CONFIRMED: Big W HQ announces verdict on Lismore store

Following store closures across NSW, Big W announces Lismore store’s fate

HERE TO STAY: A Big W spokesman has confirmed the local store will stay open. Photo: Rob Wright

IN APRIL last year, Woolworths Group announced that they intended to close up to 30 BIG W stores and two distribution centres over the next three years.

While three stores closed down in New South Wales last year, many worried that regional towns would be next.

However, a spokesman for Big W confirmed to the Lismore Echo that the retail giant’s Lismore store is not going anywhere.

“The purpose of the Big W’s store review that was announced in April 2019, was to build a strong, profitable and more sustainable store and distribution centre network that reflects our customers’ needs and the rapidly changing retail environment.

“Since our closure of the three stores in NSW in July, we have made no further store closure announcements to date.

We understand the announcement, without confirmation of specific stores, will create some uncertainty for our teams and the communities in which we operate, particularly in regional areas.

“In the interim, all Big W stores will continue to trade as normal.”

The spokesman stated that on average, each store employs up to 90 people in each store across Australia.

With over 22,000 employees nation wide, the fall out of the retail chain could be disastrous.