Leaked Coles documents unveil the surprising items Australians are skipping from their shopping list

In news that may concern anyone living on a fixed income or tight budget, leaked internal sales documents from Coles have revealed that Australians are cutting back on essential products to keep up with cost-of-living pressures.

According to the documents, which were leaked to The Australian, there has been an alarming reduction in sales of popular products over the past 12 months.



For instance, bath soap and body wash have seen a staggering 33 per cent reduction in sales, while hand sanitisers are on a 30 per cent downturn.

Environmental cleaning products have taken a hit, too, down about 15 per cent, with similar decreases in multipurpose cleaners, cleaning wipes, scourers, and sponges. Big-name brands such as Ajax, Pine O Cleen, Glen 20, Dove, and Palmolive are among those affected by the decline in sales.


shutterstock_1089233159 (1).jpg
Coles customers have less in their trolleys nowadays, particularly when it comes to bathroom and cleaning products. Image Credit: Shutterstock



When asked about how customers’ shopping habits had changed, a Coles spokesperson revealed to The Australian that cost-of-living pressures were the primary reason why shoppers are cutting back on some products.

'We know some customers are changing their purchasing behaviour in response to cost of living,' they shared.



So what's the cause of this phenomenon? As mortgage repayments rise and the cost of stable housing continues to go up, shoppers could be looking to save money in other areas, like their grocery bills. By lowering their budget in this area, they can still pay their bills on time and keep their heads above water.

So how can we still get their hands on necessities without stretching our budget too thin?

Well, Coles has some advice. According to the chain, they’ve responded to the changing shopping habits by offering product promotions, highlighting their brand range and bigger pack sizes, which could save customers up to 70 per cent on some cleaning goods.

Interestingly, rival ALDI, in a survey released last month, echoed similar findings. Around 24 per cent of Australians admitted to running a tighter shop, with 26 per cent going to the shops less often. It also highlighted that fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as meat, had seen a dip in sales.



The survey also presented a solution: switching supermarkets to save money. Unsurprisingly, ALDI recommended its own store as the answer.

Key Takeaways

  • Internal Coles documents have revealed that due to cost of living concerns, Australians are purchasing fewer essential products, including major brands.
  • Sales of products such as bath soaps, body washes, and hand sanitisers have dropped significantly (up to 33 per cent).
  • Coles acknowledged that customers are altering their buying behaviour due to financial stress and are responding by promoting their own brand products and larger pack sizes, which can offer significant savings.
  • Research by ALDI suggests that 24 per cent of Australians are tightening their shopping budgets, buying less fresh produce and meat, and visiting stores less frequently.
You might also be interested in reading our story on five surprising spending habits amid rising living expenses. Here’s a hint, one new ‘trend’ isn’t legal…

Or you may be interested in reading about the potential savings when choosing homebrand products. In fact, more than 75 per cent of Australians have reported turning to generic brands to save money. You can read more here.

Have you found these survey results and document statistics to be true? Have you cut back on bathroom and cleaning products? We’re interested in hearing your story in the comments below.
 
  • Like
  • Sad
Reactions: Ezzy and Lesle

Seniors Discount Club

Sponsored content

Info
Loading data . . .
I seem to recall that Choice found that many cleaning products were little better than water for cleaning. Perhaps people have realised that water and a bit of elbow grease will clean most things plus the use of vinegar or soap where needed .
 
In news that may concern anyone living on a fixed income or tight budget, leaked internal sales documents from Coles have revealed that Australians are cutting back on essential products to keep up with cost-of-living pressures.

According to the documents, which were leaked to The Australian, there has been an alarming reduction in sales of popular products over the past 12 months.



For instance, bath soap and body wash have seen a staggering 33 per cent reduction in sales, while hand sanitisers are on a 30 per cent downturn.

Environmental cleaning products have taken a hit, too, down about 15 per cent, with similar decreases in multipurpose cleaners, cleaning wipes, scourers, and sponges. Big-name brands such as Ajax, Pine O Cleen, Glen 20, Dove, and Palmolive are among those affected by the decline in sales.


View attachment 25360
Coles customers have less in their trolleys nowadays, particularly when it comes to bathroom and cleaning products. Image Credit: Shutterstock



When asked about how customers’ shopping habits had changed, a Coles spokesperson revealed to The Australian that cost-of-living pressures were the primary reason why shoppers are cutting back on some products.

'We know some customers are changing their purchasing behaviour in response to cost of living,' they shared.



So what's the cause of this phenomenon? As mortgage repayments rise and the cost of stable housing continues to go up, shoppers could be looking to save money in other areas, like their grocery bills. By lowering their budget in this area, they can still pay their bills on time and keep their heads above water.

