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Author/s:
Foy & Gibson
Title:
Foy & Gibson newsletters
Date:
1947-1967 (incomplete)
Persistent Link:
http://hdl.handle.net/11343/21262
File Description:
Woolies News ser.67 no.4 August 1967
WOOLWORTHS
BUYS 6 FOYS
SHOPS
Series 67/4 August, 1967
503,448
daily sales
By DAVID JEFFERSON, of Herald Finance
Woolworths Ltd., the big chain store retailer
nd supermarket operator, has bought the city store
f Foy & Gibson Ltd. in Bourke St. It has bought
our other Foys shops in Melbourne suburbs — and
neat Ballarat.
The sale marks the virtual end of
The new boss
ictorian section of the retail
begun by the chairman of Cox
it Frank Richardson.
OUR NEW
"TOYS" GROUP
to trade as "BIG W'
RP
The l°°111
retailer
AL
6Y TaE
b.,a17
burban Foys shops bought
rths are at Prahran, Coladstone and Northland.
It
FylTas
r•nt
Ac
acelos,., to 4.,0114
t shop
is Morsheads
shares are owned by
?"
or4V..1
up which made the
What
papers
said . . .
still owns Georges
number of mute interests.
today by the
s. IAustralia)
e chairman
hs Ltd.,
the
the
announcing the purchase of six Cox Bros. stores
SaddedINCE
in Victoria (June, 1967 issue), another two have been
to'the list. They are "Cox Bros.-Economic Stores" in
Hay Street, Perth, W.A., and "Cox Bros.-Foys" store in Mt.
Gambier, S.A. In all cases, Woolworths ownership and
management commenced 1st August.
" CORES of newspapers all
over Australia (and even
overseas) reported the event.
We publish a few extracts:
The large, air-conditioned
Perth store occupies an advantageous corner position
in the heart of city, and
consists of a basement,
ground and four upper
floors all serviced by escalators and elevators.
The store will continue
trading in its present form as
"Economic-BIG W," and in
1968 will be progressively
altered and modernised
"The zooming retailer.
along "new look" lines, including a cafeteria. It will
supplement facilities of the
Company's existing Hay
Street variety store, which
has become inadequate to
meet the city's expanding
trading opportunities.
The Mt. Gambier (S.A.)
store will trade directly as
"BIG W;" the Victorian
stores as indicated below
each photograph.
It hardly needed yesterday's
deal with the receiver of Cox
Bros. to drive home the point
that Woolworths is the most
extraordinary phenomenon in
Australian retailing.
" . . . the buying public can be
grateful. Australian retailing
generally has never been more
competitive and managerially
alive than it is now, and Woolworths has been one of the
pacemakers."
The Sydney Morning Herald,
1st June, 1967.
"Boost for Bourke Street.
* FOYS-BIG W—Bourke and Swanston Sts., Melbourne.
Apart from increased competition which Coles will now
encounter, Bourke Street traders
seem to welcome the move.
They hope that Woolworths,
with their penchant for aggressive merchandising, will add
strength and life to trading in
the street."
Australian Financial Review,
1st June, 1967.
*
FOYS-BIG W—in modern CHADSTONE shopping centre, Melbourne.
*
BIG
*
BIG W—Mt. Gambier, S.A.
(Excerpts from an interview
with Mr. John Holdsworth,
President of Prahran Chamber
of Commerce, Melbourne):
"Taken from any viewpoint,
it seemed that the move would
be a good thing for Prahan
shopping area, he said.
. . . We have every reason to
expect that an organisation with
the reputation and marketing
know-how such as Woolworths
enjoy could only improve the
situation and the centre generally, Mr. Holdsworth concluded."
* FOYS - BIG W — Collingwood, Melbourne. Inset: FOYS-BIG W—Prahran.
W
(formerly Momileods)—Ballarat,
Southern Cross, 7th June, 1967.
Vic.
* ECONOMIC-BIG W — Perth, W.A.
* FOYS-BIG W—in modern NORTHLAND shopping centre, Melbourne.
WHO'S WHO
at our NEW
"FOYS-BIG W"
DIVISION . . .
Mr. John Watt, Managing
Director Foys 1959-1965.
Joined Woolworths May,
1967. Now responsible for
co-ordination and merger of
the new acquisition.
Mr. John Thomas joined
at Foys Melbourne city store
as a salesman in 1931, became Merchandising Manager in 1949, Merchandising Director in 1951. Managing Director since 1965.
Mr. Allen Houghton began at Foys as junior clerk
in 1933. Became Office
Manager in 1946, Head
Office Accountant in 1949.
