Woy Woy supermarket to close

A Woy Woy supermarket has confirmed that it will close next month.

However, Melbourne-based Ritchies Supa IGA have not disclosed their reasons for closing the store.

Store employees confirmed they have been told the Deepwater Plaza supermarket will close on December 11.

They could not confirm how many employees would lose their positions when the supermarket closed and were not authorised to answer any more questions.

IGA took over the retail space when it was vacated by Franklins.

Ritchies head office informed Peninsula News that the company's chief executive officer, Mr Fred Harrison, was its only authorised media spokesperson and was not available for comment.

Peninsula Chamber of Commerce president Mr Matthew Wales said the closure announcement was "deeply concerning" for the Woy Woy town centre.

"We obviously do not believe reduced supermarket competition is good for Woy Woy," Mr Wales said.

"The loss of such a major tenant will also be a big issue for Deepwater Plaza as there are not a lot of major players in that market sector who could fill such a big retail space," he said.

"I would like to know Ritchies' reasons for closing the store but I would imagine it has something to do with stiff competition from both Woolworths and Coles."

Mr Wales said he believed parking and congested access around Deepwater Plaza may have also contributed to Ritchies re-examining their commitment to Woy Woy.

"This once again reinforces the need for a review of the Woy Woy Town Centre in conjunction with the Central Coast Council," he said.

The revitalised Umina Town Centre, which now has Coles, Woolworths and Aldi stores, may also be a factor in the demise of the Ritchies supermarket in Woy Woy, according to Mr Wales.

Interview, 23 Nov 2016

Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

Reporter: Jackie Pearson