How one Coles customer's $72 fiasco reveals disturbing truth you need to know!
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As we navigate the aisles of our local supermarkets, many of us are acutely aware of the rising cost of living, particularly when it comes to our weekly grocery shop.
Many Australians have discussed this topic, especially those who remember when the dollar stretched much further than it does today.
The recent experience of a Melbourne woman has brought this issue into sharp focus, sparking a conversation about the value we get from our grocery spend.
The woman in question was left bewildered after a shopping trip to Coles, where she picked up a mere eight items, including everyday essentials like cottage cheese, deodorant, and eggs, and found herself parting with $72.
To add to her dismay, a subsequent trip to ALDI saw her trolley brimming with goods for just $100 more, a contrast that left her feeling short-changed by the mainstream supermarket.
‘I just feel ripped off shopping at Coles and Woolies when it's a shock how far $100 can get you, which isn't far at all,’ she said.
‘Someone make it make sense ... how an extra hundred dollars is the equivalent to food for two weeks from ALDI versus eight items ... from Coles.’
This incident isn't just a one-off grumble but echoes a nationwide sentiment.
A recent consumer advocacy group CHOICE survey revealed that ALDI was approximately 25 per cent cheaper than its competitors, Coles and Woolworths.
The survey sent mystery shoppers to 81 supermarkets to compare prices, and ALDI emerged as the 'clear leader on value for money' with a significantly cheaper basket of goods.
In response to the outcry over high prices, Coles has defended its pricing strategy.
‘Coles offers a wide range of product choices for our customers, including affordable own brand essentials, premium selections, and a range of popular brands,’ a Coles spokesperson said.
Yet, Coles and Woolworths' defence, both of which have been under fire for perceived price gouging, seems to be ignored by consumers feeling the pinch.
Woolworths has argued that for every $100 of revenue, it only nets $3.60, and further reducing prices would cut into already slim profits, offering customers a mere $5 savings per week.
Coles similarly cited a modest net profit of $2.57 per $100.
Both supermarkets attribute the surging prices to a confluence of external factors, including rising costs in commodities, shipping, oil, and fertiliser, as well as the impacts of global conflict and natural disasters.
Economist Stephen Koukoulas acknowledged customers' frustration but suggested that passing on some price increases is rational.
‘They're an easy target because we all go to the supermarket every week,’ he said.
‘But when they’re paying a higher price for opening the doors of their supermarket every morning, passing on some of the price increases is largely a fair and reasonable thing to do.’
Similarly, an ALDI shopper discovered substantial savings by switching from Woolworths to ALDI, potentially saving up to $1000 annually.
Although not a substantial amount per shopping trip, these incremental savings accumulate to a significant yearly sum for loyal ALDI customers. Learn more about this story here.
Have you noticed a substantial difference in your grocery bills depending on where you shop? Do you have tips for stretching your dollar further without compromising on quality? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
Many Australians have discussed this topic, especially those who remember when the dollar stretched much further than it does today.
The recent experience of a Melbourne woman has brought this issue into sharp focus, sparking a conversation about the value we get from our grocery spend.
The woman in question was left bewildered after a shopping trip to Coles, where she picked up a mere eight items, including everyday essentials like cottage cheese, deodorant, and eggs, and found herself parting with $72.
To add to her dismay, a subsequent trip to ALDI saw her trolley brimming with goods for just $100 more, a contrast that left her feeling short-changed by the mainstream supermarket.
‘I just feel ripped off shopping at Coles and Woolies when it's a shock how far $100 can get you, which isn't far at all,’ she said.
A Melbourne Coles shopper expressed her frustration at the higher costs compared to what she found at ALDI. Credit: @alondra_g23_ / TikTok
‘Someone make it make sense ... how an extra hundred dollars is the equivalent to food for two weeks from ALDI versus eight items ... from Coles.’
This incident isn't just a one-off grumble but echoes a nationwide sentiment.
A recent consumer advocacy group CHOICE survey revealed that ALDI was approximately 25 per cent cheaper than its competitors, Coles and Woolworths.
The survey sent mystery shoppers to 81 supermarkets to compare prices, and ALDI emerged as the 'clear leader on value for money' with a significantly cheaper basket of goods.
In response to the outcry over high prices, Coles has defended its pricing strategy.
‘Coles offers a wide range of product choices for our customers, including affordable own brand essentials, premium selections, and a range of popular brands,’ a Coles spokesperson said.
Yet, Coles and Woolworths' defence, both of which have been under fire for perceived price gouging, seems to be ignored by consumers feeling the pinch.
Woolworths has argued that for every $100 of revenue, it only nets $3.60, and further reducing prices would cut into already slim profits, offering customers a mere $5 savings per week.
Coles similarly cited a modest net profit of $2.57 per $100.
Both supermarkets attribute the surging prices to a confluence of external factors, including rising costs in commodities, shipping, oil, and fertiliser, as well as the impacts of global conflict and natural disasters.
Economist Stephen Koukoulas acknowledged customers' frustration but suggested that passing on some price increases is rational.
‘They're an easy target because we all go to the supermarket every week,’ he said.
‘But when they’re paying a higher price for opening the doors of their supermarket every morning, passing on some of the price increases is largely a fair and reasonable thing to do.’
Similarly, an ALDI shopper discovered substantial savings by switching from Woolworths to ALDI, potentially saving up to $1000 annually.
Although not a substantial amount per shopping trip, these incremental savings accumulate to a significant yearly sum for loyal ALDI customers. Learn more about this story here.
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