As mentioned before, the retail industry is squarely opposed to sustainable practices and this in itself is a blaring weakness that needs to be addressed if the company expects to be successful in the long-term. Opportunities

Another step in a retail SWOT analysis is identifying key opportunities in the market.

In this case, the demand for sustainable practices are at an all time high. If Woolworths can somehow master this transition, the opportunity for domination within this industry is possible. Introducing new technologies that promote sustainable practices will surely help in exploiting many of these opportunities.

Threats

The internet and wireless shopping has provided many new threats to the retail industry. This threat is more serious because online shopping appears to be more sustainable than taking a car out to the store to make the purchase. Woolworths must emphasis the importance of shopping in person and making this practice somehow more sustainable. Another threat to Woolworths includes the general economic condition of the country and the world . Unstable currency markets threatens not only the local economy but also many of Woolworths' suppliers that are also trying to make their business more sustainable.

(2012) a view on Woolworths' corporate responsibility report, the Sustainability Report: Integrating ESG for Risk and Return at http://www.thesustainabilityreport.com.au/a-view-on-woolworths-corporate- responsibility-report/3137/: Accessed 10 May, 2013
Dwivedi, a., Merrilees, B., Miller, D. And Hemington, C. (2012) Brand Value and relationship equities and loyalty intentions in the Australian Supermarket Industry, Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Vol.19, Iss.5, pp.526-536

Hampl, N. And Loock, M. (2013) Sustainable Development in Retailing: What is the Impact on Store Choice?, Business Strategy and Environment, Vol.22, pp.202-216

Iles, a. (2007) Seeing Sustainability in Business Operations: U.S. And British Food Retailer Experiments with Accountability, Business Strategy and the Environment, Vol.16, pp.290-301

Woolworths (2013) Sustainability at http://woolworths.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/Website/Woolworths/About+Us/Our+Planet / Sustainability/; Accessed 10 May, 2013

Woolworths (2007) Doing the right thing: Sustainability Strategy 2007-2015, at http://www.woolworthslimited.com.au/icms_docs/130514_Doing_the_Right_Thing.pdf: Accessed 15 May, 2013