Woolworths Ashfield may deal blow to Aldi, Coles, IGA

Shoppers could see better prices at supermarkets around Ashfield if Woolworths opens a second store, although the news is not so good for rivals.

An artist’s impression of the Woolworths Ashfield store. Picture: Woolworths

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Shoppers could see better prices at supermarkets around Ashfield if Woolworths opens a second store, although the news is not so good for rivals.

The proposed Woolworths, BWS liquor store and cafe would open at the southwestern corner of Parramatta Rd and Bland St in 2020, according to plans lodged with the Inner West Council.

Parking would be provided for 167 vehicles, with access from both roads.

An artist’s impression of how the Woolworths Ashfield store would look. Picture: Woolworths

The supermarket would take sales of $39.5 million in its first year, according to a consultant’s economic impact study included in the plans.

While shoppers may welcome more competition, the additional competitor would have a $10.8 million sales impact for the combined sales of Ashfield Mall shops, according to the study.

These shops include Aldi, Coles and Woolworths.

Shoppers at Aldi at Ashfield Mall. Picture: John Appleyard

However this was only a five per cent drop, the consultant calculated, and should not prevent the supermarket from being approved.

The nearby Lamonica IGA Haberfield could also take a hit.

This supermarket forecast sales of $10.1 million for 2018, according to the study.

The study estimated that should Woolworths Ashfield be approved, the IGA store’s sales would fall to $8.7 million in 2020.

Another Woolworths in Ashfield may not be great news if you work in a nearby supermarket. Picture: Dean Lewins

About 197 people would be hired to work at the supermarket, BWS and cafe should the plans be approved.

The proposed trading hours are 6am to 12am.

Woolworths had plans for a supermarket at the Ashfield site five years ago.

However the state government later acquired part of the land to build the WestConnex M4 East tunnels.

The government will soon return some of the land.

A Woolworths spokeswoman said the plans included changes to the previous ones, based on community feedback and the WestConnex alignment.

These included pedestrian safety measures, reduced building size and increased setbacks.

“We remain confident there is strong local demand for a modern and convenient supermarket in Ashfield and will continue to engage with the community and council to bring our vision to life,” she said.