As Christmas approaches, Coles is slashing prices on essential items, going head-to-head with Woolworths in the ongoing supermarket battle. With some popular produce now priced at just $1, Coles is hoping to entice shoppers and grab a bigger share of the festive grocery rush. But what does this price-cutting strategy mean for consumers—and the competition?
The $1 Offer
Until Christmas Day, Coles customers can grab some popular fresh produce for just $1 each. Items like loose corn, lemons, brown onions, and a kilo of carrots are now priced at this bargain rate. Coles claims shoppers will save more than 40% compared to the regular prices on these products. The supermarket is also offering over 1,000 half-price specials across the store, including olive oil, coconut water, and other essentials.
“We know Christmas is an expensive time for many families, and they’re looking to save at this time of year,” said to Yahoo Finance Coles’ chief commercial officer, Anna Croft. “That’s why we’re working hard to deliver great value by lowering the price of popular fresh produce and hundreds of everyday essentials in the lead-up to Christmas.” By cutting prices on staple items, Coles hopes to make holiday shopping a little easier on the wallet.
Meat and Seafood Deals
It’s not just produce that’s being discounted. Coles is offering significant savings on Christmas meal staples. A whole or half leg of lamb is now priced at $13 per kilogram, down by $4 from the usual price. For those planning to enjoy some seafood, cooked extra-large black tiger prawns are on sale for $26 per kilogram.
Additionally, Coles’ traditional fruit mince pies are now $3.50, down from $4, and their pavlova has been reduced to $7 from $7.50. These deals are clearly aimed at offering a full spread of Christmas essentials, helping customers enjoy a festive meal without breaking the bank.
Coles vs. Woolworths: The Ham Wars
The supermarket showdown continues with Christmas ham. Both Coles and Woolworths are offering Beechwood Smoked Half Leg Hams for $8 per kilogram. But Aldi has once again undercut them with prices starting at $7.99 per kilogram. The competition doesn’t end there, as Coles’ Beechwood Smoked Half Leg Ham was recently rated the best-tasting on the market by CHOICE, scoring an impressive 80%. Woolworths’ Mountain Ash Wood Double Smoked Half Leg Ham came in second with 75%, while Aldi’s ham lagged behind with a score of just 61%.
Government Scrutiny
While these price wars benefit consumers, the Australian government is keeping an eye on Coles and Woolworths. There are concerns about price gouging, particularly as demand for festive items surges. Both supermarkets, along with other retailers, are under scrutiny for potentially inflating prices during the holiday season.
Despite these concerns, Coles’ aggressive pricing strategy shows that the company is willing to fight for shoppers, offering significant savings on essentials and festive foods. It remains to be seen if these discounts will translate into long-term customer loyalty, but for now, shoppers are reaping the rewards of this supermarket showdown.
