New Mini Woolies store opens in Launceston to support young people with disabilities

Woolworths and St Giles have teamed up to open a new Mini Woolies store in Launceston to improve the learning experience for young people with disabilities.

The Mini Woolies program provides a simulated supermarket environment where participants can practice retail and general life skills.

St Giles CEO Honnie Pitt said the new facility at their Launceston premises was a big step forward in providing opportunities for people with disabilities in Tasmania’s north.

“This program will allow us to expand our school leaver employment support offerings to participants,” she said.

The store features fresh produce bins, grocery shelving, tickets, signage and Woolworths-branded uniforms, as well as two tills.

Woolworths General Manager Corporate Operations and Mini Woolies Sarah Corey said the opening of the 80th Mini Woolworths store was a significant milestone.

“This new space will provide a unique learning experience for young people with disabilities and we are excited to see how it will help participants gain confidence and achieve their goals,” she said.

“We are delighted to expand our partnership with St Giles and provide more opportunities for young people with disabilities across Tasmania.”

The site will serve as an accessible learning space for young people to develop skills that will prepare them for work and increase their confidence in navigating the community.

This includes developing interpersonal skills for retail customer service, practical literacy, numeracy and register management skills, as well as building confidence, independence and future readiness.

Tasmania’s first Mini Woolies opened at Hobart’s South Boost School in June last year.