Woolworths stores to begin closing December 27
Retailer to shut more than 800 stores over four days in late December and early January, more heavy discounting to come
Deloitte has said that Woolworths stores will begin closing on December 27, with all 807 stores closed for good by January 5.
200 stores will close on the 27, with another 200 closing December 30, January 2 and January 5, unless a buyer is found for the business.
"Obviously if we have a sale of business between now and then, there's a prospect for those stores to remain open," said joint administrator Neville Kahn.
Administrators Deloitte also said that distribution business EUK will continue to function into the new year, while ongoing talks to find a buyer for the business continue.
Offers for the Woolworths stores have been received as late as last weekend, said Kahn, with 300 shops currently under offer by food, clothing and budget retailers.
While Woolworths is currently offering discounts of between 20 and 60 per cent, Kahn confirmed larger cuts will be offered in-store closer to the final days of trading.
Between now and the new year, Woolworths will also replenish stores with over 50 million new items of stock.