Overview
BIG W is an Australian discount department store chain selling toys, home, electronics, clothing, baby, beauty and seasonal products at low prices. Besides its stores and website, it runs BIG W Market, an online marketplace where selected third-party sellers offer an extended range to BIG W customers. For a brand that wants to reach Australian families, BIG W Market is one of the marketplaces of Australia's largest retail group.
Who is behind BIG W
BIG W was founded in regional New South Wales in 1964 and is part of Woolworths Group, Australia's largest supermarket company. It operated 179 stores in 2025 and has around 18,000 employees. BIG W has been through difficult years: it reported an operating loss in the 2025 financial year, and in late 2025 Woolworths Group was reported to be exploring a sale of the business. Brands should keep an eye on how ownership develops.
BIG W Market and Woolworths MarketPlus
BIG W launched BIG W Market in November 2023 as a separate online-only section of its website. It runs on Woolworths MarketPlus, the Group's shared marketplace platform, which lets sellers manage products across the Group's marketplaces from one place. In 2025 Woolworths closed its MyDeal marketplace and focused its marketplace business on two sites: BIG W Market and Everyday Market on woolworths.com.au.
How selling on BIG W Market works
- Curated. Woolworths says BIG W Market and Everyday Market are curated, carefully selecting sellers, brands and products.
- One platform. Sellers apply through Woolworths MarketPlus and can reach customers on both BIG W Market and Everyday Market.
- Online only. Marketplace products are sold online and shipped by the seller to customers in Australia.
- Loyalty and promotion. Woolworths highlights Everyday Rewards and its email marketing as ways marketplace sellers can reach customers.
A brand considering BIG W Market should be ready with:
- Australian stock and delivery to customers across the country.
- Competitive pricing for a discount retailer.
- Product compliance with Australian rules for the category, such as toy and electrical safety standards.
- Strong product content for online shoppers.
Why BIG W matters for brands
BIG W is a familiar name for Australian families, and its marketplace links into Woolworths Group's wider customer base. For brands already selling in Australia on Amazon or their own webshop, it adds a retailer-led channel.
How eBrands looks at BIG W
eBrands works with brands on marketplaces and retail channels across Europe, North America and beyond. If you are thinking about Australia and want to see whether BIG W Market fits your plans, we are happy to talk it through.
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