What is Coles' new 'à la ALDI' store feature?
- Replies 10
The middle aisle of ALDI supermarkets is a favourite among customers who are looking for a bargain deal on anything.
And when we say 'anything', we actually mean 'everything' – from camping gear to kitchen necessities, from cleaning supplies to household appliances, and even products for gardening and taking care of pets!
This feature of ALDI stores is what made them so popular among bargain hunter communities, and now, it looks like another retail giant wants to add the same section to their locations as well.
A new section found in Coles stores has gotten people talking on social media, and several customers have asked why there is a pop-up feature in multiple stores all of a sudden.
Coles' new 'middle aisle,' where you may discover a variety of bargain finds. Credit: News.com.au/Andy Bigham.
Like the famous ALDI middle aisle section, the new feature at Coles also has bargain items such as products related to baking, cooking, camping, and storage, as well as golfing equipment and supplies.
All of the items have yellow price tags, indicating that they are part of a 'while stocks last' deal and that the prices have been marked down.
Both the Coles and ALDI sections are about the size of a big dining table, and the similarities between the two have caused some shoppers to dub the Coles section 'à la ALDI’.
'Coles took me by surprise this week,' said one shopper in a post on social media. 'They seem to be taking on ALDI at the middle aisle thing. They have a way to go before that becomes a Wednesday destination.'
Another shopper who spotted the middle aisle feature at Coles agreed that it is similar to those at ALDI and that it, too, had fantastic deals on wonderful products. 'There was a bunch of baking stuff for about $10,' they said.
The Best Buys section of Coles' Hornsby store on Sydney's Upper North Shore. Credit: Facebook.
Since then, a Coles representative has confirmed that the new section is the supermarket chain's 'Best Buys' area, where shoppers can buy everything from tents to massage guns, home goods and digital products that aren't often offered in supermarkets.
'Coles trialled the Best Buys concept in a few stores in October 2019,' the spokesperson said.
'Following the success of the pilot, we have expanded the range into over 500 stores across the country, in every city and major regional area, with plans to expand to more stores across Australia.'
We bet fans and regular customers of Coles will be thrilled to hear this news!
The representative did mention, though, that not all stores would have access to the 'Best Buys' section, adding that the feature is only available to stores that have spare space.
Every week, Best Buys will feature a new category of products, and Coles announces its weekly specials on Mondays before they go on sale on Friday.
In the Best Buys section, shoppers can expect to find more than a thousand items on sale. Often, these are 'rare, bulky items that are delivered straight from the supplier', according to the spokesperson.
'Customers will typically find non-food related items and innovative products. Product ranges include home entertainment technology such as TVs, soundbars and projectors, fitness equipment including dumbbells, yoga and pilates equipment, boxing gear and bench presses,' they added.
'There are also home décor products and products for key calendar dates, including Mother's Day and Father's Day gifts.'
The Coles middle aisle was compared to ALDI's similar discount section. Credit: Facebook.
When confronted by social media users about the claims that they were 'copying' ALDI's discount aisle, the representative for Coles responded by saying that the company's main priority was on the satisfaction of their customers.
'We wanted to offer Coles' shoppers something new and exciting when they come to do their grocery shopping. Our customers love our Coles Best Buys offerings,' they said.
So, folks, what do you think about a discount aisle coming soon to Coles locations near you? Have you spotted one yet? When compared to the deals at ALDI, how well do you think it would fare? Share your thoughts below in the comments!
And when we say 'anything', we actually mean 'everything' – from camping gear to kitchen necessities, from cleaning supplies to household appliances, and even products for gardening and taking care of pets!
This feature of ALDI stores is what made them so popular among bargain hunter communities, and now, it looks like another retail giant wants to add the same section to their locations as well.
A new section found in Coles stores has gotten people talking on social media, and several customers have asked why there is a pop-up feature in multiple stores all of a sudden.
Coles' new 'middle aisle,' where you may discover a variety of bargain finds. Credit: News.com.au/Andy Bigham.
Like the famous ALDI middle aisle section, the new feature at Coles also has bargain items such as products related to baking, cooking, camping, and storage, as well as golfing equipment and supplies.
All of the items have yellow price tags, indicating that they are part of a 'while stocks last' deal and that the prices have been marked down.
Both the Coles and ALDI sections are about the size of a big dining table, and the similarities between the two have caused some shoppers to dub the Coles section 'à la ALDI’.
'Coles took me by surprise this week,' said one shopper in a post on social media. 'They seem to be taking on ALDI at the middle aisle thing. They have a way to go before that becomes a Wednesday destination.'
Another shopper who spotted the middle aisle feature at Coles agreed that it is similar to those at ALDI and that it, too, had fantastic deals on wonderful products. 'There was a bunch of baking stuff for about $10,' they said.
The Best Buys section of Coles' Hornsby store on Sydney's Upper North Shore. Credit: Facebook.
Since then, a Coles representative has confirmed that the new section is the supermarket chain's 'Best Buys' area, where shoppers can buy everything from tents to massage guns, home goods and digital products that aren't often offered in supermarkets.
'Coles trialled the Best Buys concept in a few stores in October 2019,' the spokesperson said.
'Following the success of the pilot, we have expanded the range into over 500 stores across the country, in every city and major regional area, with plans to expand to more stores across Australia.'
We bet fans and regular customers of Coles will be thrilled to hear this news!
The representative did mention, though, that not all stores would have access to the 'Best Buys' section, adding that the feature is only available to stores that have spare space.
Every week, Best Buys will feature a new category of products, and Coles announces its weekly specials on Mondays before they go on sale on Friday.
In the Best Buys section, shoppers can expect to find more than a thousand items on sale. Often, these are 'rare, bulky items that are delivered straight from the supplier', according to the spokesperson.
'Customers will typically find non-food related items and innovative products. Product ranges include home entertainment technology such as TVs, soundbars and projectors, fitness equipment including dumbbells, yoga and pilates equipment, boxing gear and bench presses,' they added.
'There are also home décor products and products for key calendar dates, including Mother's Day and Father's Day gifts.'
The Coles middle aisle was compared to ALDI's similar discount section. Credit: Facebook.
When confronted by social media users about the claims that they were 'copying' ALDI's discount aisle, the representative for Coles responded by saying that the company's main priority was on the satisfaction of their customers.
'We wanted to offer Coles' shoppers something new and exciting when they come to do their grocery shopping. Our customers love our Coles Best Buys offerings,' they said.
So, folks, what do you think about a discount aisle coming soon to Coles locations near you? Have you spotted one yet? When compared to the deals at ALDI, how well do you think it would fare? Share your thoughts below in the comments!
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