Two days after the Woolworths Metro store in Pendle Hill closed, a new major supermarket has announced it will be moving in.
The community is celebrating a massive win this week after the IGA revealed it will be replacing the much-loved Woolies store.
It comes after the supermarket giant announced earlier this year that the store would officially close in March.
The news frustrated many locals, particularly seniors, who rely on the convenience of the local store to get their groceries.
In the weeks that followed, a passionate community-led campaign ramped up its fight to save the supermarket.
A petition, which was spearheaded by Federal Member for Parramatta Andrew Charlton, was signed by over 1,000 people in support of the store remaining open.
“For me, saving this supermarket was an absolute top priority, because it is the lifeblood of the community,” Charlton told Parra News.
“I’ve spoken to all the other shopkeepers, I’ve walked up and down the street, all the other shopkeepers are very keen to have the supermarket.
“A number of them have put petitions in their windows because they know the supermarket brings traffic to the street… they don’t want people getting in their cars and driving to Wentworthville.”
Despite the outcry from the community, Woolworths remained committed to the closure, which they said was due to a reduction in foot traffic over a number of years.
On Friday, March 7 – the final day before the Metro store permanently closed – the shelves were bare as shoppers picked up the last of what they could before they lost their local supermarket.
But on Monday, March 10, Pendle Hill residents were told they won’t have to wait long for a new major supermarket to take its place, with the IGA expected to open at the same spot within weeks.
“While I’m sad to see Woolies leave, I’m thrilled that IGA has answered the call. They will step in quickly and open a store within the next several weeks,” Charlton added.
“Many local residents rely on the supermarket for their staples.”
Run by franchisee Phil Whitehead, the new supermarket will be known as Whiteheads IGA.
“When the previous supermarket pulled out, Andrew Charlton got straight on the phone to us. He told us about the importance of having a supermarket in Pendle Hill. IGA is grateful to Andrew for advocating for the community,” Whitehead said.
Familiar with the area, Whitehead has his own special connection to the former Woolworths Pendle Hill store, having worked there as an employee early on in his career.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.