25 February 2011

The operations of Countdown Supermarkets remain disrupted following the Christchurch earthquake.

Countdown Bush Inn opened to customers this morning.

Nine of Countdown’s 15 stores in the Christchurch area are currently open. Seven out of the ten SuperValue & Fresh Choice stores are open.

Stores in the Christchurch area continue to receive deliveries of dry groceries, fresh produce, fresh meat and essential items such as water, milk, sanitary products and batteries.

Due to increased demand and the impact on water supplies, the availability of bread is limited across the South Island. Deliveries of perishable items such as dairy products and cold deli meats have also been impacted with a more consistent supply expected to resume in the next 24 hours.

Our stores and distribution centres continue to operate on reduced staff levels. We continue to encourage our team members to contact our stores and distribution centres to advise if they are in a position to return to work.

COUNTDOWN STORE STATUS

Open:

1. Countdown Avonhead 2. Countdown Kaiapoi 3. Countdown Northwood
4. Countdown Hornby 5. Countdown Rangiora 6. Countdown Ashburton
7. Countdown Church Corner 8. Countdown Northlands 9. Countdown Bush Inn

Closed:

1. Countdown Colombo Street 2. Countdown Eastgate 3. Countdown Ferrymead
4. Countdown Moorhouse 5. Countdown New Brighton 6. Countdown The Palms

Online shopping services in the Christchurch area remain suspended.

SUPERVALUE & FRESHCHOICE STORE STATUS

The franchise operations of Progressive Enterprises have also been disrupted by the earthquake.

Open:

1. SuperValue Lincoln Road 2. FreshChoice Barrington 3. FreshChoice Merivale
4. SuperValue Wairakei 5. SuperValue Fendalton 6. FreshChoice Parklands
7. SuperValue Edgeware

Closed:

1. SuperValue Sumner 2. SuperValue Woolston 3. SuperValue Stanmore Road

SALVATION ARMY CANTERBURY EARTHQUAKE APPEAL

Over $65,000 has been donated for the Salvation Army Canterbury Earthquake Appeal by customers and employees through checkouts at Countdown, Woolworths, Foodtown, SuperValue & FreshChoice stores. Customers can contribute donations at our stores throughout New Zealand.

In addition, Woolworths Limited in Australia is accepting donations through all Woolworths supermarkets and Dick Smith stores.

The latest store openings will be available on the Countdown website at www.countdown.co.nz and our facebook page at www.facebook.com/countdown.

Update #7 issued at 11:00am on 25-02-2011

ENDS

© Scoop Media