Who Owns Woolworths Australia?
Woolworths Australia is owned by Woolworths Group Limited, an Australian publicly traded conglomerate listed on the ASX under ticker WOW. Woolworths Australia operates as the company's flagship supermarket division and is headquartered in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Parent Company
Woolworths Group Limited
Founded
1924
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Who Owns Woolworths Australia?
- Parent Company: Woolworths Group Limited
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: ASX: WOW
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Woolworths Australia | Woolworths Group Limited | Wholly owned |
History of Woolworths Australia
- Founded: 1924
- Founders: Percy Christmas, Stanley Chatterton, Cecil Scott Waine, Ernest Williams
Woolworths Australia traces its origins to 1924 when Woolworths Group was founded as a variety store chain. The company entered the supermarket sector in the 1980s when it exited variety stores and focused on grocery retail, transforming itself into Australia's leading supermarket chain.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Woolworths Australia expanded rapidly, acquiring competitors and modernizing stores to become Australia's largest supermarket retailer. The company invested heavily in fresh food, private label products, and customer service excellence.
The 2000s saw Woolworths Australia cement its market leadership position, introducing new store formats like Woolworths Metro for urban convenience shopping and expanding its online grocery capabilities. The company also developed strong private label brands and supply chain capabilities.
Recent years have seen Woolworths Australia navigate intense competition from discount retailers like Aldi and traditional rival Coles, while investing in digital transformation, sustainability initiatives, and customer experience improvements.
About Woolworths Group Limited
What does Woolworths Group own?
Woolworths Group owns Woolworths Supermarkets (Australia's largest supermarket chain), Woolworths New Zealand (formerly Countdown), and Big W (general merchandise). The company demerged Endeavour Group (Dan Murphy's, BWS, hotels) in 2021. Woolworths also operates the Everyday Rewards loyalty program and a range of private label brands.
Is Woolworths Group publicly traded?
Yes, Woolworths Group Limited is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange under ticker WOW. The company has been publicly listed since 1924. Woolworths has a broad institutional and retail shareholder base with no single controlling shareholder.
Who founded Woolworths?
Woolworths was founded in 1924 when the first store opened in the Imperial Arcade in Sydney, New South Wales. The founding team included Percy Christmas, Stanley Chatterton, Cecil Scott Waine, and Ernest Williams. The store was modelled on the American Woolworth's variety store concept, though the Australian company had no formal connection to the US chain.
Where is Woolworths Group headquartered?
Woolworths Group is headquartered in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The company was originally founded in Sydney, New South Wales, and has maintained significant operations in both cities. Woolworths operates stores across every Australian state and territory, as well as in New Zealand.
How many stores does Woolworths operate?
Woolworths operates more than 1,000 Woolworths Supermarket stores across Australia, plus stores in New Zealand, and approximately 170 Big W stores. The company employs approximately 200,000 people across its businesses.
Who owns Woolworths Group?
Woolworths Group Limited is publicly traded on the ASX with a broad institutional and retail shareholder base. No single shareholder holds a controlling stake. Amanda Bardwell serves as Managing Director and CEO and Scott Perkins chairs the board.
- Founded: 1924
- Headquarters: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: ASX: WOW
Where Is Woolworths Australia Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Manufacturing / Operations: Australia, International supply chain
Brands Owned by Woolworths Group Limited
- Big W - Australian discount department store chain offering general merchandise, clothin...
Woolworths Australia Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Dominant market position in Australian supermarket retail
- +Extensive store network and distribution infrastructure
- +Strong brand recognition and customer loyalty
- +Significant bargaining power with suppliers due to scale
- +Strong private label product portfolio
Considerations
- -Intense competition from Coles and discount retailers like Aldi
- -Exposure to consumer spending patterns and economic conditions
- -Pressure on margins from competitive pricing environment
- -Need for continuous investment in technology and e-commerce
- -Supply chain complexity and food waste management challenges
Frequently Asked Questions About Woolworths Australia
Competitors to Woolworths Australia
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wesfarmers | Australia | 1969 | Mass Market | Global | Male | |
| Aldi Sud | Germany | 1946 | Mass Market | Europe | All Genders | |
| Wesfarmers | Australia | 1886 | Mass Market | Global | Male | |
| Canadian Tire Corporation | Canada | 1922 | Mass Market | Global | Male | |
| Coles Group | Australia | 1914 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders | |
| Accent Group | Australia | 1974 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders |
Learn More About Competitors
Kmart Australia
Owned by Wesfarmers Limited
Australian discount department store chain offering general merchandise, clothing, homewares, and entertainment products at affordable prices across Australia and New Zealand.
Aldi
Owned by ALDI SÜD
German discount supermarket chain operating globally with a focus on private label products, efficient operations, and low prices across thousands of stores worldwide.
Bunnings Warehouse
Owned by Wesfarmers Limited
Australian hardware and home improvement retailer operating large warehouse-style stores across Australia and New Zealand, offering building materials, garden supplies, and home improvement products.
Canadian Tire
Owned by Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited
Canadian retail corporation operating department stores, gas stations, and financial services, known for automotive products and household goods.
Coles Group
Owned by Coles Group Limited
Australian supermarket chain and retailer operating grocery stores, liquor outlets, and convenience stores across Australia, serving millions of customers weekly.
Front Runner
Owned by Accent Group
Australian fashion retailer offering athletic footwear, activewear, and sports apparel across multiple brands and categories, operating both physical stores and online platforms.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Woolworths Australia competes with 6 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Woolworths Group Limited Stock Information
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