Woolworths : statement on COVID-19 impacts on stock availability

Statement from Woolworths (or a Woolworths spokesperson)

"We're currently experiencing delays with some stock deliveries to our stores due to the impacts of COVID-19 across the food and grocery supply chain.

"As a result, our stores may have reduced availability of some products at points throughout the day before they receive their next delivery.

"Deliveries continue to arrive daily and we're doing all we can with our suppliers to restock our shelves as quickly as possible, with a particular focus on fresh food and essentials lines. We expect to see availability improve over the coming weeks.

"While there are more gaps on our shelves than usual, we have enough stock coming through our network for customers to do a family shop.

"We know this is frustrating and thank our customers for being flexible. As always, we ask customers to be mindful of others in their community and buy only what they need."

Further background

Currently, supply impacts are greatest in New South Wales stores, where delivery delays are impacting the availability of some products at various points throughout the day. Queensland stores are experiencing some supply impacts as a result of these challenges, though they are significantly smaller than those in New South Wales.

Nationally, other states are not experiencing the same challenges around stock deliveries to stores, however poultry and some meat products may be in reduced supply due to COVID-challenges faced by suppliers. While the full range of these items may not be available, we are prioritising the supply of key lines.

Woolworths Group has a number of distribution centres in areas of high community transmission. These distribution centres are experiencing higher than usual absenteeism due to the high number of COVID-19 cases in the community.

Woolworths Group has a range of COVIDsafe measures in place across its distribution centres including mandatory rapid antigen testing.