Business · Companies · 1 hr ago
Big W returns to profit as it tries to revive its discount retail business
Big W returned to profit with a $64 million gain in its latest financial year, after losing $33 million in the 2025 financial year.
The Australian discount department store has long struggled to match rival Kmart, which has more than 300 stores compared with Big W’s 178.
Big W is owned by Woolworths, while Kmart is part of Wesfarmers.
Big W says its recovery came from less heavy discounting, stronger clothing sales and growth in its online marketplace.
Its turnaround plan pairs low prices with better-quality products and more efficient operations, while investment is going into clothing, health and beauty, and homewares.
The company is testing redesigned store layouts as it tries to give shoppers more reasons to visit, but its managing director says the transformation is still at an early stage.
Big W returned to profit in the latest financial year, making $64 million after losing $33 million in the 2025 financial year.
The retailer attributed the turnaround to less heavy discounting, stronger clothing sales and growth in its marketplace business.
Big W is trying to revive its discount retail business as it trails rival Kmart in store numbers and profits.
Its strategy includes keeping prices low, improving product quality and making operations more efficient.
Managing director Dan Hake said the turnaround was still in its early stages.
- Who
- Big W, owned by Woolworths, and its managing director, Dan Hake.
- What
- Big W returned to profit, making $64 million in the latest financial year.
- When
- In the latest financial year; the sources do not specify the year.
- Where
- Australia.
- Why
- The company cited less heavy discounting, stronger clothing sales and a thriving marketplace business.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Big W announced 30 store closures.
Big W recorded a loss of $33 million.
Woolworths chief executive Amanda Bardwell announced a strategic review of the shape of the company’s business portfolio.
Big W returned to profit, making $64 million.
- Latest financial year profit
- $64 million
- 2025 financial year result
- $33 million loss
- Big W stores
- 178
- Kmart stores
- More than 300
- Announced store closures
- 30 in 2019
What people are saying
We’re still early days in our transformation.
That’s just step one.