Roger Corbett, CEO of Woolworth in Australia, expressed his confidence yesterday (11 October), saying that the appearance of US retailing giant Wal-Mart would most likely have very little impact on the sales and market position of Woolworth. It is hard for international retailers, he argues, to establish themselves in such a way as to provide to the majority of people.
“I think they would find it extremely difficult because of our zoning laws to get critical mass in our marketplace to operate super centres in Australia.” He added: “I think the chains that Woolworth and its major competitors have are well placed to provide effective competition.”
Go deeper with GlobalData
Corbett did reveal however that German discount chain Aldi was likely to prove a real threat, so he must be hoping that reports of expected delays to Aldi’s arrival in Australia are correct.
