$1b boost for Progressive's Countdown brand

Impression of flagship store in Newtown, Wellywood

In the most drawn-out brand merger of recent times Progressive Enterprises is finally merging Woolworth’s and Foodtown brands into the more popular Countdown.

The company has also committed to investing $1 billion over five years in a major spruce up of 20 stores and launching five new supermarkets.

It’s also redone the Countdown logo.

In the press release the company says:

We also plan to invest in our supply chain across New Zealand to ensure that we can deliver world-class quality and value to our shoppers,” said Mr Smith,
Through this investment, Countdown will create 2,000-3,000 permanent new jobs in New Zealand. The company currently employs over 18,000 people.
The first store to feature the new Countdown logo is Westgate in West Auckland (previously an older style Countdown store). Immediately to follow are stores in Pukekohe in South Auckland (previously a Foodtown), Milford on Auckland’s North Shore and Northwood in Christchurch (both previously Woolworths), and Ashburton (an old style Countdown).
With these changes, Progressive Enterprises will operate 150 supermarkets – 70 branded Countdown, 52 Woolworths and 28 Foodtown.