Alison Peckover says she has noticed “a bulk” of items she usually buys is missing from the Buderim Woolworths. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“I’m really thinking of going to Coles,” Ms Peckover said.

“The older people too are finding it really difficult to find what they are looking for, everything that they normally know where to find has been moved.

Woolworths Buderim is changing to a metro store. Picture: Joel Carrett

“There’s just a few regular items that have just disappeared, so yeah it hasn’t been for the better.”

Buderim resident Chrissi Hobba said she was surprised the coastal village was suitable for a metro store.

“The trade off seems to be they will stock more local produce,” Ms Hobba said.

“I cook from scratch so if Woolworths don’t carry what I need I will definitely go elsewhere.”

Woolworths metro director Justin Nolan said some products had been removed from the shelves over recent weeks as the store transitions.

“First up, we’d really like to thank our customers for their patience during the past couple of weeks as we’ve swapped in some new products and removed ones that weren’t popular,” Mr Nolan said.

“We had our team on hand to help customers find their way around the changes, along with updated guidance and signage, and we’re really excited to share more detail in the coming months about improvements we’ve been making.”

Mr Nolan said the store at Buderim would still be adequate for customers.

“Some customers might be familiar with our smaller metro stores that can be found in the inner city but we want to reassure customers that our new neighbourhood food store will still have everything they need for a full shop,” Mr Nolan said.

A community information session will be held at the store on Thursday, September 7.