So how can we still get their hands on necessities without stretching our budget too thin?

Well, Coles has some advice. According to the chain, they’ve responded to the changing shopping habits by offering product promotions, highlighting their brand range and bigger pack sizes, which could save customers up to 70 per cent on some cleaning goods.

Interestingly, rival ALDI, in a survey released last month, echoed similar findings. Around 24 per cent of Australians admitted to running a tighter shop, with 26 per cent going to the shops less often. It also highlighted that fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as meat, had seen a dip in sales.



The survey also presented a solution: switching supermarkets to save money. Unsurprisingly, ALDI recommended its own store as the answer.

Key Takeaways

  • Internal Coles documents have revealed that due to cost of living concerns, Australians are purchasing fewer essential products, including major brands.
  • Sales of products such as bath soaps, body washes, and hand sanitisers have dropped significantly (up to 33 per cent).
  • Coles acknowledged that customers are altering their buying behaviour due to financial stress and are responding by promoting their own brand products and larger pack sizes, which can offer significant savings.
  • Research by ALDI suggests that 24 per cent of Australians are tightening their shopping budgets, buying less fresh produce and meat, and visiting stores less frequently.
You might also be interested in reading our story on five surprising spending habits amid rising living expenses. Here’s a hint, one new ‘trend’ isn’t legal…

Or you may be interested in reading about the potential savings when choosing homebrand products. In fact, more than 75 per cent of Australians have reported turning to generic brands to save money. You can read more here.

Have you found these survey results and document statistics to be true? Have you cut back on bathroom and cleaning products? We’re interested in hearing your story in the comments below.
Because you can buy it at the Reject shop or any cheap shops for so much less!
 
In news that may concern anyone living on a fixed income or tight budget, leaked internal sales documents from Coles have revealed that Australians are cutting back on essential products to keep up with cost-of-living pressures.

According to the documents, which were leaked to The Australian, there has been an alarming reduction in sales of popular products over the past 12 months.



For instance, bath soap and body wash have seen a staggering 33 per cent reduction in sales, while hand sanitisers are on a 30 per cent downturn.

Environmental cleaning products have taken a hit, too, down about 15 per cent, with similar decreases in multipurpose cleaners, cleaning wipes, scourers, and sponges. Big-name brands such as Ajax, Pine O Cleen, Glen 20, Dove, and Palmolive are among those affected by the decline in sales.


View attachment 25360
Coles customers have less in their trolleys nowadays, particularly when it comes to bathroom and cleaning products. Image Credit: Shutterstock



When asked about how customers’ shopping habits had changed, a Coles spokesperson revealed to The Australian that cost-of-living pressures were the primary reason why shoppers are cutting back on some products.

'We know some customers are changing their purchasing behaviour in response to cost of living,' they shared.



So what's the cause of this phenomenon? As mortgage repayments rise and the cost of stable housing continues to go up, shoppers could be looking to save money in other areas, like their grocery bills. By lowering their budget in this area, they can still pay their bills on time and keep their heads above water.

So how can we still get their hands on necessities without stretching our budget too thin?

Well, Coles has some advice. According to the chain, they’ve responded to the changing shopping habits by offering product promotions, highlighting their brand range and bigger pack sizes, which could save customers up to 70 per cent on some cleaning goods.

Interestingly, rival ALDI, in a survey released last month, echoed similar findings. Around 24 per cent of Australians admitted to running a tighter shop, with 26 per cent going to the shops less often. It also highlighted that fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as meat, had seen a dip in sales.



The survey also presented a solution: switching supermarkets to save money. Unsurprisingly, ALDI recommended its own store as the answer.

Key Takeaways

  • Internal Coles documents have revealed that due to cost of living concerns, Australians are purchasing fewer essential products, including major brands.
  • Sales of products such as bath soaps, body washes, and hand sanitisers have dropped significantly (up to 33 per cent).
  • Coles acknowledged that customers are altering their buying behaviour due to financial stress and are responding by promoting their own brand products and larger pack sizes, which can offer significant savings.
  • Research by ALDI suggests that 24 per cent of Australians are tightening their shopping budgets, buying less fresh produce and meat, and visiting stores less frequently.
You might also be interested in reading our story on five surprising spending habits amid rising living expenses. Here’s a hint, one new ‘trend’ isn’t legal…

Or you may be interested in reading about the potential savings when choosing homebrand products. In fact, more than 75 per cent of Australians have reported turning to generic brands to save money. You can read more here.

