Is Woolworths really the responsible retailer it brands itself to be? Or is its carefully crafted image a mere papering over the truth? In April 2013, Woolworths opened a new store in Lonehill. The store's delivery trucks leave their engines and refrigeration fans bellowing out into the surrounding neighbourhood from 7:00am until after 8:00pm at night, and its poorly contained cooling system grinds out its relentless drone 24/7. This gratuitous noise output has been brought to the attention of both the Lonehill Store Manager and Woolworths' Gauteng Regional Manager. So far, they have chosen to wash their hands of the matter.
Woolworths Lonehill is in the heart of a residential area surrounded by clusters and townhouses that existed long before Woolworths muscled its way in. Does Woolworths honestly believe it can continue to profit indefinitely from the very custom it so offends? Or is the company going to live up to its branded image as a responsible retailer and restore Lonehill to the tranquil neighbourhood that it once was? Ultimately, must we as customers continue to support such irresponsible business conduct? Or do we in fact have other shopping options available?
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