1980s
1980
L.D. Nathan acquired McKenzie's (Woolworths competitor) general merchandise stores and supermarkets. These stores rebranded to Woolworths.
Supermarkets begin opening on Saturday mornings.
1981
In May 1981, the first Countdown supermarket opened in Northlands, Christchurch. This business was established by Rattrays Wholesale and gained momentum through the 1980s. The Rattrays Wholesale Group included the Rattrays Cash and Carry warehouses, tobacco vans, now known as the Red Arrow Distributors fleet, and also included the SuperValue group of franchised supermarkets, now operating as SuperValue/Fresh Choice.
1985
L.D. Nathan merged with Lion Breweries to form Lion Nathan. Woolworths general merchandise and supermarket chain split into two separate divisions with the supermarket business retaining the Woolworths brand and the general merchandise stores rebranded.
Barcode scanning was introduced.
1986
Woolworths began a major refurbishing programme and rationalisation of stores with many small and unprofitable stores closing. A major marketing campaign commenced to show the Woolworths brand as a full-service supermarket with a strong fresh foods offer.
GST replaced wholesale sales taxes.
1987
The Price Chopper format evolved as a discounter with a limited fresh foods offer. This enabled Woolworths to keep its smaller stores open and ensure these sites were not taken over by competitors.
1988
Big Fresh was opened at Mt Wellington. This was New Zealand's first "farmers' market" with the most extensive fresh food offer. These stores were aimed at entertaining customers as they shopped. The Big Fresh format with its all-singing, all-dancing cast of vegetables and animals, put the fun into shopping for many New Zealand families.
1988
In 1988 Coles-Myer took control of the business. During the next five years, Australian based Coles-Myer managed the Foodtown supermarket chain.