Have you found these survey results and document statistics to be true? Have you cut back on bathroom and cleaning products? We’re interested in hearing your story in the comments below.
Purchasing less cleaning products doesn't mean that people are grubby. They are more aware of chemical free cleaning with water and special fibres, many also start to make their own cleaning products with lime peels, vinegar and baking soda
 
I buy Koh and it is environmentally friendly,Australian company. I use their all purpose cleaner and it does all my cleaning including windows. They have a dish washing liquid that you use in their spray bottle,spray it on wait a few minutes and rinse,perfect. They also have a toilet cleaning block that has no nasty chemicals and really cleans your toilet. You can also buy refills and is a win all round. I cannot speak highly enough about this company.
 
In news that may concern anyone living on a fixed income or tight budget, leaked internal sales documents from Coles have revealed that Australians are cutting back on essential products to keep up with cost-of-living pressures.

According to the documents, which were leaked to The Australian, there has been an alarming reduction in sales of popular products over the past 12 months.



For instance, bath soap and body wash have seen a staggering 33 per cent reduction in sales, while hand sanitisers are on a 30 per cent downturn.

Environmental cleaning products have taken a hit, too, down about 15 per cent, with similar decreases in multipurpose cleaners, cleaning wipes, scourers, and sponges. Big-name brands such as Ajax, Pine O Cleen, Glen 20, Dove, and Palmolive are among those affected by the decline in sales.


View attachment 25360
Coles customers have less in their trolleys nowadays, particularly when it comes to bathroom and cleaning products. Image Credit: Shutterstock



When asked about how customers’ shopping habits had changed, a Coles spokesperson revealed to The Australian that cost-of-living pressures were the primary reason why shoppers are cutting back on some products.

'We know some customers are changing their purchasing behaviour in response to cost of living,' they shared.



So what's the cause of this phenomenon? As mortgage repayments rise and the cost of stable housing continues to go up, shoppers could be looking to save money in other areas, like their grocery bills. By lowering their budget in this area, they can still pay their bills on time and keep their heads above water.

So how can we still get their hands on necessities without stretching our budget too thin?

Well, Coles has some advice. According to the chain, they’ve responded to the changing shopping habits by offering product promotions, highlighting their brand range and bigger pack sizes, which could save customers up to 70 per cent on some cleaning goods.

Interestingly, rival ALDI, in a survey released last month, echoed similar findings. Around 24 per cent of Australians admitted to running a tighter shop, with 26 per cent going to the shops less often. It also highlighted that fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as meat, had seen a dip in sales.



The survey also presented a solution: switching supermarkets to save money. Unsurprisingly, ALDI recommended its own store as the answer.

Key Takeaways

  • Internal Coles documents have revealed that due to cost of living concerns, Australians are purchasing fewer essential products, including major brands.
  • Sales of products such as bath soaps, body washes, and hand sanitisers have dropped significantly (up to 33 per cent).
  • Coles acknowledged that customers are altering their buying behaviour due to financial stress and are responding by promoting their own brand products and larger pack sizes, which can offer significant savings.
  • Research by ALDI suggests that 24 per cent of Australians are tightening their shopping budgets, buying less fresh produce and meat, and visiting stores less frequently.
You might also be interested in reading our story on five surprising spending habits amid rising living expenses. Here’s a hint, one new ‘trend’ isn’t legal…

Or you may be interested in reading about the potential savings when choosing homebrand products. In fact, more than 75 per cent of Australians have reported turning to generic brands to save money. You can read more here.

Have you found these survey results and document statistics to be true? Have you cut back on bathroom and cleaning products? We’re interested in hearing your story in the comments below.
Drop in sales of some products might be a positive thing, as people are becoming more environmentally aware and are refusing to purchase items containing chemicals.
Failure to purchase certain goods might not necessarily have anything to do with the product or price, but rather the packaging.
 
In news that may concern anyone living on a fixed income or tight budget, leaked internal sales documents from Coles have revealed that Australians are cutting back on essential products to keep up with cost-of-living pressures.

According to the documents, which were leaked to The Australian, there has been an alarming reduction in sales of popular products over the past 12 months.



For instance, bath soap and body wash have seen a staggering 33 per cent reduction in sales, while hand sanitisers are on a 30 per cent downturn.

Environmental cleaning products have taken a hit, too, down about 15 per cent, with similar decreases in multipurpose cleaners, cleaning wipes, scourers, and sponges. Big-name brands such as Ajax, Pine O Cleen, Glen 20, Dove, and Palmolive are among those affected by the decline in sales.


