Woolworths controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2020
Customer sues Woolworths over in-store fall
Lawsuit filed
Ellen Matlhowana filed a damages claim of R7.1 million against Woolworths in the High Court in Pretoria, alleging she fell over a packing crate left in a store aisle and that the retailer was negligent. Woolworths denied negligence and said the incident resulted from Matlhowana's own negligence.
Source excerpt
Woolworths has denied negligence and claimed the accident was as a result of Matlhowana’s own negligence in not looking where she was going.
A woman from Centurion is claiming damages of R7.1 million from retail giant Woolworths, as she fell over a packing crate at one of its stores in 2014.
Matlhowana, who is self-employed, has filed papers at the High Court in Pretoria.
2020
Dan Murphy’s proposed Darwin store faces community backlash
Public backlash
Woolworths and its Dan Murphy’s store proposal faced community opposition over a planned alcohol megastore near Aboriginal communities in Darwin. According to the source, more than 114,000 people had signed a petition opposing the store. Woolworths said on Thursday it would reconsider the location and described a proposed site farther from local Indigenous communities.
Company response
Clarification — Woolworths
As the community backlash reached fever pitch, Woolworths on Thursday said it will reconsider the location of the store.
Source excerpt
Woolworths is facing growing backlash as a long-fought battle to open an alcohol megastore near dry communities in the Northern Territory comes to a head.
The proposal was last year denied by the independent Liquor Commission on the grounds it would increase the risk of alcohol-related harm in nearby Aboriginal communities, the ABC reported.
It comes after more than 114,000 people have signed a Change.org petition in opposition to the Dan Murphy’s megastore in the area.
2020
Woolworths announces review of Darwin Dan Murphy’s proposal consultation
Company response
Woolworths announced a review of its stakeholder consultation process for a proposed Dan Murphy’s outlet in Darwin and pledged not to begin work on the project until the review is complete. The announcement followed sustained criticism from Indigenous health groups concerned about potential harm to nearby dry communities.
Stated objective. The review will examine stakeholder engagement, how concerns factored into decision-making, and best practice concerning the impact of alcohol sales on Indigenous people.
Company response
Investigation — Woolworths
Woolworths will examine its stakeholder consultation process linked to a new Dan Murphy's outlet in Darwin, and has pledged not to start work on the project until the review is complete.
Source excerpt
Woolworths will examine its stakeholder consultation process linked to a new Dan Murphy's outlet in Darwin, and has pledged not to start work on the project until the review is complete.
The proposal for the Dan Murphy's — which would be the largest bottle shop in the Northern Territory — has drawn sustained criticism from Indigenous health groups concerned about its potential to harm three nearby dry communities.
Woolworths announces review into controversial bid for a Dan Murphy's outlet in Darwin
2020
ACMA fines Woolworths $1 million over spam law breaches
Fine or penalty
Australia’s communications regulator fined Woolworths $1 million after finding that the company breached the Spam Act 2003. The regulator said more than 1.2 million customers received spam over a 10-month period.
Company response
Apology — Woolworths
In a statement, Woolworths admitted mistakes were made and apologised to consumers affected.
Remediation — Woolworths
We accept this position and have unsubscribed all members who share an email address where at least one of those members has told us they want to unsubscribe.
Source excerpt
Woolworths has been hit with a $1 million fine for breaching spam laws.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) fined Woolworths after it found the company had breached the Spam Act 2003
The investigation found more than 1.2 million customers were spammed over the 10-month period with just 15 complaints submitted.
2020
Kim Maree Irby sues Woolworths and The Vege Chip Company
Lawsuit filed
Kim Maree Irby is suing Woolworths and The Vege Chip Company, alleging that a hand cut while opening a box for Woolworths’ promotional chip display caused a staph infection and led to two rounds of open-heart surgery. Her lawyer said the claim could be for between $150,000 and $750,000.
Source excerpt
Ms Irby's lawyer said the claim could be for between $150,000 and $750,000
Ms Irby cut her hand while opening a box for the store's promotional chip display. The cut caused a staph infection that led to two rounds of open heart surgery.
Kim Maree Irby, 51, is suing the grocery giant and The Vege Chip Company.