Goodbye, Coles & Woolworths? This Aussie's $6 shopping spree is turning heads!

As the cost of living continues to rise, Australians are pulling out all the stops to stretch their dollars a bit further.

With shoppers becoming increasingly fed-up with exorbitant supermarket prices, many are turning to their local independent grocers for better deals.


Recent analysis from Deakin University found that grocery prices have soared across supermarkets in the past year—milk prices have risen by 20 per cent in the two years to July. In the past year, eggs rose by 10 per cent, canned tuna increased by a whopping 25 per cent, canned tomatoes by 12 per cent, and frozen vegetables were up by 18 per cent.

On the other hand, as reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), prices of fresh fruits and vegetables have lowered by 5.4 per cent from July of last year to July of this year. But many shoppers believe it’s only a return to its normal prices after a surge due to the unfavourable growing conditions in 2022.

Amid all the news of endless increases in grocery prices at the supermarket, many have started exploring other options.

One Queensland shopper visited a local grocer called ‘St Ives Market’, west of Brisbane, and stumbled upon an amazing deal.


SDC Images (8).png
A shopper from Queensland bought this haul for just $6 from a local grocer in Goodna. Image source: Reddit.


‘Bought a box for $6 containing everything you see in the picture,’ they said, sharing a picture if a considerable assortment of fruit and vegetables.

‘Couldn’t pick and choose what I bought and wasn’t able to even see everything I was buying, but I think it was worth it,’ added the shopper.


Consumer expert Joel Gibson agreed with the shopper and said Australians are 'lucky enough' to have a choice when shopping for groceries.

‘We do have [choices] in Australia, we've got two major supermarkets [Coles and Woolworths],’ said Mr Gibson.

‘We've got ALDI and IGA on the next tier down, you've got all little local grocers, then there's the fruit and [vegetable] markets, you've got warehouses, like Costco and some other locals, and Campbell's is another one.’

So, what’s the key to bagging yourself a bargain?

Joel Gibson recommends doing your own research: ‘[T]here are other options out there. It's not easy, though, because what the big supermarkets sell more than anything else is convenience. They're convenient because they're everywhere.’

‘But in this environment with things so tough, people are doing anything they can to find ways to save and if they've got a local farmers market or you know, found a fruit and [vegetable] box that gets delivered, which is cheaper than the major supermarkets—they'll definitely be looking really closely at those options because everything is just so expensive in the supermarkets.’


Mr Gibson also zoomed in on local grocers as a prime option for shoppers looking to save a dollar or two.

‘Well I think generally speaking, your local sort of [supermarkets] isn't super cheap,’ he claimed.

‘We've known for a while that if you go to a really big fruit and [vegetable] market, you can buy your fruit and veg for about a 50 per cent discount compared to the supermarkets.’

‘So we know that if you have that option nearby, it can be significantly cheaper, and if people are now doing delivered versions of that, it's fantastic news for money savers.’


Many users also voiced out their support for local businesses in response to the Queensland shopper’s $6 haul.

'That's amazing,' one said.

'See this all the time at Cremorne IGA (in Sydney)—$9 regular or $4.50 in the evenings. People who exclusively shop at the duopoly are not only ruining the market, they’re also screwing themselves over,' another added.

'Now is the time to utilise your local fruit and [vegetable] shop/market more than ever,' a third suggested.

While a fourth recommended: 'In general, [local independent shops/markets are] much cheaper than the big two for produce, and most will have excess produce selling for extra cheap, or even cool mixed boxes like this.'

'Local fruit shop supports small farmers, they were the lifeblood of small farming until supermarkets destroyed the market in the 90s', said another.
Key Takeaways

  • Recent analysis by Deakin University reveals that Aussie grocery prices have increased significantly over the past year, prompting shoppers to look for cheaper alternatives such as independent grocers.
  • A Queensland shopper acquired a box of fresh produce for just $6 from a local grocer, spotlighting the cost-saving potential of shopping from independent outlets.
  • Consumer expert Joel Gibson highlighted that while big supermarkets offer convenience, exploring alternatives such as local grocers, fruit and vegetable markets, and warehouses can lead to significant savings.
  • People online echoed Gibson's sentiments, emphasising the importance of supporting local businesses and exploring smaller outlets for better savings.
Have you also found yourself choosing more local options to save money while grocery shopping? If you’ve got any tips you’d like to share on where or when to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, then please let us know in the comments below!
 
