24 February 2011

The operations of Countdown Supermarkets remain disrupted following the Christchurch earthquake. Countdown is working hard to open as many stores as soon as possible and essential supplies are being prioritised for stores in the Christchurch area.

COUNTDOWN STORE STATUS

Open

1. Countdown Avonhead 2. Countdown Kaiapoi 3. Countdown Northwood
4. Countdown Hornby 5. Countdown Rangiora 6. Countdown Ashburton
7. Countdown Church Corner 8. Countdown Northlands

Closed:

1. Countdown Bush Inn
2. Countdown Colombo Street 3. Countdown Eastgate
4. Countdown Ferrymead 5. Countdown Moorhouse 6. Countdown New Brighton
7. Countdown The Palms

We still anticipate opening Countdown Moorhouse and Countdown Bush Inn late today. Online shopping services in the Christchurch area remain suspended until further notice.

SUPERVALUE & FRESHCHOICE STORE STATUS

The franchise operations of Progressive Enterprises have also been disrupted by the earthquake.

Open:
1. SuperValue Lincoln Road 2. FreshChoice Barrington 3. FreshChoice Merivale
4. SuperValue Wairakei 5. SuperValue Fendalton

Closed:
1. SuperValue Sumner 2. SuperValue Woolston 3. FreshChoice Parklands
4. SuperValue Stanmore Road 5. SuperValue Edgeware

FOOD SUPPLIES, STOCK AND LOGISTICS
We continue to experience delays in sending stock to stores with the staffing levels of our distribution centre at about 50%. We expect this to improve with each day.

Water is a high priority and 30 pallets of water were distributed to stores in the Christchurch area yesterday. 277 pallets of water are en-route to our distribution centre. Countdown has also provided water supplies to emergency services personnel who are assisting with the earthquake response.

Additional deliveries of essential supplies such as water and basic food items including tin food, pasta and cereal are being prioritised for stores in the Christchurch area. Other supplies including sanitary products and batteries are also en-route to stores.

TEAM MEMBERS / EMPLOYEES
The safety and wellbeing of our team members remains our first priority. We encourage those team members who are in a position to do so to contact our stores and distribution centres to advise if they are in a position to return to work.

COMMUNITY RESPONSE
Countdown continues to work with emergency services and community relief organisations to assist the Canterbury community. Countdown, Woolworths & Foodtown stores have begun accepting donations for the Salvation Army Canterbury Earthquake Appeal. Customers can contribute donations at our stores throughout New Zealand.

In addition, Woolworths Limited in Australia will be accepting donations through all Woolworths supermarkets and Dick Smith stores.

The latest store openings with any changes throughout the day will be available on the Countdown website at www.countdown.co.nz.

ENDS

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