Following confirmed plans that the Avalon Beach Woolworths outlet in Old Barrenjoey Road will be transformed into a Woolworths Metro store, three groups have come together to collect more feedback from the residents.
The Avalon Preservation Association, Palm Beach Whale Beach Association, and the Clareville and Bilgola Plateau Residents Association are looking to survey a large group of residents to determine how much the planned change will impact the community. The groups also plan to speak with senior executives at Woolworths based on the responses in the survey.
In late October 2021, Woolworths said that there were no plans to switch to a Woolworths Metro after a Bilgola resident learned about the potential changes from a staff when she asked about the price changes to the Woolworths Supermarkets special catalogue. However, a week after the confusion, Woolworths Metro General Manager Justin Nolan confirmed that this branch will become a Metro store by Easter 2022.
As a new Woolworths Metro Avalon, shoppers could expect a more extensive inventory of fruits and vegetables, essentials, meat and seafood, packed dinners, and other ranges of grocery products.
Mr Nolan also said that they will have community drop-in information sessions before implementing the changes. Customers will have more information in the coming months.
Click to download the survey form here and then mail or drop off responses to:
Management Committee
Avalon Preservation Trust
Incorporated as Avalon Preservation Association
PO Box 1
Avalon Beach NSW 2107
Meanwhile, a resident said she received information from the corporation’s legal team that Woolworths Metro Avalon isn’t the typical Metro store that residents have in mind. Instead, it will be a “Neighbourhood Metro,” which is already in more than 50 locations across the country, and not an “On the Go” Metro most commonly found in the CBD.
“Neighbourhood Metro stores focus on a strong fresh food offer, particularly fresh Australian fruit and vegetables, artisan bakery, entertaining etc. This is backed by a great range of everyday essentials for a grocery shop, tailored to meet the needs of the local community.”
However, the residential groups said that there are concerns about the product ranges that will be offered in a Neighbourhood Metro.
“Everyday grocery items may not be so readily available, or prices may rise. This could mean it may then be necessary to travel to Woolworths in Mona Vale or Coles in Newport, or order online.”
