Woolies responds after customers slam ‘ridiculous’ practice–what’s your take?

Consumer habits often spark debates, especially when they intersect with unexpected decisions by major retailers.

A recent move by one of Australia's supermarket giants has left shoppers divided, with some praising the approach while others are calling it out as premature.

The backlash has ignited a conversation about tradition, timing, and the fine line between convenience and controversy.


Shoppers spotted hot cross buns and Easter eggs in stores much earlier than expected, with some noting the items typically appear closer to Easter.


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Easter treats hit shelves months too soon. Image source: Cadbury


One Sydney customer from Mosman shared a photo of Easter eggs on social media, urging Woolworths to ‘give it a break’.

Other customers expressed their surprise, with some reporting they saw hot cross buns on Boxing Day, months before Easter.

‘Just a day after Christmas and voila – hot cross buns are already on the shelves!’ a shopper posted to social media.

‘Ridiculous, at least let’s get Christmas over with first,’ another person added.


Woolworths responded to the backlash, explaining their approach caters to early planners.

‘While the majority of Easter products don’t go on sale until March, by offering a small selection from January each year, we aim to provide our early-planning customers with the flexibility to spread out their spending over a longer period,’ a Woolworths spokesperson said.

‘Of course it’s also a great chance to savour our seasonal favourites in the lead-up to Easter.’


In its first month of sale, Woolworths reported selling over two million Easter egg chocolates, though the full range remains unavailable until March.

Hot cross buns, however, have already launched nationwide, featuring both traditional and modern flavours.

‘When it comes to hot cross buns, Aussies love all different varieties both traditional and non-traditional, which is why we’ve brought a range to stores this year that serves up something for everyone,’ a spokesman said.


New flavours such as caramilk and fairy bread join the classic options like fruit, chocolate, and apple and cinnamon.

While some shoppers criticised the early rollout, others welcomed the chance to enjoy Easter treats for longer.

ALDI have them all year round and have for two years now. I like them better in winter than on a warm Easter weekend,’ one person commented.

Key Takeaways

  • Woolworths faced backlash after releasing Easter products, including hot cross buns and Easter eggs, shortly after Christmas.
  • Some shoppers expressed frustration over the early timing, while others appreciated having more time to enjoy seasonal treats.
  • Woolworths defended the decision, stating it caters to early planners and allows customers to spread out spending.
  • The supermarket also introduced new hot cross bun flavours alongside traditional ones, sparking further mixed reactions.

Where do you stand on this issue? Do you enjoy the early availability, or do you think it’s simply too soon? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
 
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It is mostly the religious crowd that complains about the hot cross buns. Woolies sells the fruit buns all year round and just put the crosses on for Easter. But who cares if they are on the shelves early, more for me 😂
And Jesus didn't eat a hot cross bun at the last supper did he? So why is it a religious symbol?
 
Everyone complains about hot cross buns on the shelves just after Christmas but if people didn’t buy them at that time of the year they wouldn’t be on sale that early.
 

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