Supermarkets play familiar pricing tricks this Easter—why shoppers are outraged!
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As Easter nears, shoppers are stocking up on festive treats, but concerns have emerged over pricing practices at major retailers.
Some customers feel misled by discount strategies, sparking calls for greater transparency. Similar issues have been raised, adding to ongoing discussions about pricing fairness in the retail sector.
The controversy has left many questioning how widespread these practices may be.
One customer expressed their frustration on social media, noting that a particular brand of chocolates had been priced at $24 for an extended period.
However, just before Easter, the price was hiked to $29, only to be reduced back to $24 and marketed as a clearance price.
Another shopper questioned the authenticity of a $40 original price tag on a box of Lindt Easter eggs, which was then discounted to $20, asking, 'When were these ever $40?'
An individual claiming to be a Woolworths employee shared a story about a co-worker instructed to replace a $5 price tag on coffee capsules with an $11 one.
Both Coles and Woolworths have defended their pricing strategies in response to these allegations.
During a Federal Court hearing, representatives from the supermarkets denied any wrongdoing, attributing price increases to supplier costs and market conditions.
They insisted that their pricing strategies were transparent and aligned with industry standards.
However, the ACCC has maintained that such practices undermine consumer trust and has called for significant penalties to deter future misconduct.
The ACCC's legal action against the supermarkets, initiated in September 2024, accused them of artificially inflating prices on hundreds of everyday items, only to later advertise them as discounted.
This strategy allegedly involved raising product prices by at least 15 per cent for a short period before offering a 'discount' that matched or exceeded the original price, misleading consumers about genuine savings.
As the Federal Treasurer prepares to reveal the findings of a report that addresses market concentration and enhances competition, consumers are left wondering whether these pricing tactics will be curbed.
In the meantime, Coles and Woolworths have explained the price fluctuations.
Coles cited, 'We are working closely with our suppliers to offer competitive prices for our customers this Easter,'
'Ingredients play a crucial role in determining prices at the checkout. We know there are significant global challenges in the supply of cocoa beans, which have impacted production costs across the industry for many suppliers.'
Woolworths also pointed to the wholesale cost of goods, such as green coffee beans and cocoa, as influencing pricing.
Woolworths acknowledged an error in the pricing of 'clearance' chocolates, suggesting it may have been an isolated incident due to human error or products nearing their expiration date.
Despite these explanations, the timing of these price changes around a major holiday like Easter raises eyebrows and questions about the integrity of supermarket pricing.
Interestingly, both supermarkets have recently announced their latest profit margins, with contrasting outcomes.
Woolworths reported a 20.6 per cent decline in net profit, while Coles Group reported a slight decrease in net profit after tax.
As we navigate the aisles this Easter, we must remain vigilant and question the deals we encounter.
In older news, a Woolworths customer shared a photo of a clearance tag showing a higher price than the original.
Woolworths attributed it to human error, explaining that a $10 tag was mistakenly left in place when the clearance price was updated to $11. You can read more about it here.
Have you noticed any questionable pricing tactics at your local supermarkets? How do you ensure you get the best deal on your Easter goodies? Let's discuss and help each other become more informed and savvy shoppers.
Some customers feel misled by discount strategies, sparking calls for greater transparency. Similar issues have been raised, adding to ongoing discussions about pricing fairness in the retail sector.
The controversy has left many questioning how widespread these practices may be.
One customer expressed their frustration on social media, noting that a particular brand of chocolates had been priced at $24 for an extended period.
However, just before Easter, the price was hiked to $29, only to be reduced back to $24 and marketed as a clearance price.
Another shopper questioned the authenticity of a $40 original price tag on a box of Lindt Easter eggs, which was then discounted to $20, asking, 'When were these ever $40?'
Coles and Woolworths are accused of deceptive pricing, raising concerns over inflated original prices before discounts. Credit: Threads / @sian.brooks
An individual claiming to be a Woolworths employee shared a story about a co-worker instructed to replace a $5 price tag on coffee capsules with an $11 one.
Both Coles and Woolworths have defended their pricing strategies in response to these allegations.
During a Federal Court hearing, representatives from the supermarkets denied any wrongdoing, attributing price increases to supplier costs and market conditions.
They insisted that their pricing strategies were transparent and aligned with industry standards.
However, the ACCC has maintained that such practices undermine consumer trust and has called for significant penalties to deter future misconduct.
The ACCC's legal action against the supermarkets, initiated in September 2024, accused them of artificially inflating prices on hundreds of everyday items, only to later advertise them as discounted.
This strategy allegedly involved raising product prices by at least 15 per cent for a short period before offering a 'discount' that matched or exceeded the original price, misleading consumers about genuine savings.
As the Federal Treasurer prepares to reveal the findings of a report that addresses market concentration and enhances competition, consumers are left wondering whether these pricing tactics will be curbed.
In the meantime, Coles and Woolworths have explained the price fluctuations.
Coles cited, 'We are working closely with our suppliers to offer competitive prices for our customers this Easter,'
'Ingredients play a crucial role in determining prices at the checkout. We know there are significant global challenges in the supply of cocoa beans, which have impacted production costs across the industry for many suppliers.'
Woolworths also pointed to the wholesale cost of goods, such as green coffee beans and cocoa, as influencing pricing.
Woolworths acknowledged an error in the pricing of 'clearance' chocolates, suggesting it may have been an isolated incident due to human error or products nearing their expiration date.
Despite these explanations, the timing of these price changes around a major holiday like Easter raises eyebrows and questions about the integrity of supermarket pricing.
Interestingly, both supermarkets have recently announced their latest profit margins, with contrasting outcomes.
Woolworths reported a 20.6 per cent decline in net profit, while Coles Group reported a slight decrease in net profit after tax.
These financial results reflect the challenges and shifts in consumer behaviour, with Australians increasingly seeking value-oriented shopping options.As we navigate the aisles this Easter, we must remain vigilant and question the deals we encounter.
In older news, a Woolworths customer shared a photo of a clearance tag showing a higher price than the original.
Woolworths attributed it to human error, explaining that a $10 tag was mistakenly left in place when the clearance price was updated to $11. You can read more about it here.
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