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As the cost of living continues to rise, Australians are pulling out all the stops to stretch their dollars a bit further.

With shoppers becoming increasingly fed-up with exorbitant supermarket prices, many are turning to their local independent grocers for better deals.


Recent analysis from Deakin University found that grocery prices have soared across supermarkets in the past year—milk prices have risen by 20 per cent in the two years to July. In the past year, eggs rose by 10 per cent, canned tuna increased by a whopping 25 per cent, canned tomatoes by 12 per cent, and frozen vegetables were up by 18 per cent.

On the other hand, as reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), prices of fresh fruits and vegetables have lowered by 5.4 per cent from July of last year to July of this year. But many shoppers believe it’s only a return to its normal prices after a surge due to the unfavourable growing conditions in 2022.

Amid all the news of endless increases in grocery prices at the supermarket, many have started exploring other options.

One Queensland shopper visited a local grocer called ‘St Ives Market’, west of Brisbane, and stumbled upon an amazing deal.


View attachment 29229
A shopper from Queensland bought this haul for just $6 from a local grocer in Goodna. Image source: Reddit.


‘Bought a box for $6 containing everything you see in the picture,’ they said, sharing a picture if a considerable assortment of fruit and vegetables.

‘Couldn’t pick and choose what I bought and wasn’t able to even see everything I was buying, but I think it was worth it,’ added the shopper.


Consumer expert Joel Gibson agreed with the shopper and said Australians are 'lucky enough' to have a choice when shopping for groceries.

‘We do have [choices] in Australia, we've got two major supermarkets [Coles and Woolworths],’ said Mr Gibson.

‘We've got ALDI and IGA on the next tier down, you've got all little local grocers, then there's the fruit and [vegetable] markets, you've got warehouses, like Costco and some other locals, and Campbell's is another one.’

So, what’s the key to bagging yourself a bargain?

Joel Gibson recommends doing your own research: ‘[T]here are other options out there. It's not easy, though, because what the big supermarkets sell more than anything else is convenience. They're convenient because they're everywhere.’

‘But in this environment with things so tough, people are doing anything they can to find ways to save and if they've got a local farmers market or you know, found a fruit and [vegetable] box that gets delivered, which is cheaper than the major supermarkets—they'll definitely be looking really closely at those options because everything is just so expensive in the supermarkets.’


Mr Gibson also zoomed in on local grocers as a prime option for shoppers looking to save a dollar or two.

‘Well I think generally speaking, your local sort of [supermarkets] isn't super cheap,’ he claimed.

‘We've known for a while that if you go to a really big fruit and [vegetable] market, you can buy your fruit and veg for about a 50 per cent discount compared to the supermarkets.’

‘So we know that if you have that option nearby, it can be significantly cheaper, and if people are now doing delivered versions of that, it's fantastic news for money savers.’


Many users also voiced out their support for local businesses in response to the Queensland shopper’s $6 haul.

'That's amazing,' one said.

'See this all the time at Cremorne IGA (in Sydney)—$9 regular or $4.50 in the evenings. People who exclusively shop at the duopoly are not only ruining the market, they’re also screwing themselves over,' another added.

'Now is the time to utilise your local fruit and [vegetable] shop/market more than ever,' a third suggested.

While a fourth recommended: 'In general, [local independent shops/markets are] much cheaper than the big two for produce, and most will have excess produce selling for extra cheap, or even cool mixed boxes like this.'

'Local fruit shop supports small farmers, they were the lifeblood of small farming until supermarkets destroyed the market in the 90s', said another.
Key Takeaways

  • Recent analysis by Deakin University reveals that Aussie grocery prices have increased significantly over the past year, prompting shoppers to look for cheaper alternatives such as independent grocers.
  • A Queensland shopper acquired a box of fresh produce for just $6 from a local grocer, spotlighting the cost-saving potential of shopping from independent outlets.
  • Consumer expert Joel Gibson highlighted that while big supermarkets offer convenience, exploring alternatives such as local grocers, fruit and vegetable markets, and warehouses can lead to significant savings.
  • People online echoed Gibson's sentiments, emphasising the importance of supporting local businesses and exploring smaller outlets for better savings.
Have you also found yourself choosing more local options to save money while grocery shopping? If you’ve got any tips you’d like to share on where or when to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, then please let us know in the comments below!
Coles and WOW deserve to lose customers by the drove. Both repeatedly demonstrate that they DO NOT CARE about customers!
Their unnecessary, unfair price gouging is unforgiveable, as well as their continued removal of our favourite items are losing them past loyalties.
Coles played a major role in Nestles ceasing to make Fantales! Coles refused to stock Fantales for years, allowing customers to believe that Victoria's cruel Lock Downs were the reason for the absence of our favourite lollies.
Instead, these supermarkets actively chose to no longer stock F and many other favourites.
Very few prices hv reduced in these greedy supermarkets since Victoria's nightmare LockDowns ended and supplies are easily available once more.
Australians do not want more imports. We want to buy OUR own food that is made and produced here by us.
 
