{"id":695291,"date":"2026-05-26T08:28:18","date_gmt":"2026-05-26T08:28:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/695291\/"},"modified":"2026-05-26T08:28:18","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T08:28:18","slug":"woolworths-major-change-in-125-stores-targeting-busy-shoppers-in-new-trend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/695291\/","title":{"rendered":"Woolworths’ major change in 125 stores targeting busy shoppers in new trend"},"content":{"rendered":"

Woolworths<\/a> has confirmed a major layout change across 125 stores nationwide, targeting \u2018time-poor\u2019 Aussies who are shifting their buying behaviour.<\/p>\n

Now, when shoppers enter the retail giant, many will be greeted with 380 new ready-made products aiming to speed up dinner time.<\/p>\n

Retail expert Gary Mortimer<\/a> said the move, seen by Yahoo News at Sydney\u2019s Maroubra Beach store, shows that Woolworths is recognising that many Australians are choosing grab-and-go options rather than making meals from scratch.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don’t generally have a lot of time during the week to put a meal together from scratch, and as a result, we’re looking for those ready-to-eat meal solutions,\u201d he told Yahoo News.<\/p>\n

According to internal Woolies data, 48 per cent of Aussie<\/a> home cooks are stuck in a loop of five or fewer go-to recipes.<\/p>\n

Woolworths\u2019 range of easy-to-prep products, including lasagne, slow-cooked meals and high-protein options, starting from around $5 per serve, aims to help expand that range.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat we’ve seen is this shift away from your classic frozen meal, you just stick it in the microwave, to getting fresh, convenient meals,\u201d Mortimer explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo these are cryovac, fresh products that require minimal cooking, but certainly more convenience.\u201d<\/p>\n

They\u2019re positioned at the front of the store so you can \u201crush in, grab those meal solutions and get out quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n

What changes have you noticed at Woolworths? Contact newsroomau@yahoonews.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Ready-Meals Reset, High-Protein Picks, Slow-Cooked Range, Mid-Week Roast, and the Fresh Menu are available nationwide as part of Woolworths’ product expansion. Source: Woolworths<\/p>\n

Shoppers prepared to pay for convenience<\/p>\n

Mortimer said despite Australia\u2019s widespread cost-of-living crisis, shoppers will pay a premium for convenient, easy-to-prepare meals.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s financially better for you to cook from scratch, but the downside is that it takes time,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is about looking forward and saying, \u2018Where’s society going?\u2019, Yes, we’re all time poor. Let’s create a range of fresh, ready-to-go meals for time-poor consumers, busy students, and the elderly, as Australia’s population is ageing.\u00a0\u201c<\/p>\n

Meals offer peak freshness and reduce meal-prep time<\/p>\n

A Woolworths spokesperson told Yahoo News the expanded dinner-time range is all about offering \u201cfresh and convenient\u201d solutions for Aussie customers.<\/p>\n

“While the immersive, large-scale in-store displays and specialised features are only appearing in select locations, like Maroubra, the ranges are available on shelves nationwide,\u201d they said.<\/p>\n

“These options are specifically portioned and prepared to lock in peak freshness and reduce meal-prep time.”<\/p>\n

RELATED<\/p>\n

\"Exterior<\/p>\n

Woolworths plans to offer a convenient range of solutions for Aussie customers who don’t have time on their side. Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n

Ready-to-go meals lead to less food waste<\/p>\n

Mortimer said preparing meals often leads to more waste after buying vegetables, meat, sauces, and other items, which means leftovers end up being thrown away.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn contrast, these pack sizes are designed to provide a balanced meal portion for the average person.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese are essentially serving suggestions; the meals are portioned to reflect what a complete meal should look like. If the full 280g or 350g serving is eaten, there\u2019s little to no waste.\u201d<\/p>\n

What other stores have changed?<\/p>\n

All stores across the country are set to offer parts of the new range, while some will have an extensive option.<\/p>\n

In Queensland, Fortitude Valley, Spring Hill, Buderim, and Rode Road Metros will have the full range in store.<\/p>\n

The same applies to Bondi Junction, Chatswood, Surry Hills, Potts Point, Coogee, and Lane Cove in NSW.<\/p>\n

And Kew, St Kilda West, Hawthorn East, Werribee, Prahran, and Carnegie in Victoria.<\/p>\n

You can also follow us on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, TikTok<\/a>, X<\/a> and YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n