Big W
Woolworths Group · Australia
Big W is an Australian discount department store chain owned by Woolworths Group. It sells clothing alongside homewares, toys, electronics and everyday goods through stores and online.
| Founded | 1964, New South Wales |
|---|---|
| Parent | Woolworths Group |
| Headquarters | Bella Vista, NSW |
| Stores | About 179 |
| Marketplace | Big W Market (2023) |
| Website | bigw.com.au |
What is Big W?
Big W is a chain of discount department stores in Australia and a division of Woolworths Group. Its first store opened in regional New South Wales in 1964, and the business is headquartered in Bella Vista, New South Wales. The network numbers around 179 stores.
Products and positioning
Big W is a general merchandise retailer, and apparel is one of its main categories. The range spans:
- Clothing for women, men and children
- Homewares, bedding and kitchenware
- Toys, books and gaming
- Health and beauty
- Electronics and small appliances
Its positioning is built on everyday low prices for families, which places its clothing in direct competition with other value chains and mass market fashion retailers.
Distribution
The business sells through its store estate and the Big W website. In November 2023 it launched Big W Market, an online marketplace that lets third party sellers list products alongside its own range.
Why it matters
As one of the largest discount department store operators in the country, Big W is a significant volume outlet for value apparel in Australia. Its move into a third party marketplace model reflects a wider trend among large retailers to extend range online without holding the stock themselves.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Big W?
Big W is a division of Woolworths Group, the Australian retail group.
Does Big W sell clothes?
Yes. Clothing for women, men and children is one of its main categories alongside homewares, toys and electronics.