- Woolworths Food opened its first standalone food store in Tzaneen, taking over the former Food Lover’s Market premises at the Tzaneen Lifestyle Centre
- The opening forms part of a major retail expansion at the centre, which includes plans to add over 20,000 m² of new shopping space
- Woolworths is doubling down on its Food division as its broader business faces pressure from weak results in its Australian operations and fashion segments
Source: Facebook
Woolworths Food has opened a first-of-its-kind standalone store in Tzaneen, Limpopo, marking a significant milestone for the retail brand in the region. The new store occupies the former Food Lover’s Market space at the Tzaneen Lifestyle Centre.
According to reports, the opening comes at the same time as a sweeping expansion by co-owner Resilient REIT, which has plans to grow the centre by more than 20,000 m² of retail space. As part of that redevelopment, the existing Checkers outlet is set to be converted into a Checkers Hyper, while new retailers including Pick n Pay, Coricraft, and @home are expected to join the centre. The move is aimed at giving Tzaneen residents more shopping options without needing to travel as far as Polokwane.
Woolworths bets big on food
The Tzaneen launch fits neatly into Woolworths‘ wider push to make its Food division the core of its business. The strategy follows underwhelming results from its Australian operations and its Fashion, Beauty and Home segment.
For the 52 weeks ending June 2026, Woolworths Food posted a 5.55% increase in revenue, with its Woolies Dash delivery service standing out as a bright spot, recording a 19.6% surge. Despite the top-line growth, profit before tax dipped by 1.13%, largely due to investment in its supply chain and rising fuel costs.
Stiff competition from Checkers
The road ahead is not without challenges. Analysts have pointed out that Woolworths faces growing pressure to hold on to its premium grocery market position, particularly as Shoprite’s Checkers continues to expand its upmarket store footprint and ramp up its Sixty60 delivery service. The rivalry between the two retailers is intensifying, with both competing for a similar group of South African consumers.
For Tzaneen residents, though, the immediate news is straightforward: a wider range of quality food options has arrived on their doorstep.
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More on Woolworths and South African retail
Source: Briefly News
Nerissa Naidoo
briefly.co.za
