In response to OFM News’ query, Woolworth's reveals they noticed in a comprehensive review of consumer patterns during the lockdown, that shopping complexes are currently not the “destination of choice” for consumers. This has led to a significant decline in the number of customer visits to stores and also impacted revenue which has - much like other businesses - been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and resulting lockdown. OFM News’ Olebogeng Motse reports ten of the stores, including the Loch Logan store closed down on Friday, 17 April, leaving some Bloemfontein residents confused. 

Following the closure of Port Elizabeth’s Access Park Woolworths food store this weekend due to one of its employees testing positive for COVID-19. Speculation became rife the Woolworths store in Bloemfontein, had found itself in a similar situation. The retailer clarifies that this is not the case, and explains engagements were held with the respective landlords in those malls regarding their decision. The retailer further adds that they have ensured there are other operating Woolworths stores within close proximity of those shopping complexes to ensure customers are not badly affected by the decision. 

The retailer “anticipates that this will have very little impact on its customers” but would still like to apologise for any inconvenience caused. This as the government on Monday issued regulation banning the sale of hot cooked food like pies and rotisserie chicken. Woolworths has since announced that it has closed its hot food counters in compliance with the latest regulation.

OFM News