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- As Victoria enters stage four restrictions, Wesfarmers (WES) has revealed how its stores will operate in the state
- The company said all of its businesses will continue to operate online
- Meanwhile, Bunnings and Officeworks franchises will be open to trade and business customers only
- In the 2020 financial year, Wesfarmers obtained around 17 per cent of retail sales from stores in metropolitan Melbourne
- Wesfarmers is up 0.8 per cent on the market today and is trading for $46.27 per share
As Victoria enters stage four restrictions Wesfarmers (WES) has revealed how its stores will operate in the state.
Yesterday, the Victorian Government increased measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, which will impact retail trading for six weeks.
In metropolitan Melbourne, all of the group’s businesses will be able to continue online operations, through home delivery and contactless click and collect.
Bunnings stores in Melbourne will be able to stay open for trade customers, but will be closed for in-store retail customers. However, its Kmart and Target stores will be closed, but available online.
Like Bunnings, Officeworks will be able to stay open for business customers only, but will be closed for in-store retail customers.
The group’s industrial businesses — including Blackwoods, Workwear Group, Coregas, Australian Vinyls and Modwood — will continue to operate within the COVID-19 safe guidelines.
In the 2020 financial year, Wesfarmers obtained around 17 per cent of retail sales from stores in metropolitan Melbourne.
Support for employees
Wesfarmers says it knows how challenging the restricitions will be on team members, suppliers and customers that rely on its businesses. As a result, the company maintains it will support its 30,000 Victorian team members through this difficult time.
“Any team member stood down will receive a support payment equivalent to two weeks of normal rostered hours,” the company explained.
Managing Director Rob Scott said that the Group remains committed to supporting the efforts that aim to limit the spread of COVID-19.
“Our businesses are well equipped to further adapt their operations to continue to safely support customers and suppliers through these restrictions, with a focus on supporting business, trades and home delivery, as well as contactless click and collect in many of our Melbourne metropolitan stores,” he added.
Wesfarmers is up 0.8 per cent on the market this afternoon and is trading for $46.27 per share at 3:26 pm AEST.
