Savvy shoppers know all too well the importance of looking for the best deals possible—especially during the current cost of living crisis.

But one customer recently found herself in a sticky situation after going a bit too hard on a discounted item at Coles.

The shopper shared on social media a photo of her trolley full of discounted chicken breast fillets she had scored from the store, which were marked down to between 66c and 85c, compared to the usual $11 per kilo retail price.

'Got 30-plus packs, couldn't take anymore due to limited freezer space,' the shopper said.

One shopper bought 30-plus packs of discounted chicken at her local grocery. Image sources: Shutterstock (left), Facebook (right).

However, the post has sparked a controversy, with many calling out the shopper for taking the chance to purchase the marked-down item from others.

'How greedy!' One commented.

While another wrote: 'I always try and leave some for others.'

The woman was quick to explain her situation, adding that the store was preparing to close and that the 50-plus packets left would 'most likely be wasted' if she did not purchase them.

'For everyone commenting that I'm greedy. The store was 30 minutes away from closing, and there were about 50 packets more sitting there that were wasted,' the shopper said.

'Don't act as if you wouldn't take these yourselves given the opportunity.'

'I also divided this amongst the family,' the shopper added.

In response to the criticism, hundreds of people came to the woman's defence, saying that in the same situation, they would have done exactly the same thing given the current cost of living crisis.

'Do people realise if it is still on the shelf after the shop closes, it goes in the bin?' One said.

Some bargain hunters also congratulated the shopper for being in the 'right place at the right time'.

'It's like someone winning the lotto; are they obligated to share? NO! Get over yourselves,' one commented.

'Well done! I have never come across such a good markdown,' a second added.

In a similar situation, a Queensland shopper struck gold at her local Woolworths store, scoring a whopping $142 worth of groceries for a lean $14.

During her trip to the Capalaba Woolies, the shopper snapped up a trove of goodies including two premium lamb roasts, once over $20 a piece, astonishingly discounted to a meagre $2.14 and $2.37, respectively.

Other bargains included lamb cutlets and diced lamb, formerly over $13, dropping to just over $2 each, yoghurts for less than a dollar, dinner-ready chicken curry for $1.50, and chorizo for a mere $1.30.

You can read more about this bargain hunter’s story here.

This comes after a bargain hunter revealed how she seized two 12-packs of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar at Woolworths—all for the price of just one pack!

All thanks to Everyday Rewards’ Member Price program, members can enjoy exclusive price offers of the Everyday Rewards program. This program was launched in hopes of retaining customer loyalty by providing exclusive savings for members.

'Look at this—any two for $16.80 if you’re a member. If you’re not a member, $16.85 each,' the bargain hunter shared.

'You’re basically getting two for the price of one as a member–and it’s free to be a member!' she added.

Other shoppers confirmed the existence of the discounts, with one saying: ‘I noticed this last night. Lots of these tags in-store.’

You can read more about this story here.

Key Takeaways

• A Coles customer shared on social media her purchase of over 30 packs of discounted chicken breast fillets.
• This sparked a debate online, with some social media users criticising the customer for not leaving any for other shoppers.
• The shopper defended herself, saying the store was close to closing and there were many more packs left that would have likely been wasted.
• Despite the criticism, many other users congratulated the customer and agreed they would have done the same given the opportunity.

Would you have done the same, dear members? Share your thoughts on the story with us in the comments below!

 

[Gimmer]

The whole meal bread was not a true comparison as they are not the same side. Aldi’s whole meal is excellent and should have been compared to other named brands of bread

 

[Babbie]

The customer is not greedy, she is shopping and picking up bargains. Good luck to her. It is totally irrelevant what people think of her. Who cares ??

 

[MariaG]

I might consider doing the same given the situation at the time.
Only one problem for me. I'd have to fork out a few hundred for a new freezer.
Seriously though, at those prices, if I saw those so cheap, I would have purchased a whole bunch to give out to people I know who could do with a nice chicken meal for change. A little charity goes a long way.
Actually, I am rather bemused that the supermarket was not organised enough to call someone like OzHarvest. Only takes a moment to pick up the phone and they usually will pick them up.

 

[Jennylolo]

Our Coles and Woolies do it on a regular basis, sales items are put out just before closing time however the goods have the next day expiry date.

yep I've also been in before closing and not found them unfortunately. Guess someone always beats me to it.

 

[Abby2]

yep I've also been in before closing and not found them unfortunately. Guess someone always beats me to it.

Tuesdays seem to be the best evenings, the day before their new specials come out.