Our Company
Progressive Enterprises
New Generation Countdown
Our HistoryWoolworths Limited
- News & Media Releases
- Countdown Rangiora East to Open in Canterbury
- Countdown Auckland Metro opens in CBD
- Christchurch Earthquake Update
- New Countdown in Kerikeri opens as of of New Zealands most modern supermarkets
- Construction set to start on new Dargaville Countdown
- Countdown of the future opens in Rolleston
- Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal raises $830,000
- Countdown Food Rescue
- Last Woolworths and Foodtown stores farewelled
- Maui Gas Pipeline
- Trainee of the Year
- Baby wipes update
- Countdown committed to Canterbury region
- Countdown Ferrymead to be rebuilt
- The Palms re-opens
- Nominations now open
- Countdown Kids
- Trusted Supermarket
- Trelise Eco Bags
- Soho Square
- Countdown to unveil first Te Reo store at Tokoroa
- Wiri Distribution Centre
- Fan Heater Recall
- Self Serve Checkouts arrive at Countdown Manukau City Mall
- MD to retire
- Price of milk
- Retail Careers
- Security Notice
- Canterbury Appeal
- Progressive Enterprises supports the Government’s decision to increase the minimum wage
- Waiheke Re-opens
- Countdown helping to serve up MasterChef New Zealand for another two seasons
- Fresh Future children's hospital appeal launches today
- Countdown, proud sponsors of the Senior New Zealander of the Year Award
- Countdown acquires FreshChoice Springlands
1990s
1990
Woolworths sold to DFI, a Hong Kong based supermarket retailer with interests in the Asia Pacific region including Franklins in Australia.
Legislation was passed allowing wine sales in supermarkets. The Shop Trading Hours Repeal Act opened the way for Sunday trading, although the sale of wine on Sundays remains banned.
1992
In 1992 Foodland Associated (FAL) from Perth, Western Australia, purchased the Countdown/Rattrays business. This acquisition was followed by gaining a majority shareholding in Progressive Enterprises, including General Distributors, trading as the Foodtown.
1993
Price Chopper lauched purpose-built stores in rural towns previously dominated by New World owner operated stores.
1993
In 1993, the Countdown/Rattrays, and Foodtown businesses were all brought together under the Progressive Enterprises umbrella. Both Countdown/ Rattrays and the Foodtown groups continued to run as separate business units with Countdown/ Rattrays continuing to function from a South Island base.
1995
Online shopping was introduced via a pilot site with a small group of users. This was early days for online shopping in New Zealand. Woolworths was a key player in working with the banking industry to ensure they met market demands for doing business over the Internet.
1999
Woolworths developed a mini supermarket format at two BP fuel forecourts in a trial project.
Supermarkets were allowed to stock beer and sell alcohol on Sundays.
