Woolworths

ABOUT US

Welcome to Woolworths – a passionately South African retailer dedicated to bringing you quality, style and value for the past 85 years.

Company Overview

Woolworths, or Woolies, as we're fondly called, began life as a department store in Cape Town in 1931. 85 years later, Woolworths is one of South Africa’s best-loved and most iconic brands. With departments spanning food, clothing, beauty and home-ware, Woolies has evolved over time, but always with one, vital thing firmly in place – our values.

From innovation to quality and conservation, Woolies strives to constantly bring a better service and product to its customer, and in doing so, to make a lasting difference – socially, environmentally and in business.

With over 400 stores countrywide, we’re growing organically and are honoured to have you join us on our journey

Our History

The first Woolworths store opened its doors to the public in Cape Town in October 1931. And it was founder Max Sonnenberg who captured the public’s imagination with dynamic store policies that set Woolworths apart from its competitors.

Three years later, a second branch opened in Durban, with another two in Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg a year later. And since then we’ve been building on our reputation for superior quality, exciting innovation and excellent value.

Our Values

1. First to offer Employee Benefits

Keen to attract and retain the best retail professionals, Woolworths was among the first local retailers to offer employees a pension fund, medical aid and maternity leave.

2. First in Advancing Tech

Not just a forward thinking employer, Woolworths was also an early adopter of technology. A lease agreement for the first computer was agreed to with National Cash Registers (NCR) in the late 60's and Woolworths was already using a computerised merchandising system by the early 1970's.

3. First to Introduce Sell By Dates

This dynamic thinking extends to Woolworths product offering. In 1974, Woolworths became the first South African retailer to introduce ‘sell by’ dates on food packaging. Convenience, too, has long been a watchword at Woolworths - we were the first South African retailer to offer pre-washed lettuce and machine-washable wool clothing to consumers.

4. Our Good Business Journey 

In April 2007, we launched our Good Business Journey – a bold plan to make a difference in eight key areas on our journey towards sustainability: Energy, Water, Waste, Sustainable Farming, Ethical Sourcing, Transformation, Social Development and Health and Wellness.

SERVICES

We offer a wide range of organic food products.