View attachment 25360
Coles customers have less in their trolleys nowadays, particularly when it comes to bathroom and cleaning products. Image Credit: Shutterstock



When asked about how customers’ shopping habits had changed, a Coles spokesperson revealed to The Australian that cost-of-living pressures were the primary reason why shoppers are cutting back on some products.

'We know some customers are changing their purchasing behaviour in response to cost of living,' they shared.



So what's the cause of this phenomenon? As mortgage repayments rise and the cost of stable housing continues to go up, shoppers could be looking to save money in other areas, like their grocery bills. By lowering their budget in this area, they can still pay their bills on time and keep their heads above water.

So how can we still get their hands on necessities without stretching our budget too thin?

Well, Coles has some advice. According to the chain, they’ve responded to the changing shopping habits by offering product promotions, highlighting their brand range and bigger pack sizes, which could save customers up to 70 per cent on some cleaning goods.

Interestingly, rival ALDI, in a survey released last month, echoed similar findings. Around 24 per cent of Australians admitted to running a tighter shop, with 26 per cent going to the shops less often. It also highlighted that fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as meat, had seen a dip in sales.



The survey also presented a solution: switching supermarkets to save money. Unsurprisingly, ALDI recommended its own store as the answer.

Key Takeaways

  • Internal Coles documents have revealed that due to cost of living concerns, Australians are purchasing fewer essential products, including major brands.
  • Sales of products such as bath soaps, body washes, and hand sanitisers have dropped significantly (up to 33 per cent).
  • Coles acknowledged that customers are altering their buying behaviour due to financial stress and are responding by promoting their own brand products and larger pack sizes, which can offer significant savings.
  • Research by ALDI suggests that 24 per cent of Australians are tightening their shopping budgets, buying less fresh produce and meat, and visiting stores less frequently.
You might also be interested in reading our story on five surprising spending habits amid rising living expenses. Here’s a hint, one new ‘trend’ isn’t legal…

Or you may be interested in reading about the potential savings when choosing homebrand products. In fact, more than 75 per cent of Australians have reported turning to generic brands to save money. You can read more here.

Have you found these survey results and document statistics to be true? Have you cut back on bathroom and cleaning products? We’re interested in hearing your story in the comments below.
In news that may concern anyone living on a fixed income or tight budget, leaked internal sales documents from Coles have revealed that Australians are cutting back on essential products to keep up with cost-of-living pressures.

According to the documents, which were leaked to The Australian, there has been an alarming reduction in sales of popular products over the past 12 months.



For instance, bath soap and body wash have seen a staggering 33 per cent reduction in sales, while hand sanitisers are on a 30 per cent downturn.

Environmental cleaning products have taken a hit, too, down about 15 per cent, with similar decreases in multipurpose cleaners, cleaning wipes, scourers, and sponges. Big-name brands such as Ajax, Pine O Cleen, Glen 20, Dove, and Palmolive are among those affected by the decline in sales.


View attachment 25360
Coles customers have less in their trolleys nowadays, particularly when it comes to bathroom and cleaning products. Image Credit: Shutterstock



When asked about how customers’ shopping habits had changed, a Coles spokesperson revealed to The Australian that cost-of-living pressures were the primary reason why shoppers are cutting back on some products.

'We know some customers are changing their purchasing behaviour in response to cost of living,' they shared.



So what's the cause of this phenomenon? As mortgage repayments rise and the cost of stable housing continues to go up, shoppers could be looking to save money in other areas, like their grocery bills. By lowering their budget in this area, they can still pay their bills on time and keep their heads above water.

So how can we still get their hands on necessities without stretching our budget too thin?

Well, Coles has some advice. According to the chain, they’ve responded to the changing shopping habits by offering product promotions, highlighting their brand range and bigger pack sizes, which could save customers up to 70 per cent on some cleaning goods.

Interestingly, rival ALDI, in a survey released last month, echoed similar findings. Around 24 per cent of Australians admitted to running a tighter shop, with 26 per cent going to the shops less often. It also highlighted that fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as meat, had seen a dip in sales.



The survey also presented a solution: switching supermarkets to save money. Unsurprisingly, ALDI recommended its own store as the answer.