Coles and WOW deserve to lose customers by the drove. Both repeatedly demonstrate that they DO NOT CARE about customers!
Their unnecessary, unfair price gouging is unforgiveable, as well as their continued removal of our favourite items are losing them past loyalties.
Coles played a major role in Nestles ceasing to make Fantales! Coles refused to stock Fantales for years, allowing customers to believe that Victoria's cruel Lock Downs were the reason for the absence of our favourite lollies.
Instead, these supermarkets actively chose to no longer stock F and many other favourites.
Very few prices hv reduced in these greedy supermarkets since Victoria's nightmare LockDowns ended and supplies are easily available once more.
Australians do not want more imports. We want to buy OUR own food that is made and produced here by us.
No we don't, it's too damn dear.
We have priced ourselves out of the market in most cases. Why do you think so many things are imported
People scream enough about prices, Australian wages are so much higher than a lot of places in the world.
Problem with us Aussies is we want 1st world wages, but expect to buy at 3rd world prices. We've bought this on ourselves
Not that I don't think Woolies and Coles aren't price gouging, the are, but if they stocked only Australian made or produced products the prices would be even higher
Unfortunately we can't have it both ways . IMO.
 
As the cost of living continues to rise, Australians are pulling out all the stops to stretch their dollars a bit further.

With shoppers becoming increasingly fed-up with exorbitant supermarket prices, many are turning to their local independent grocers for better deals.


Recent analysis from Deakin University found that grocery prices have soared across supermarkets in the past year—milk prices have risen by 20 per cent in the two years to July. In the past year, eggs rose by 10 per cent, canned tuna increased by a whopping 25 per cent, canned tomatoes by 12 per cent, and frozen vegetables were up by 18 per cent.

On the other hand, as reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), prices of fresh fruits and vegetables have lowered by 5.4 per cent from July of last year to July of this year. But many shoppers believe it’s only a return to its normal prices after a surge due to the unfavourable growing conditions in 2022.

Amid all the news of endless increases in grocery prices at the supermarket, many have started exploring other options.

One Queensland shopper visited a local grocer called ‘St Ives Market’, west of Brisbane, and stumbled upon an amazing deal.


View attachment 29229
A shopper from Queensland bought this haul for just $6 from a local grocer in Goodna. Image source: Reddit.


‘Bought a box for $6 containing everything you see in the picture,’ they said, sharing a picture if a considerable assortment of fruit and vegetables.

‘Couldn’t pick and choose what I bought and wasn’t able to even see everything I was buying, but I think it was worth it,’ added the shopper.


Consumer expert Joel Gibson agreed with the shopper and said Australians are 'lucky enough' to have a choice when shopping for groceries.

‘We do have [choices] in Australia, we've got two major supermarkets [Coles and Woolworths],’ said Mr Gibson.

‘We've got ALDI and IGA on the next tier down, you've got all little local grocers, then there's the fruit and [vegetable] markets, you've got warehouses, like Costco and some other locals, and Campbell's is another one.’

So, what’s the key to bagging yourself a bargain?

Joel Gibson recommends doing your own research: ‘[T]here are other options out there. It's not easy, though, because what the big supermarkets sell more than anything else is convenience. They're convenient because they're everywhere.’

‘But in this environment with things so tough, people are doing anything they can to find ways to save and if they've got a local farmers market or you know, found a fruit and [vegetable] box that gets delivered, which is cheaper than the major supermarkets—they'll definitely be looking really closely at those options because everything is just so expensive in the supermarkets.’


Mr Gibson also zoomed in on local grocers as a prime option for shoppers looking to save a dollar or two.

