Woolworths cans more than half of gourmet food chain in NSW

AFTER disappointing revenue figures, supermarket giant Woolworths to close more than half of Thomas Dux stores in NSW.

Woolworths’  foray into gourmet food emporiums on the north shore appears to have failed.

The supermarket giant is closing more than half of its Thomas Dux stores across NSW, with trading ceasing at Lane Cove on February 29 and Crows Nest in April.

The North Shore Times understands independent health food supermarket About Life will take over leases at both north shore sites, adding to its current portfolio of five branches.

“Woolworths has been ­reviewing our Thomas Dux stores and brand as part of our broader small store strategy,” a spokesman for the company said.

“As part of this review, we will be closing four Thomas Dux stores in 2016.”

The North Shore Times understands Woolworths will begin trialling a Thomas Dux section in some metro supermarkets instead.

The gourmet range is ­expected to be available at a new store in Crows Nest.

Lane Cove’s branch was the oldest across the brand, opening its doors in 2008.

A public announcement by Thomas Dux on Facebook said: “While our stores are a fantastic destination to shop and visit, there (are) a number of locations that are ­providing a poor trading ­environment for us.”

Employees at the discontinued locations will be given other opportunities, according to the spokesman.

“Our intention is where staff want to remain with Woolworths to try to ­redeploy them,” he said.

“In our last two store ­closures, every staff member who sought redeployment was able to stay with the company.”