Key Takeaways

  • Internal Coles documents have revealed that due to cost of living concerns, Australians are purchasing fewer essential products, including major brands.
  • Sales of products such as bath soaps, body washes, and hand sanitisers have dropped significantly (up to 33 per cent).
  • Coles acknowledged that customers are altering their buying behaviour due to financial stress and are responding by promoting their own brand products and larger pack sizes, which can offer significant savings.
  • Research by ALDI suggests that 24 per cent of Australians are tightening their shopping budgets, buying less fresh produce and meat, and visiting stores less frequently.
You might also be interested in reading our story on five surprising spending habits amid rising living expenses. Here’s a hint, one new ‘trend’ isn’t legal…

Or you may be interested in reading about the potential savings when choosing homebrand products. In fact, more than 75 per cent of Australians have reported turning to generic brands to save money. You can read more here.

Have you found these survey results and document statistics to be true? Have you cut back on bathroom and cleaning products? We’re interested in hearing your story in the comments below.
I personally don’t like using chemicals as they are expensive and leave a residue on the surface. I use home made sprays for years, washable cloths . I save thousands over my life time.
 
In news that may concern anyone living on a fixed income or tight budget, leaked internal sales documents from Coles have revealed that Australians are cutting back on essential products to keep up with cost-of-living pressures.

According to the documents, which were leaked to The Australian, there has been an alarming reduction in sales of popular products over the past 12 months.



For instance, bath soap and body wash have seen a staggering 33 per cent reduction in sales, while hand sanitisers are on a 30 per cent downturn.

Environmental cleaning products have taken a hit, too, down about 15 per cent, with similar decreases in multipurpose cleaners, cleaning wipes, scourers, and sponges. Big-name brands such as Ajax, Pine O Cleen, Glen 20, Dove, and Palmolive are among those affected by the decline in sales.


View attachment 25360
Coles customers have less in their trolleys nowadays, particularly when it comes to bathroom and cleaning products. Image Credit: Shutterstock



When asked about how customers’ shopping habits had changed, a Coles spokesperson revealed to The Australian that cost-of-living pressures were the primary reason why shoppers are cutting back on some products.

'We know some customers are changing their purchasing behaviour in response to cost of living,' they shared.



So what's the cause of this phenomenon? As mortgage repayments rise and the cost of stable housing continues to go up, shoppers could be looking to save money in other areas, like their grocery bills. By lowering their budget in this area, they can still pay their bills on time and keep their heads above water.

So how can we still get their hands on necessities without stretching our budget too thin?

Well, Coles has some advice. According to the chain, they’ve responded to the changing shopping habits by offering product promotions, highlighting their brand range and bigger pack sizes, which could save customers up to 70 per cent on some cleaning goods.

Interestingly, rival ALDI, in a survey released last month, echoed similar findings. Around 24 per cent of Australians admitted to running a tighter shop, with 26 per cent going to the shops less often. It also highlighted that fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as meat, had seen a dip in sales.



The survey also presented a solution: switching supermarkets to save money. Unsurprisingly, ALDI recommended its own store as the answer.

Key Takeaways

  • Internal Coles documents have revealed that due to cost of living concerns, Australians are purchasing fewer essential products, including major brands.
  • Sales of products such as bath soaps, body washes, and hand sanitisers have dropped significantly (up to 33 per cent).
  • Coles acknowledged that customers are altering their buying behaviour due to financial stress and are responding by promoting their own brand products and larger pack sizes, which can offer significant savings.
  • Research by ALDI suggests that 24 per cent of Australians are tightening their shopping budgets, buying less fresh produce and meat, and visiting stores less frequently.
You might also be interested in reading our story on five surprising spending habits amid rising living expenses. Here’s a hint, one new ‘trend’ isn’t legal…

Or you may be interested in reading about the potential savings when choosing homebrand products. In fact, more than 75 per cent of Australians have reported turning to generic brands to save money. You can read more here.

Have you found these survey results and document statistics to be true? Have you cut back on bathroom and cleaning products? We’re interested in hearing your story in the comments below.
Not surprising. I have noticed people not washing their hands after using toilets, then walking straight into supermarkets.. touching trolleys, vegetables and other products etc. (No particular demographic or race). Up to us to protect ourselves.
 
I think people are going back to using a cake of soap for their showers, bath, and hand washing as it works out much cheaper than shower wash etc. Cleaning products a lot of people I speak to are making their own to save money.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TheBear and Macarj
I have sensitive skin and buy very few soaps or cleaning products from the supermarket. I make my own spray cleaner and buy other products from the health store.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TheBear and Macarj
Just about all the cleaning products in the article are just not necessary. Hot soapy water cleans just about any hard surface. Antibacterial products are just not necessary and in fact, are a contributing factor in the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. As for things like hand sanitiser, I would suggest the vast majority of people had never bought such products before COVID and now that complacency has locked in why would they buy it now?
 
  • Like
Reactions: TheBear and Macarj

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else

Latest Articles

  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×