IGA supermarket to open after Woolworths Metro shut at Pendle Hill
A Woolworths that shut in western Sydney will be replaced following a petition and community outrage. Find out which supermarket is set to take its place.
NSW
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Shoppers in Pendle Hill can celebrate a win after supermarket chain IGA has announced it will replace the Woolworths Metro following its exit from the centre of the suburb on Friday.
The closure was revealed in January after poor sales for several years, competition from multiple spice grocers and the more expensive Metro model were blamed for the demise, which triggered a flurry of backlash from residents over the further decline of Pendle Hill Town Centre.
Parramatta federal Labor MP Andrew Charlton initiated a petition in an effort to demonstrate the demand for a replacement supermarket.
He said franchisee Phil Whitehead – “one of their best” – was priming Pendle Hill IGA for success and it would open “within four weeks” to minimise disruption for customers.
“While I’m sad to see Woolies leave, I’m thrilled that IGA has answered the call,’’ Mr Charlton said.
“They will step in quickly and open a store within the next several weeks.
“Many local residents rely on the supermarket for their staples.”
Mr Whitehead is familiar with the area after he worked at Woolworths Pendle Hill in his career.
“When the previous supermarket pulled out, Andrew Charlton got straight on the phone to us,’’ Mr Whitehead said.
“He told us about the importance of having a supermarket in Pendle Hill.’’
Before Monday’s announcement, many called for and Aldi or IGA as a suitable alternative to Woolies.
Stefan Mjz wrote online: “Pendle Hill critically requires either IGA or Aldi or Coles to step in to replace the void left by Woolies.’’
Dan White said: “Someone should take the store and open an IGA. Flemings IGA would be a nice nod to its heritage.’’
Many hit out at Woolworths’ departure, fearing it would plunge the ageing main shopping strip at Pendle Hill into further decline.
Nina Silla wrote on Facebook: “The two bakeries are now the only shops worth going to there now. It’s really sad having to see my favourites over the years just closing, Mannie’s Munchies, the discount shop, the newsagent and chemist (yes I heard they combined) and CommBank. The old kebab shop food is not the same anymore.’’
Despite the drop in sales, many, including the elderly, still relied on a supermarket in Pendle Hill for essential items.
Shopkeepers were also concerned the absence of a supermarket would prompt a downturn in trade for their small businesses.
Mr Charlton said his petition garnered 968 signatures.
“I’ve had a thousand people sign my petition and they’ve just said their daily lives will be much harder if they don’t have a supermarket at Pendle Hill,’’ he said.
“I probably got more responses about this than anything else.’’
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