Same year saw his appointment as Company Secretary.
Director since 1955, Joint
Managing Director since
1965.
WHO'S WHO AT FOYS—BIG W.
W .. WHO'S WHO AT FOYS—BIG W
Mr. Arthur Garvey joined
Cox Bros., Perth, as collection clerk in 1929, became
Collection Manager in 1932.
In 1938 appointed Accountant, 1945 Deputy Manager,
1955 Manager. Manager of
Cox-Economic Stores
(Perth) since 1957.
Mr. Leslie Dunn joined
Foys city store (Melbourne)
in 1955 as Manchester Controller, became Merchandising Manager (country
stores) in 1961. Managing
Director Morsheads (Ballarat) in 1964.
Mr. Noel Wearne joined
Foys city store in 1959 as
Department Manager Hardware Group. Manager Chadstone (Melbourne) store
since 1966.
Miss Thelma Percy, formerly Sportswear Buyer and
Fashion Floor Controller.
Joined Woolworths May,
1967. Now Fashion Controller FOYS-BIG W.
Mr. Alan Durham was
appointed Footwear Controller, city store, in 1947.
Manager Fitzroy (Melbourne) store 1951 to 1953,
then Merchandise Controller city. Manager Prahran
1954-1957. Resumed 1961
as Manager Chadstone.
WHO'S WHO AT FOYS—BIG W . . . WHO'S WHO AT FOYS—BIG W . . . WHO'S WHO AT Manager Northland (Melbourne) since 1966.
Mr. John Merrillees,
formerly Merchandise Manager and Director Foys.
Joined Woolworths May,
1967. Now Merchandise
Manager FOYS-BIG W.
Mr. Raymond Crow commenced at Foys in 1939 as
a salesman. Buyer from
1947 to 1949. Controller
Men's Store in 1958. Director since 1965.
Mr. Stanley Elliott commenced at Cox Bros. Adelaide (S.A.) as trainee country branch manager in July,
1936. In August, 1936, appointed Manager Mt. Gambier (S.A.) store and has
held this position ever since.
Mr. Elliott is also the Mayor
of Mt. Gambier.
Mr. William George commenced as a salesman at
Foys city store in 1938; in
charge Merchandise Control
—1948; became Manager
Collingwood docket office
in 1950. Manager Prahran
(Melbourne) store since
1966.
4
al1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
F-=
Now a total of 14 BIG W
family department stores
Mr. Laurie Marshall
started as a window dresser
at Foys city store in 1928,
became Display Manager in
1929, Manager Wools Department in 1938, Assistant
Manager Collingwood store
in 1958. Manager Coilingwood (Melbourne) store
since 1960.
LI THE eight recently acquired Cox Bros. stores are
-l- now unified under the BIG W banner!
=
Chairman and Managing Director Sir Theo Kelly -1said the move would simplify the BIG W buying
organisation and strengthen its merchandising ability, E
E with consequent benefits to the shopping public in all
=
E States. —
Six BIG W stores have opened in N.S.W. since=
- October, 1964. A further BIG W is under construcE tion at Woolworths Gold Coast Centre, Queensland, E
for late 1968 opening.
.;111 11111111 11i1111111111 1111111111111 1111111111111 1111111111m 1111 111111111 110
Page 2
* Another view of FOYS-BIG W, Chadstone, Melbourne.
Memorable Farewell
to Mr. C. k Hart
"HE endeared himself to every
' Woolworths man and woman
with whom he came in contact
through his well-nigh 40 years of
service . . . by his thoughtfulness,
by his sincerity."
C. R. Hart by the Directors at the
Company's Head Office on 5th July.
Director Mr. Cedric Hart retired
from executive management on
that date (see June issue of
"Woolies News").
Mr. Hart was presented with a
set of travel luggage, and an original Australian landscape painting by Alan Grieve. Mr. S. E. Chatterton, Director and co-founder,
made the presentation.
The paragraph quoted was
taken from the dedication on the
cover of a souvenir booklet. The
booklet was distributed to guests
at the farewell dinner given to Mr.
Interstate and New Zealand guests at the function
included Victorian Director
Mr. Frank Jennings; New
* Chairman and Managing Director Sir Theo Kelly proposes a toast to Mr. C. R. Hart.
Zealand Manager Mr. Noel
Laurenson; State Managers
Messrs. Terry Dwyer (Old.),
Jack Wright (Vic./Tas.),
Roy Liddell (W.A.), and
Jack Merrillees (S.A.); Accountants Messrs. Geof
Broad (N.Z.), Don Leggett
for a friendly chat( Mr. C. R. Hart and Sir Theo Kelly
(Old.), Don Miller (Vic./ * Time
with Mr. Jim Fleming Divisional Manager Flemings Fabulous
Tas.), and Tom Burgin
Food Stores (N.S.W.).
