‘We are making available and prioritising delivery windows to our most vulnerable customers, including seniors, people with a disability and those in mandatory isolation,’ Ms Bardwell says.
‘Woolworths serves all Australians, however, at this challenging time we are giving priority access to our most vulnerable customers including seniors, people with a disability and those in mandatory isolation. Once these vulnerable customers have been given first access, we are providing online deliveries to our valued customers where we can.’
To apply for Priority Assistance, applicable customers can apply here.
Woolworths have also apologised to shoppers whose orders were cancelled in recent weeks due to limited stock.
‘Significant item shortages in store along with unprecedented demand for home delivery and Pick up services have unfortunately resulted in some customer orders being cancelled,’ Ms Bardwell says. ‘We took this decision at the earliest possible point given the high level of items out of stock. We know we have disappointed many of you, for that I am truly sorry.’
She adds: ‘We have temporarily suspended our usual delivery operations out of selected Australian supermarkets until further notice. We’re ramping up delivery capacity out of our dedicated online customer fulfilment centres in order to service as many vulnerable customers as possible. We'll look to resume our usual delivery operations out of our supermarkets as soon as possible.’
As deliveries resume, Woolworths say they’ll no longer offer ‘Crate to Bench delivery, and all items will be sent in reusable bags.
‘For the ongoing safety of you and our team, Crate to Bench is now unavailable and all orders will be placed in reusable bags for contactless delivery,’ Ms Bardwell says. ‘Additionally, for the safety of our team, we will not be accepting bag returns to our drivers during this time.’
