Woolies delves into home software

Mixed merchandise retailer Woolworths has followed in Tesco's footsteps by launching its own range of PC software, due to hit the shelves in the middle of next month.

The company has struck a deal with white label software developer Formjet to supply a range of seven home applications, including internet security, antivirus, word processing, photo editing, back-up and 'edutainment' software.

The move is in line with the retailer's strategy to revamp its flagging entertainment lines and the software products are targeted at the traditional young family and female Woolworths' customers, according to Formjet Innovations director Graham O'Reilly.

O'Reilly said: "The range of the products is in line with Woolworths' target market. It is user friendly and the packaging uses bright, friendly styling.

"It's pretty radical to have security software on a six-month licence and the products will have a radically lower price-point than the market leaders."

Formjet already supplies a range of home software to Tesco, launched last October, although the range offered is skewed slightly more towards office use and away from education. Tesco's offering is also on a slightly higher price range, said O'Reilly, to reflect the difference in customer profile.

The product set will be available in 160 of Woolworths' 800 stores, in the Big Red Book catalogue and online by the middle of April. Formjet will also support the products through a white-label website.