36 replies to this topic

[jasey]

Hi guys

Are there any stores that are the equivalent of Woolworths Food from South Africa? I don't think Woolworths is Oz is on the same level, is it?

[Mrs Mupersan in Canberra]

Woolworths and Coles are our main supermarkets, with IGA (independant grocers of Aus), Aldi and Supabarn also making an appearance. I find the regular supermarket quality of fresh food here far superior to that in the likes of Pick 'n Pay in SA. There are also plenty of local deli-style shops, bakeries, butchers and green grocers that you'll find in most of the local suburban shopping villages. And you also have the added choice of fresh food markets/farmers markets on weekends.

[jasey]

Brilliant, thanks Mrs.

How does Woolworths in Oz compare to Woolworths here?

[Mrs Mupersan in Canberra]

Woolies in SA is more like Marks & Spenser in the UK as it doesn't just do food. Woolies (&Coles) here is a supermarket only - like Pick N Pay. But, as I said, the fresh food quality is far superior to Pick n Pay. In CT I used to buy all my fresh stuff from Woolies as I hated the quality at PnP. Now I buy from where ever is closest because it's all good. Although I do like to buy meat from a butcher here as their quality and variety in cuts is just amazing.

[Sibella]

There is nothing like Woolworths or Marks & Spencers here unfortunately. So nearly no pre-prepared food - cooking from scratch is the norm.

And the few things that they do have are very expensive.

That's one thing I do miss. But I got over it...

[jasey]

Thanks guys for clarifying. Nothing wrong with fresh food (at all!) but it will be sad not to have Woolworths convenience and quality.

[Emille]

I havent found the South African 'Woolworths' equivelent in Australia. Woolworths here is more like Pick a Pay and Coles is more like Checkers (generally speaking). I find some LGA's are sometimes more like SA Woolworths, but generally no equivalent.

There are delis but they are expensive and there are 'markets' which are very very cool...

Edited by Emille, 28 January 2012 - 07:33 PM.

[Donovan83]

I LOVED the weekend markets when I was there. I'd rather buy food there any day! I bought the most delicious yoghurt thing direct from the farmer. Then I went back and bought some tomatoes, cheese and some freshly made bread... and had cheese and tomato sarmies for lunch. Saved a fortune!

Also - I am sure I did see ready made meals there? I cook from scratch anyway (I LOATHE ready made meals... apart from all other aspects, just the thought of that hot plastic leeching all sorts of chemicals into your food... no thanks) so it wouldn't affect me.

In general, for things like meat especially, do you guys find the farmers markets cheaper or more expensive than the supermarkets? And quality wise - better or worse?

[Emille]

in find markets to be more expensive than supermarkets, but quality generally better (goes off quicker though but that to me is a good thing as it means there are less chemicals in it)

[jasey]

How prolific are the fresh/organic/farmers markets out there, Emille? One that's very popular in CT/JHB is the Neighbour Goods Market (http://www.neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za).

[Mrs Mupersan in Canberra]

Farmers markets are Everywhere! And most of them will have heaps of organic farmers selling their produce. From organic cheeses, meats and veggies to organic olive oils and wines. Pricier than supermarkets but oh so much better than the mass produced chemically ripened crap you get at the supermarkets. And i've found that the stuff from the farmers markets stay fresh longer as the goods haven't spent a week or two in cold storage along the supply chain. The stuff was picked with in the past week. :-)

[candivw]

Nothing like Woolies in RSA for food sadly i do miss it terribly. Miss their clothes too

[jasey]

Mrs Mupersan in Canberra, on 28 January 2012 - 09:32 PM, said:

Farmers markets are Everywhere! And most of them will have heaps of organic farmers selling their produce. From organic cheeses, meats and veggies to organic olive oils and wines. Pricier than supermarkets but oh so much better than the mass produced chemically ripened crap you get at the supermarkets. And i've found that the stuff from the farmers markets stay fresh longer as the goods haven't spent a week or two in cold storage along the supply chain. The stuff was picked with in the past week. :-)

Wonderful, that's excellent news Tell me: how has life been for you the last 3 years? Better than you expected? Are you comfortable enough to call the place home now? And do you think it'll be home for the rest of your lives?

candivw, on 28 January 2012 - 09:39 PM, said:

Nothing like Woolies in RSA for food sadly i do miss it terribly. Miss their clothes too

Damn Candi, thanks for confirming. Same question to you - how has life been moving from Durbs to Perth, and do you plan to stay forever?

[RichtB]

You can also try Aussie Farmers. You order via the website and they deliver to your doorstep early morning - bread, milk, cheese, meat etc. Woolies food in RSA is getting expensive, we are very selective on what we buy in the line of food. Sometimes best to buy fresh (bulk) then prepare someting (prepared meals) for freezer.

On all our visits we have found the quality, availability and variety of veggies and fruit to be excellent in either Coles or Woolworths. Petrol discount coupons from these two stores are not to be sneezed at off course.

[Lyn]

I too missed Woolies in the early days, but I agree with Mrs M, we have fabulous markets, delis, bakeries etc - have to watch the waistline

I heard via the grapevine that my old woolies in Waterfall / KZN closed down ?? find it hard to believe. Does anyone know if this is true ?

Dont worry you will find new stores / markets that will replace Woolies. One thing I must confess tho - I still have not found ladies underwear quite as good and comfy as Woolies - if I could pack my container again it would be full of bras and panties !!!