Thrifty-Link Hardware
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Wholesale, Distribution, Retail |
| Founded | 1927 |
| Founder | Joe David |
| Headquarters | Macquarie Park, Sydney , Australia |
Area served | Australia, New Zealand |
| Products | Food, liquor, hardware products |
| Website | www |
Metcash Limited is a prominent Australian wholesaler and diversified group specializing in the distribution of food, liquor, and hardware products. Based in Macquarie Park, Sydney, the company supports a network exceeding 6,500 retail outlets nationwide, including supermarkets, convenience stores, hardware centers, and liquor shops.
History
The origins of the company date back to 1927 when Joe David launched a corner store in Woolloomooloo, Sydney. The business grew to encompass six stores before establishing a wholesale warehouse in Redfern in 1935. Metcash ventured into the liquor sector in 1966 by acquiring Harbottle Brown & Co and further expanded its wholesale footprint by purchasing AG Campbells in 1980.
In 1987, the business was renamed Australian Liquor Marketers and introduced the IGA brand to the Australian market the following year. The year 2000 saw the company adopt the Metcash name. In 2005, Metcash, alongside Woolworths, acquired most of Foodland’s Australian operations; Woolworths took over New Zealand operations and certain Australian supermarkets.
In 2012, Metcash secured a majority interest in Automotive Brands Group for A$53 million, integrating Autobarn and Autopro into its automotive portfolio. This division was subsequently sold to Burson Group (presently Bapcor) in 2015 for A$275 million. Notably, the automotive division was led by CEO Paul Dumbrell, a professional Supercar driver.
Most recently, in February 2024, Metcash announced agreements to acquire Superior Food Group, Bianco Construction Supplies, and Alpine Truss, with a combined valuation near US$558.5 million.
Operations
Metcash’s business is organized into three core segments: Food & Grocery, Liquor (operated through Australian Liquor Marketers), and Hardware.
The company owns several retail brands such as IGA, Home Hardware, Cellarbrations, and Thirsty Camel. These brands are licensed to independent retailers who receive marketing assistance and operational guidance. Furthermore, Metcash supplies other retail banners it does not own, including FoodWorks and Friendly Grocer.
Within its convenience sector, Metcash incorporates Campbells Cash & Carry, C-Store Distribution, and Independent Grocers (NT).
Banners owned by Metcash
- IGA
- Foodland IGA
- IGA Express
- IGA Fine Food Market
- IGA Local Grocer
- Supa IGA
- Supa Valu IGA
- The Fresh Pantry
- Village Grocer
- Superior Food Group
- Superior Food Services
- Global Meats
Brands supplied by Metcash
- 4 Square (currently Eziway)
- FoodWorks
- Friendly Grocer
- 7-Eleven
- BP
- Lucky 7
Convenience division
- Campbells Cash & Carry
- C-Store Distribution
- Independent Grocers (NT)
Australian Liquor Marketers
Australian Liquor Marketers serves as Metcash’s liquor arm, overseeing franchise liquor stores and distributing products throughout Australia and New Zealand. The division operates thirteen distribution centers across Australia plus one in New Zealand. As the leading supplier to independent liquor retailers nationwide and a comprehensive wholesaler, it caters to roughly 12,000 liquor customers. Its franchise operators trade under eight distinct brand names:
- Big Bargain Liquor
- Cellarbrations
- Duncan's Liquor
- IGA Plus Liquor
- Merchants Liquor
- Porter's Liquor
- The Bottle O
- Thirsty Camel
Independent Hardware Group
The Independent Hardware Group under Metcash comprises the following entities:
- Alpine Truss
- Bianco
- Hardings
- Home Hardware
- Mitre 10
- Plants Plus
- Thrifty-Link Hardware
- Total Tools
- True Value Hardware
Private label brands
Metcash's proprietary brands emphasize affordability and strong community connections:
- Black and Gold
- Community Co
- Foodland