Charles Nesbitt

Woolworths Charles Nesbitt

In short the book describes the early beginnings of Woolworths, South Africa, how the association with Marks and Spencer UK evolved and the relationships that came with it. The philosophies and operational methodologies as well as some of the interesting characters who steered Woolworths through this era are also commented on. The merger with Truworths was a momentous milestone in the history of Woolworths especially in the way that this event influenced the culture and brought a number of new structural changes. Apart from relationship changes there were distinguished modifications as to the way business was conducted. The most significant one was the change of a merchandising led to a buying managed approach, the entering of the computerisation age in the Woolworths environment and the impact that it had on the overall business, the introduction of the Woolworths card and the explosive effect on trade, the development and implementation of sophisticated IT systems with the challenges that accompanied this happening as well as the franchising of the brand and the complications that accompanied the initiative. The change of the sourcing policies from a local dominant industry to an offshore supplier base which, although came with major benefits it also eventually brought many unforeseen costs and operational challenges. An aggressive overseas store acquisition strategy saw a move to expand the stable of stores and new trademark names that probably had the most significant impact on the brand philosophies. In hindsight these initiatives and others which will be shared in the book were very brave challenges embarked on by many innovative individuals whose roles will be touched on and the successful or not so successful influences will be described through the journey.