Woolworths has launched its first online online Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC) with direct-to-boot capability in Brisbane, Queensland, in a bid to meet growing demand for online grocery shopping and convenience.
The 10,000 square metre facility is the copmany’s only CFC offering direct-to-boot and Woolworths says it will support up to 30,000 home deliveries and Direct to Boot pick up windows a week, while creating up to 800 jobs.
Woolworths managing director, eComX, Sally Copland said Brisbane shoppers had been embracing online shopping as a way to save time.
The purpose built facility has wider aisles and more shelf space than a standard supermarket, allowing personal shoppers to handpick orders from a range of more than 25,000 products quickly, accurately and efficiently.
“Over the past three years, we’ve seen the demand for online groceries in Metro Brisbane more than triple, a trend we are actually seeing across the entire state of Queensland.
“To keep pace with this demand we’re investing in new online infrastructure to offer our customers more delivery windows and an even more reliable service,” Copland said.
The opening follows the opening of the retailer's $184 million, 42,000 square metre distribution centre in Heathwood in April. The DC has 4000 solar panels, rainwater and run-off capturing and native bee colonies.
The build factored in several sustainability initiatives, including rainwater harvesting and smart metering to help monitor and reduce energy consumption.
It has more than 850 solar panels that provide roughly 20 per cent of the site’s total annual electricity consumption.
Speaking ahead of the official opening, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the new flexible shopping options would be essential in meeting the needs of the city.
“Brisbane is on a trajectory of massive growth and remains a top choice for businesses such as Woolworths Group for last mile logistics that maximise benefits for customers and create local supplier opportunities,” said Schrinner.
Copland added that the opening of CFC would provide a major boost to same day delivery capacity in Brisbane’s south west - unlocking faster and more flexible online shopping options for customers.
“We’re determined to have the very best online grocery offer in Queensland and this facility is an important part of our ongoing commitment to providing customers with high-quality products fresher, faster and more convenient than ever before,” said Copland.
The CFC is around 18 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD and will service the area from Beenleigh to Mt Ommaney. It forms part of the Rochedale Motorway Estate, owned by Goodman Australia.
Goodman Australia CEO Jason Little said, “The strategic location of the property will drive supply chain efficiencies for Woolworths, placing them closer to consumers, allowing speed to market and ease for shoppers.”
Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said following the work and life-style changes brought on by COVID-19, flexible retail options were a worthwhile investment.
“The opening of Woolworths’ first CFC in Rochedale will help strengthen local food supply chains in and around Brisbane, as well creating more jobs for the Bonner electorate.”
The Rochedale CFC is the next step in Woolworths’ QLD eCommerce network development, which includes the existing Woolworths Maroochydore micro-fulfillment eStore (Big Top) Store, and supermarket network.
Woolworths Group employs 35,000 team members in Queensland.