‘Well I think generally speaking, your local sort of [supermarkets] isn't super cheap,’ he claimed.

‘We've known for a while that if you go to a really big fruit and [vegetable] market, you can buy your fruit and veg for about a 50 per cent discount compared to the supermarkets.’

‘So we know that if you have that option nearby, it can be significantly cheaper, and if people are now doing delivered versions of that, it's fantastic news for money savers.’


Many users also voiced out their support for local businesses in response to the Queensland shopper’s $6 haul.

'That's amazing,' one said.

'See this all the time at Cremorne IGA (in Sydney)—$9 regular or $4.50 in the evenings. People who exclusively shop at the duopoly are not only ruining the market, they’re also screwing themselves over,' another added.

'Now is the time to utilise your local fruit and [vegetable] shop/market more than ever,' a third suggested.

While a fourth recommended: 'In general, [local independent shops/markets are] much cheaper than the big two for produce, and most will have excess produce selling for extra cheap, or even cool mixed boxes like this.'

'Local fruit shop supports small farmers, they were the lifeblood of small farming until supermarkets destroyed the market in the 90s', said another.
Key Takeaways

  • Recent analysis by Deakin University reveals that Aussie grocery prices have increased significantly over the past year, prompting shoppers to look for cheaper alternatives such as independent grocers.
  • A Queensland shopper acquired a box of fresh produce for just $6 from a local grocer, spotlighting the cost-saving potential of shopping from independent outlets.
  • Consumer expert Joel Gibson highlighted that while big supermarkets offer convenience, exploring alternatives such as local grocers, fruit and vegetable markets, and warehouses can lead to significant savings.
  • People online echoed Gibson's sentiments, emphasising the importance of supporting local businesses and exploring smaller outlets for better savings.
Have you also found yourself choosing more local options to save money while grocery shopping? If you’ve got any tips you’d like to share on where or when to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, then please let us know in the comments below!
I live in country Vic so oltions are limited but feel i should be supporting small businesses here! However, one problem i have is that Woolies online make it difficult to compare apples with apples so to speak with fruit & veg shop's prices because Woolies dont show the per kg price of produce, only the unit price which really stinks (& is probably a deliberate ploy as well)!

How do i get around this (other than by visiting the supermarket every day to check their per kg prices (fuel cost tripping around would negate any savings anyway i daresay, not to mention time-consuming- i work 39+ hrs per wk thus get groc delivered from Woolies)....
solutions?
 
I always shop at my local F&V shop which also has meat and groceries first.
The Freshness is far better and cheaper than the Supermarkets. Meat is usually great value and I freeze anything that is close to use-by-date. Groceries are usually a bit dearer but have some items that supermarkets no longer stock.
 
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‘We've known for a while that if you go to a really big fruit and [vegetable] market, you can buy your fruit and veg for about a 50 per cent discount compared to the supermarkets.’

In Fyshwick (Canberra) you can't!
 
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As the cost of living continues to rise, Australians are pulling out all the stops to stretch their dollars a bit further.

With shoppers becoming increasingly fed-up with exorbitant supermarket prices, many are turning to their local independent grocers for better deals.


Recent analysis from Deakin University found that grocery prices have soared across supermarkets in the past year—milk prices have risen by 20 per cent in the two years to July. In the past year, eggs rose by 10 per cent, canned tuna increased by a whopping 25 per cent, canned tomatoes by 12 per cent, and frozen vegetables were up by 18 per cent.

On the other hand, as reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), prices of fresh fruits and vegetables have lowered by 5.4 per cent from July of last year to July of this year. But many shoppers believe it’s only a return to its normal prices after a surge due to the unfavourable growing conditions in 2022.

Amid all the news of endless increases in grocery prices at the supermarket, many have started exploring other options.

One Queensland shopper visited a local grocer called ‘St Ives Market’, west of Brisbane, and stumbled upon an amazing deal.


View attachment 29229
A shopper from Queensland bought this haul for just $6 from a local grocer in Goodna. Image source: Reddit.


‘Bought a box for $6 containing everything you see in the picture,’ they said, sharing a picture if a considerable assortment of fruit and vegetables.

‘Couldn’t pick and choose what I bought and wasn’t able to even see everything I was buying, but I think it was worth it,’ added the shopper.


Consumer expert Joel Gibson agreed with the shopper and said Australians are 'lucky enough' to have a choice when shopping for groceries.

