Woolies has closing down sale before Coles takes over store in ‘Aus first’

A Woolies store has closed down after Coles purchased the property in a bold retail deal that has left Aussies stunned.

A Woolworths store was stripped bare this week after the retailer held a closing down sale in order for Coles to move in.

The supermarket giant recently announced it was closing one of its two outlets in Sydney’s Neutral Bay after Coles purchased the retail centre it resides in.

On Tuesday, its last day of business, the Grosvenor St Woolies store held a flash sale, with footage shared by customers showing almost apocalyptic scenes.

Justin Li, who runs the Humans of Eastwood account, said “it was still pretty busy” despite the fact many of the shelves were completely bare.

“Parts of the store felt like a war zone or at least reminded me of supermarkets during the pandemic,” he shared in a video posted on TikTok.

“I’ve never seen a Woolies close down in Australia before.”

Coles is set to open in the vacated store after undergoing “a short-term rebrand of the site”. That will take about eight weeks, a spokesperson told news.com.au.

“We are excited to refresh and bring the Grosvenor Street site to life as a rebranded Coles supermarket and Liquorland.

“With the site set to reopen in April, our team is working tirelessly to deliver a fresh and revitalised shopping experience for the Neutral Bay community.”

Woolworths held a closing down sale that saw one of its Neutral Bay stores stripped bare. Picture: TikTok/HumansofEastwood

The Grosvenor Street site was purchased by Coles in 2013. Picture: Supplied

Shoppers were shocked by the lack of products available, saying they had ‘never seen’ a supermarket shut up shop. Picture: TikTok/HumansofEastwood

The 4282-square-metre location was acquired by Coles in 2013 for $40 million, in what was considered one of the boldest real estate moves in Australian retail history, according to local outlet Mosman Collective.

The purchase has reportedly allowed Coles to secure a “strategic foothold” in the affluent waterside suburb, displacing Woolworths from one of its top-performing locations.

Alongside the refurb, the supermarket is also introducing a ream of new features, including an open-front bakery, fresh seafood on ice, and a wide selection of deli items, fruit, vegetables, and meat.

There will also be “grab-and-go” meals and ready-made options that cater to busy families in the area and an in-store sushi counter.

Coles is planning on revamping the site and opening in April. Picture: Supplied

It will have an array of new features. Picture: Supplied

Woolworths said that the store “served locals for more than 40 years” and reminded residents its other Neutral Bay spermarket, located at Rangers Road, continues to operate as normal.

“All team members have been redeployed to neighbouring stores throughout the North Shore and CBD, so keep an eye out for any friendly faces across our network,” Matt Spiteri, NSW Supermarkets Operations Director, told news.com.au.

“The store team and myself would like to thank the local community for their incredible support over those years to make it such a welcoming environment for all.

“I’d like to also give a special thanks to our store team for serving the community so diligently and working hard to accommodate every customer’s needs.”

Many were shocked at the flash sale held by Woolies on its last day, with many stating they had “never seen” an Aussie supermarket shut up shop.

“Always wondered why there were two Woolworths right next to each other at Neutral Bay,” one remarked.

“I hope none of the unsold stock gets thrown out,” said another.

As a few pointed out that describing it a “war zone” was insensitive.

Coles submitted its original redevelopment proposal for the Grosvenor Street site in September 2023, outlining plans for a mixed-use development with six residential levels, public underground parking, and a community plaza.

It was supported by local precinct committees at first, but later faced opposition from an independent planner last year due to its height.

In response, Coles has submitted a revised plan that reduces the height to three residential levels while maintaining the key elements of the redevelopment.

Originally published as Woolies has closing down sale before Coles takes over store in ‘Aus first’