Woolworths tags Amazon and other 'maverick' firms as competitors in submission
In a submission to the ACCC's supermarkets inquiry, Woolworths argues the regulator should also consider competition from Aldi, Costco, Chemist Warehouse and Bunnings Warehouse.
Woolworths says an industry inquiry must consider non-supermarket retailers such as Amazon when assessing competition, but the US online retailing giant has balked at suggestions it competes directly with Australia's major supermarkets.
The recently published redacted submission from Woolworths to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC's) supermarkets inquiry responds to its interim report from last August and builds on earlier comments published in November.
In the submission, the supermarket chain doubled down on the importance of “maverick” firms in the retail sector. In addition to Amazon, it named Aldi, Costco, Chemist Warehouse and Bunnings Warehouse.
Woolworths says these retailers deliver broader benefits to consumers beyond their own immediate supply — for instance by forcing their competitors to broaden product ranges, drop prices and improve shopping experiences.
