Woolworths asks for govt help as assaults in stores spike

Woolworths asks for govt help as assaults in stores spike
Woolworths Takapuna closed due to a robbery on January 12 this year. (Image: Hayden Woodward)
Gregor Thompson
Woolworths has become the latest major retailer to divulge the rates of retail crime at its New Zealand stores and called for help from the government.On Wednesday, the Australian-owned supermarket franchise said physical assaults climbed 50% to 329 incidents in the 12 months to June 30.This figure was a component of the number of “acts of violence and aggression”, which rose 9% to 925.The company said many of the perpetrators are “repeat offenders” and that, “pleasingly,” the use of weapons has been reduced....

More Retail

Life insurance market shrinks
Finance Risky Business

Life insurance market shrinks

Foreign firms dominate as affordability, tax and access barriers stymie growth.

The quiet rise of ‘ghost brands’
Retail

The quiet rise of ‘ghost brands’

About 90% of the 80-odd Pita Pit stores now have virtual brands operating in them.

Gregor Thompson 17 Sep 2025
‘Unusual’ volume of CCCFA changes in focus
Finance

‘Unusual’ volume of CCCFA changes in focus

Select committee mulls proposed changes to CCCFA, to report recommendations Oct 20.

Andy Macdonald 16 Sep 2025
Two more Smiths City stores close as liquidation sale winds up, massive discounts
Retail

Two more Smiths City stores close as liquidation sale winds up, massive discounts

Embattled retailer Smiths City has closed two more stores as its fire sale draws winds up this weekend.Administrators Colin Gower and Diana Matchett of BDO Christchurch on Friday said staff numbers will significantly reduce from next week, with remaining staff to assist with deli...

Staff reporters 12 Sep 2025