In a bid to improve operations.
Big W CEO Sally Macdonald (pictured) has dismissed about 40 buyers and assistant buyers from head office, as part of a restructure of its overseas sourcing. The move aims to reduce costs and increase earnings.
Big W’s direct sourcing operations in Hong Kong have been separated from Woolworths’ food and grocery sourcing operations and senior Big W executive, Jeff Vickery, has been posted to Hong Kong as head of quality, sourcing and production to strengthen the group’s direct sourcing channels.
Commenting on the decision, Macdonald said, “Necessary team adjustments have been made across our business to ensure we are choosing and creating the best brands and products for our customers.”
“While buyer numbers have been reduced, we are in the process of recruiting more than 30 new designers across fashion, industrial, graphic and digital to form a centralised and rejuvenated design team,” Macdonald told Fairfax media.
She has also been seeking new sources of supply and has recently established a sourcing team in Bangladesh and mainland China to supplement the Hong Kong buying office.
“Big W is transitioning to a direct-sourcing model for our own brand business and we are working closely with any affected local suppliers and product agents to ensure a smooth and fair transition. We will honour all our contractual commitments,” she said.
“These changes to our sourcing operations will allow us to have complete transparency and direct control over our entire product development process, from design and manufacturing through to delivery to customers in stores,” she added.