(S.A.); and New Zealand
Personnel Manager Mr. Vin
Beadle.
* Mr. C. R. Hart receives souvenir booklet from charming
* N.Z. Personnel Manager Mr. Vin Beadle
H. 0. hostess-receptionist Pam Dilworth.
(right) hears what happened to Kiwi footThe Directors and guests
ballers from H. 0. Associate Merchandise
paid a wholehearted tribute
Manager variety Mr. Eddie Robinson.
to Mr. Hart—for his diligence, skill and devotion
manifested during nearly
forty years of service.
Because (quoting the
concluding words of the
dedication) : " . . . Cedric
Hart proved something
more . . . that it's possible
for a top executive of big
business to be gentle ... to
achieve quiet strength
through gentility . . . and * Company Director and co-founder Mr.
* Birds of a feather( Chief Accountant Mr. Stan
* N.Z. Manager Mr. Noel Laurenson (retiring later this year)
Gray greets N.Z. Accountant Mr. Geof Broad.
Stan Chatterton is seen here with Sir
and N.S.W. Divisional Manager Food Fairs Mr. John Hendry
to be widely respected for
(N.Z. Manager-elect) have a lot in common!
Theo Kelly.
it!"
C. R. H. 'Mr. Doughty, Hart
Flemings
Tribute to
Mr. C. R. Hart
Rare Tact
An incident which illustrates Mr. Hart's regard for
other fellows' feelings was
recently recalled by Mr. Jim
Fleming, Divisional Manager of Flemings Fabulous
Food Stores, N.S.W.
"During the weeks that
followed the union of Flemings with Woolworths in
1960, our Property Manager Mr. Joe Doughty was
receiving from Woolworths
a large number of phone
calls about all sorts of matters. Although after a few
weeks he should have
known the names of Woolworths Directors, the following telephone conversation indicates that he did
not know one of them, at
least:
speaking, Woolworths.'
J. D. 'Hart. Where from?
What department?'
M.D.'s
NEW POST!
100% DECIMAL!
THE last of 9000 cash was in the capable hands of
registers in use in the Mr. Bob Knox (now N.S.W.
SIR THEO KELLY,
Chairman and Managing Company's stores through- Supervisor variety).
counting.'
out Australia were convertOur Company methods
J. D. 'Heavens! How many Director, has been appoint- ed to decimal currency on
ed
to
the
A.M.P.
Society
were frequently pointed out
more people are going to
Board of Directors. Sir Theo 15th May, well ahead of as a model for overseas obring me up from Woolis
also member of the Re- schedule.
servers by the Decimal Curworths, and what do YOU
serve
Bank Board, President
Chairman and Managing rency Board.
want, Mr. Hart?'
of the Australian Council of Director Sir Theo Kelly reN.Z. changeover to deciIt was characteristic of Retailers, and President of ferring to the advanced date
Mr. Hart's friendly attitude the N.S.W. Retail Traders of the Company's complete mal currency is now well in
hand after "C-Day" on 10th
that he took the whole Association.
conversion to decimal cur- July.
matter in his usual, goodHe regards his A.M.P. rency, said in his address at
natured way, and continued
directorship
as further indi- the Annual Shareholders
the conversation without
cation
of
public
regard for Meeting:
disclosing the fact that he our Company's contribution
Newest Stores
"Our thanks go to our
was Secretary and Director to Australia's commercial
sales staff who, at the point
of Woolworths Limited, development.
of contact with our cus- N.S.W.
thus saving Mr. Doughty
Pennant Hills, Sydney. A
tomers, had the task of exfrom an embarrassment. I
8,150 sq. ft. food and variety
plaining
the
new
trading
was able to acquaint him
"In particular, he earned
supermarket, completely re-built
with the fact only after the my utmost admiration for operation, and also to the after 1966 fire, re-opened on
equipment
companies
who
15th June.
conversation was finished." his direction of the Company's changeover to deci- handled the mechanical con- VIC.
Admiration
mal currency. Miraculously, version so efficiently."
Blackburn South, Melbourne.
The smooth changeover A 11,400 sq. ft. food and variety
Mr. Fleming continued he was able to accede to
with his regard for Mr. every request I made re was directed by recently supermarket on 15th June.
