Countdown (supermarket)

Countdown (supermarket)

Countdown is a New Zealand full-service supermarket chain, owned by Woolworths Limited. Founded in 1981, Countdown is the flagship brand of Progressive Enterprises, Woolworths' New Zealand supermarket subsidiary, with 133 supermarkets across New Zealand. It is the nation's largest supermarket chain in terms of number stores.

Although stores vary in size, Countdown stores are normally larger than average (newer supermarkets are around 4,000–4,400 m2/43,000–47,000 sq ft) and are able to sell products slightly more cheaply than smaller Foodtown and Woolworths supermarkets.

"New Generation" Countdowns - those that have been built or refurbished since mid-2008 - have 30% of their retail floor space dedicated to fresh foods, a wider range of products (up to 30,000 items), and energy-efficient and sustainable heating and refrigeration systems. Older Countdowns follow the pattern of other New Zealand supermarkets.