Woolworths Victoria Street West currently closes at 8 pm each day, which is simply too early for one of the only major supermarkets serving Auckland’s City Centre/Midtown.

Auckland City Centre is changing. Evening activity is only going to keep increasing, and major transport and infrastructure improvements, such as the City Rail Link, are now bringing more people through the Victoria Street and Midtown area every day. For local residents, late-night workers, students and visitors, having access to a proper supermarket later on in the evening would make Midtown and the wider City Centre more convenient, liveable, and attractive, thereby continuing the cycle of central city growth.

I recently contacted the Store Manager at Woolworths Victoria Street West myself, regarding the current operating hours. They explained to me that the 8 pm closing time is influenced by several factors, including foot traffic after the evening peak, team member safety and security, and wider operational considerations.

Importantly, however, they also confirmed that customer demand (yes, that's us!) plays a significant role when Woolworths reviews store hours, and that feedback from customers can help build a business case for extended trading. Alas, here we are.

This petition is therefore asking Woolworths to consider trialling later opening hours at Victoria Street West, ideally until around 10 pm, as has reportedly previously been the case pre-COVID lockdowns.

A trial would allow Woolworths to again assess the actual evening demand while continuing to manage safety, staffing and operational requirements.

With more than 3 times the number of residents in the surrounding area than Ponsonby, for example, where a 10 pm closing time is notably deemed viable, is it not reasonable to ask whether Auckland's much more densely populated City Centre and Midtown should also have access to a supermarket later on in the evening, without having to travel significant distances?

If you live, work, study or regularly spend time in Auckland’s City Centre (Midtown, in particular) and would make use of later supermarket opening hours, please add your support to this petition! I will ensure it is delivered to both the Store Manager, Woolworths, and the media.

Thanks