Speculation BIG W, Benalla Rd to close

Speculative media reports last month placed the Shepparton store on the list of potential closures, along with stores at Bendigo, Echuca and Wangaratta.

Woolworths Group chief executive Brad Banducci said via a statement the potential closures resulted from a down-turn in profits.

“As foreshadowed at our half year 2019 results, while the recovery in trading for Big W is encouraging and there remains further opportunity for improvement, the speed of conversion to earnings improvement is taking longer than planned,” he said.

“We understand the impact that the store … closures will have on our team and will endeavour to provide affected team members with alternative employment options within the Woolworths Group where possible.”

Woolworths Group management has been contacted for comment.