Countdown rebrand: Tauranga store reopens with new name

August 18, 2023

For the first time in years people will be able to shop in a Woolworths-branded supermarket in New Zealand.

Yesterday in Tauranga, what was known as Countdown Bethlehem reopened as Woolworths Bethlehem, following a five-month refurbishment.

Store manager Dwaine Geddes, who was part of the original team who first opened the store nearly 20 years ago, said it felt like a full-circle moment helping to lead the reopening.

Woolworths NZ managing director Spencer Sonn said the store refresh was part of its $400m investment in stores.

"Our investment is not in changing signage — it's in modernising our stores to meet the needs of our communities across Aotearoa."

It's expected it will take a couple of years to fully make the switch from Countdown to Woolworths.

Woolworths Panmure on opening day back in 1958.

The company is also launching a new loyalty programme early next year.

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