‘We do have [choices] in Australia, we've got two major supermarkets [Coles and Woolworths],’ said Mr Gibson.

‘We've got ALDI and IGA on the next tier down, you've got all little local grocers, then there's the fruit and [vegetable] markets, you've got warehouses, like Costco and some other locals, and Campbell's is another one.’

So, what’s the key to bagging yourself a bargain?

Joel Gibson recommends doing your own research: ‘[T]here are other options out there. It's not easy, though, because what the big supermarkets sell more than anything else is convenience. They're convenient because they're everywhere.’

‘But in this environment with things so tough, people are doing anything they can to find ways to save and if they've got a local farmers market or you know, found a fruit and [vegetable] box that gets delivered, which is cheaper than the major supermarkets—they'll definitely be looking really closely at those options because everything is just so expensive in the supermarkets.’


Mr Gibson also zoomed in on local grocers as a prime option for shoppers looking to save a dollar or two.

‘Well I think generally speaking, your local sort of [supermarkets] isn't super cheap,’ he claimed.

‘We've known for a while that if you go to a really big fruit and [vegetable] market, you can buy your fruit and veg for about a 50 per cent discount compared to the supermarkets.’

‘So we know that if you have that option nearby, it can be significantly cheaper, and if people are now doing delivered versions of that, it's fantastic news for money savers.’


Many users also voiced out their support for local businesses in response to the Queensland shopper’s $6 haul.

'That's amazing,' one said.

'See this all the time at Cremorne IGA (in Sydney)—$9 regular or $4.50 in the evenings. People who exclusively shop at the duopoly are not only ruining the market, they’re also screwing themselves over,' another added.

'Now is the time to utilise your local fruit and [vegetable] shop/market more than ever,' a third suggested.

While a fourth recommended: 'In general, [local independent shops/markets are] much cheaper than the big two for produce, and most will have excess produce selling for extra cheap, or even cool mixed boxes like this.'

'Local fruit shop supports small farmers, they were the lifeblood of small farming until supermarkets destroyed the market in the 90s', said another.
Key Takeaways

  • Recent analysis by Deakin University reveals that Aussie grocery prices have increased significantly over the past year, prompting shoppers to look for cheaper alternatives such as independent grocers.
  • A Queensland shopper acquired a box of fresh produce for just $6 from a local grocer, spotlighting the cost-saving potential of shopping from independent outlets.
  • Consumer expert Joel Gibson highlighted that while big supermarkets offer convenience, exploring alternatives such as local grocers, fruit and vegetable markets, and warehouses can lead to significant savings.
  • People online echoed Gibson's sentiments, emphasising the importance of supporting local businesses and exploring smaller outlets for better savings.
Have you also found yourself choosing more local options to save money while grocery shopping? If you’ve got any tips you’d like to share on where or when to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, then please let us know in the comments below!
Is there anything similar on the Gold Coast?
 
How would you compare your shops between the two? :O
Having a quick look at some prices, it appears some items are about a dollar or more cheaper. Some prices are the same and some more expensive.

However, the quality always seems better, and they have about 200 restaurants as customers so they close at 2pm to deliver boxes of fruit and veg to them. That seemed like a good enough endorsement to me. Also the staff are very friendly there.
 
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No we don't, it's too damn dear.
We have priced ourselves out of the market in most cases. Why do you think so many things are imported
People scream enough about prices, Australian wages are so much higher than a lot of places in the world.
Problem with us Aussies is we want 1st world wages, but expect to buy at 3rd world prices. We've bought this on ourselves
Not that I don't think Woolies and Coles aren't price gouging, the are, but if they stocked only Australian made or produced products the prices would be even higher
Unfortunately we can't have it both ways . IMO.
I agree. Aussie products are more expensive. I try to buy Australian made, but it is almost double in price. Having said that , my local coles and woollies have great specials, usually at the end of the day. Massive mark downs on fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and bread. This happens everyday. You just have to do some research and shop where it suits you best. There are still many bargains to be had!
 
I agree. Aussie products are more expensive. I try to buy Australian made, but it is almost double in price. Having said that , my local coles and woollies have great specials, usually at the end of the day. Massive mark downs on fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and bread. This happens everyday. You just have to do some research and shop where it suits you best. There are still many bargains to be had!
Unfortunately I live about 130 kms from the nearest large supermarket so only shop once a fortnight or sometimes once a month..
 
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