Independent retailers deserve better

MGA has raised serious concerns following multiple incidents involving large groups of uniformed Woolworths employees entering independent IGA stores in Western Australia.

Footage from Tucker Fresh IGA Broadway and Taylor Road IGA shows groups of Woolworths employees entering the stores during trading hours and observing products, pricing, displays and store operations.

The retailers involved have described the visits as intimidating, disruptive and disrespectful to their staff and customers.

A similar visit was reported at another independent store on the same day, with groups of approximately 10–15 Woolworths employees reportedly entering the business.

MGA: Competitor research does not require intimidation

Competitor research and price comparison are a normal part of retail. But there is a significant difference between discreetly observing a competitor and a large group of uniformed employees from one of Australia’s biggest supermarket chains entering an independent retailer together.

MGA CEO Martin Stirling has publicly backed the retailers involved and criticised the manner in which the visits were conducted.

“They’re dealing with teenage gangs swarming their stores and now seemingly they’re dealing with Woolworths’ employees swarming their stores. It’s completely unreasonable and unacceptable. It appears to be an intimidation tactic.”

Independent retailers operate in one of the most concentrated supermarket markets in the world. They should be able to compete on their offer, service and connection with their local communities without being made to feel intimidated in their own stores by a much larger competitor.

Whatever the stated purpose of these visits, MGA believes the reported conduct was unnecessary and unacceptable.

Matter raised with the ACCC

The owners of Taylor Road IGA have reported their incident to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), raising concerns about the conduct.

MGA is continuing to work with the retailers involved and is seeking greater clarity around why these visits occurred, how they were authorised and whether similar activity has occurred elsewhere.

We want to hear from members who may have experienced similar visits so we can better understand whether this is limited to the incidents already reported or represents a broader issue for independent retailers.

MGA standing up for independent retailers

While the incidents reported to date involve two WA stores, the issue raises broader questions about how major retailers treat independent businesses. Independent retailers compete every day against significantly larger businesses with substantially greater resources and market power. Strong competition is part of retail – intimidation must never be.

MGA will continue to call out conduct that threatens the ability of independent retailers to compete fairly, operate confidently and succeed on their merits.

In the media

The issue, including comments from Martin Stirling and the experiences of the retailers involved, has been covered by:

Has this happened in your store?

MGA wants to hear from you.

If you have experienced a similar visit from a major supermarket or other competitor – particularly involving groups of employees, photography, detailed inspection of your operations or conduct that left you or your team feeling intimidated – please contact MGA on 1800 888 479 or via email.

Even if you did not report the incident at the time, we encourage you to let us know.

Your information will help MGA understand the extent of the issue and determine whether further action or advocacy is required on behalf of independent retailers.