New-look store offers more fresh food, locally sourced products, sushi bar and barista-made coffee
Thursday, 12 December 2024: Shoppers in Balmain can enjoy an upgraded shopping experience at the newly refreshed Woolworths Metro at 276 Darling St, tailored to the local community, with the same low prices and great deals.
The new neighbourhood food store will offer an expanded range of products which reflect the unique tastes and preferences of the Balmain community, along with customers’ regular Woolworths staples.
Balmain Metro will offer the same everyday shelf price as the same products in Woolworths’ supermarkets, along with the same catalogue specials and Everyday Rewards offers, in addition to a tailored range of in-store specials.
More than 1,500 new products have been added to Woolworths Metro Balmain ranging from effortless entertaining options to an expanded selection of quick and easy weeknight dinner solutions, such as ready made meals from Sydney pasta-maker Fabbrica.
The store refresh features an improved layout designed to make shopping easier for the most frequent shopping missions bringing all the items customers need for dinner, breakfast, entraining and snacking into dedicated locations. The store design includes sustainable initiatives such as partition walls made from materials including recycled soft plastics and long-life milk and juice cartons and efficient lighting and refrigeration, helping to reduce waste.
The store offers a range of new and improved services, including a barista offering free coffee to all Everyday Rewards customers who spend over $30, a sushi bar handmaking fresh sushi, Pick N Mix bulk food snacks, and a new entertaining range with new charcuterie favourites.
Ronnie Masangkay, Woolworths Metro Balmain Store Manager said: "We’re thrilled to unveil our newly refurbished Woolworths Metro Balmain. We have listened to our customers and have worked hard to create a store that meets their needs and reflects the vibrant community of Balmain, pets included!
"We’ve really stepped up our game and have created a neighbourhood food store that we know customers will want to shop at. We believe this store will be a valuable asset to the Balmain community, which we’re committed to serving.
“If there are any products our customers would like to see stocked at the store, keep an eye out for the Picked by You QR code next time you’re in store - scan it and have your say. Our new Balmain Metro is a terrific example of how the local community can have a hand in tailoring the store to their own needs.”
Customers will be further empowered to have their say in what the store sells thanks to the Woolworths Metro Picked by You program, which gives customers the chance to influence the product selection by scanning the QR code in store and nominating a product they would like to see on the shelves. Balmain shoppers have already used the Picked by You program over the last year to request almost 60 items which are now stocked at Balmain Metro to meet local demand, including Nudie Lunchbox Juices and Fabbrica ready-made meals, which are exclusive to Woolworths Metro stores. Picked by You has seen thousands of products added to Woolworths Metro stores across the country since 2022.
For furry friends accompanying their humans on shopping trips, the refreshed store also boasts a dedicated outdoor dog area. Complete with water bowls, hooks for leashes and ample shade, this thoughtful space ensures canine companions can stay hydrated and comfortable while their owners stock up on essentials.
Other initiatives include solar panels and a system which uses excess heat from the refrigeration plant to warm the store. Energy-saving measures include refrigerated display cabinets fitted with doors to reduce energy consumption by up to 18% and an airlock system to help save energy and improve store temperature control.
Woolworths Metro Balmain will trade from 7am-10pm Monday to Friday from 7am-9pm Saturday to Sunday.
ENDS
For further information, contact: Woolworths Media on 02 8885 1033 or media@woolworths.com.au
Notes to Editors
Woolworths Metro Balmain highlights
Dedicated dog space - For four-legged friends, there’s an outdoor area with water bowls, hook to leash your pup and plenty of shade to keep them cool on sunny days.
Localised products - More than 50 products which were nominated through Picked by You have been selected and stocked in the store.
Fresh coffee - Barista-made coffee in store with a bonus offer for all Everyday Rewards members: spend $30 and get a free hot drink with every shop.
Sushi - Fresh, handmade Sushi Izu in store. Platter pre-orders also available.
Convenient snacks - Pick N Mix bulk snacks. Scoop and weigh snacks for the whole family, including walnuts, roasted cashews, almonds, macadamias, BBQ chickpea snacks, gourmet nut mix, dried apricots, dates, prunes, soy crisps, pumpkin seeds, chocolate pretzels, chocolate almonds and more.
Having a party? - Whether it’s a big celebration or a little get together, customers will find a range of local and international entertaining goods, ideal for platters with specialty cheeses, crackers, gourmet dips, antipasto and condiments.