Many in the Kiama community, particularly seniors, have told The Bugle they are concerned about the ongoing Woolworths closure and wonder where and how they can buy the staples locally. They are unhappy about having to leave Kiama to shop for food and would prefer to “use their money for other things normally purchased locally,” according to one resident.

One elderly local resident, Owen said, “It’s very difficult for the elderly without a food outlet,” and “I wonder what people visiting Kiama think? and how they expect to stock up on food, especially basics!” 

Well it's time to discover everything else Kiama offers and support local traders!

Here are a few viable options to be able to get the groceries you need: 

The alternative local supermarkets are the IGA in Kiama Downs, Gerringong or Jamberoo, Top Shop in Kiama or Foodworks in Gainsborough.  

There is a courtesy bus service that takes people to Stockland Shellharbour, which operates on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday only, from 11am (departure) to 1:30pm (return to Kiama.) The pick-up location is the bus stop on Terralong Street opposite Kiama Village.

Whilst it was intended to have a pop-up shop at BWS Kiama Village, where locals could buy a limited range of essential products including milk, bread and fresh produce, unfortunately, due to the accident with one of the building workers, this pop-up store has been closed.  

A spokesperson for the company told the Bugle on enquiry, “The Woolworths pop-up and BWS store remain closed as investigations continue into a workplace incident that occurred last week. This is to ensure the safety of customers and team members and due to the limited access for product deliveries.”

The complex remains closed whilst they replace the roof from Monday 24 July until Weds 16 August – if all goes to schedule.

The online delivery will remain available, however, there will be no option for in-store pick-up.

“We thank the local community for their patience and understanding during this time and we’ll provide a further update as soon as we possibly can,” they said.