Melbourne. A food
Hart's extraordinary effic- bringing Flemings stores in- retired Company Secretary- andBoronia,
variety supermarket, major
iency in dealing with the to different conversion Director Mr. C. R. Hart, extensions
to 16,600 sq. ft.
various tasks of Company zones, and many other while supervision of all as- (largest in Vic.). Re-opened on
pects of branch application 20th July.
matters."
Secretary.
C. R. H. 'Secretary and ac-
Page 3
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
35 YEARS
NEW "VOUCHER OFFERS"
bring staff
SPECIAL STAFF OFFER
MASSIVE
MAGIC FIT
SPECIALS!
Appointments
AVAILABLE AT WOOLWORTHS AND BIG W
REGULAR 79,
Mr. Richard Carfoot
appointed Company Secretary
upon the retirement of Mr.
Cedric Hart. Mr. Carfoot was
previously Commonwealth Accountant, and more recently
Assistant Secretary.
Mr. Barry Rose formerly
N.S.W. Advertising Manager
appointed Advertising Manager
N.Z. He took up his new
appointment in June.
We apologise for "black
looks - .. .
This issue was intended to reach you earlier this
month, but our printers got caught in an industrial
dispute.
Time was running out, so we've printed "Woolies
News" in one colour only—for the first time in 10
years!
Mr. Sid Phillips manager Riverwood (N.S.W.)
supermarket will complete
35 „years' service on 29th
August.
Woolies 4/- clock
ticking for 26 years!
A small oval clock,
bought by Mr. and. Mrs. K.
Dowlinguof Newport Beach
(Sydney) in 1941, is still
keeping good time!
Mrs. "Dowling paid 4/(40c) at H.M. for her
"Woolworths antique." A
long-standing Woolies customer, she has a great regard for the dependability
of Woolworths merchandise.
ERE'S more great news
H for
Woolworths people!
From time to time,
most Australian staff will be
able to take advantage of
extra-special offers on
selected merchandise.
You will receive vouchers entitling you to buy
'these- 'goods at prices
BELOW the regular Staff
Discount rates.
Because of our printing
delays, the first two special
voucher-values are available until 15th September.
Look them over at variety
stores and most supermarkets. (Nylons also at
BIG W.)
u N,
ry 1 Tp ^ ry
v
r
■
* "Magic Fit" Fairyweb's stretch nylons,
regular price 79c, Staff Discount price
71c.
AUGUST SPECIAL VOUCHER OFFER
60c
SPECIAL STAFF OFFER
AVAILABLE AT WOOLWORTHS STORES ONLY
* Men's socks, extra bulky, "St. Mark,"
regular price 69c, Staff Discount price
62c.
AUGUST SPECIAL VOUCHER OFFER
50c
More Points of Interest
in extended
STAFF DISCOUNT!
IT AVE you explored the possibilities of the newly
H
AVE Staff Discount yet?
We feature more examples of how you save worthwhile
sums of money by taking full advantage of Discount
shopping.
Some of these lines are available now, some will be
available soon—in good time to lay-by for Christmas.
(Actual prices may vary a little from place to place; a few
lines are at larger stores only.)
MORE GOOD NEWS! Commencing 1st August, all staff
is entitled to Staff Discount at the new BIG W family stores
in Victoria, S.A. and W.A. (see page 1).
*
*
*
SCOOTER. Sturdy tubular frame, rubber tyres and handle
grips.
REGULAR PRICE .
$5.99
STAFF DISCOUNT PRICE ONLY $5.S9
STAINLESS CUTLERY "Sandra." Conveniently available as separate
pieces. 42-pce. set, $8.10.
STAFF DISCOUNT PRICE, 42-pce. set $7.29
* FOLDING LOUNGE. Tubular frame with washable vinyl webbing.
REGULAR PRICE
$10.50
BOXED MILANO SHIRT. REGULAR PRICE $2.50.
STAFF DISCOUNT PRICE ONLY $2.25
SHORTIE PYJAMAS, no-iron, "St. Mark," $1.99.
STAFF DISCOUNT PRICE ONLY $1.79
* CHENILLE BEDSPREAD. Soft, thick quality, at least $4 better value
than similar spreads! REGULAR PRICE: $5.50 single; $6.99 double.
YOU PAY ONLY: $4.95 single; $6.29 double
Page 4
* TRIKE "Tot Rod." Fantastic "hot-rod" for tiny tots with
$3.50
tooter-horn.
REGULAR PRICE
.
STAFF DISCOUNT PRICE ONLY $3.15
STAFF DISCOUNT PRICE ONLY $9.45
* WOMEN'S CARDIGAN. Smooth, soft nylon for "inbetween" and summer wear! $3.99.
STAFF DISCOUNT PRICE ONLY $3.59