Woolworths opens first online customer fulfilment centre in Queensland

Woolworths is doubling down on its investment in online grocery shopping with the launch of Queensland’s first online customer fulfilment centre (CFC).

Located at Goodman’s Rochedale Motorway Estate, the multi-million dollar site will aim to serve the growing demand for online grocery shopping in Brisbane.

Woolworths said the 10,000sqm CFC is the only one in its network that offers Direct to Boot.

The supermarket giant said the new facility can support up to 30,000 home deliveries and Direct to Boot Pick up windows per week.

“Online grocery shopping has been well and truly embraced by our Brisbane customers, many of whom are looking to reclaim time in their busy lives,” said Sally Copland, Managing Director eComX at Woolworths.

“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,” Copland said.

“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,” she said.

Located approximately 18kms from the CBD and servicing an area that spans from Beenleigh to Mt Ommaney, the facility features wider aisles and more shelf space than a standard supermarket.

Woolworths said these new adjustments will allow personal shoppers to handpick orders from over 25,000 products “quickly, accurately and efficiently.”

Approximately 800 jobs are expected to be created for Brisbane locals as a result of the new CFC.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta MP welcomed Woolworths’ latest investment in flexible retail options for consumers.

“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,” Vasta said.

Speaking ahead of the official opening, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said fast, convenient services are essential to meet the needs of the city, as modern life demands choice and flexibility.

“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,” Mayor Schrinner said.

“This facility – that’s supported hundreds of jobs during construction – will create 800 ongoing positions for Brisbane locals across management, operations and distribution staff,” he said.

In the facility’s design and function, Woolworths said that sustainability was a key consideration.

The site features rainwater harvesting and smart metering, which is set to help monitor and reduce its energy consumption.

Meanwhile, over 850 solar panels will provide approximately 20 per cent of its total annual electricity consumption.

“This property’s strategic location will drive supply chain efficiencies for Woolworths, placing them closer to consumers, allowing speed to market and ease for shoppers,” said Jason Little, CEO Australia at Goodman.

Copland also said the opening of the Rochedale CFC will provide a major boost to Woolworths’ same day delivery capacity in Brisbane’s south west.

The new Woolworths customer fulfilment centre is the next step in its QLD eCommerce network development, which includes the existing Woolworths Maroochydore (Big Top) Store, and supermarket store network.

Related: Woolworths launches Heathwood Distribution Centre

The retailer employs 35,000 team members in Queensland and has invested tens of millions in new shopping centres, stores, renewals and online infrastructure across the region over the past 12 months.

Source: Woolworths