Author name: Kath Chan

tasmania

Tasmanian Supermarkets Push Back Against Calls to Lure Aldi

Independent supermarket owners in Tasmania are raising serious concerns about proposals to use taxpayer money to entice German discount retailer Aldi to the island. They argue that long-standing local businesses already provide meaningful competition to the major supermarket chains. The debate has emerged following a recent $30 million plan from the Greens, which includes $28 […]

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soft plastics

Woolworths Expands Soft Plastics Recycling to 500 Stores

Woolworths is preparing to significantly expand its soft plastics recycling programme, aiming to have collection points in 500 stores over the next year. This move marks a major step in the supermarket’s effort to address Australia’s growing soft plastic waste problem and rebuild trust following the collapse of REDcycle. Currently, only 120 Woolworths stores are

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metcash

Metcash CEO Criticises Government Over Supermarket Pricing Debate

Metcash CEO Doug Jones has criticised the Albanese government for its stance on the supermarket industry, arguing that accusations of price gouging are baseless and politically motivated. He condemned the use of “inflammatory language” designed to sway voters and called it a “gross oversimplification” of supermarket operations. Jones took issue with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s

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price gouging

Supermarkets Push Back Against Price Gouging Claims

Fred Harrison, CEO of Ritchies supermarkets, expressed frustration over Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recent comments accusing supermarkets of “price gouging.” With over 50 years in the industry, Harrison believes such claims unfairly tarnish the sector and cause unnecessary stress for supermarket employees. Supermarkets, he argues, have become an easy target. He insists that Ritchies, like

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trolley

Woolworths Shopper Stunned by High-Tech Trolley-Collecting Robot

A Woolworths shopper was left stunned after spotting a robot assisting with trolley collection at a Brisbane supermarket, sparking speculation about the future of human trolley collectors. A viral video shared on social media shows the machine, nicknamed ‘R2-D2’ by the uploader, guiding a row of trolleys into a bay at Woolworths Richlands in Brisbane’s

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social media

Using Social Media to Drive Foot Traffic to Your Retail Store

For independent retailers, social media is more than just a place to post updates—it’s a powerful tool to connect with local customers and drive real-world foot traffic. When used effectively, it can boost visibility, increase engagement, and bring more people through your doors. 1. Share What Makes You Unique Use your social media platforms to

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supermarket

Supermarkets Reject Government Taskforce on Price Gouging

Major supermarket chains Coles and Woolworths have dismissed Labor’s pledge to launch a taskforce investigating grocery price inflation if re-elected. Coles stated that after a year-long inquiry, neither the government nor the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found evidence of price gouging. They argued that rising costs in energy, labour, insurance, and logistics were

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Gnowangerup

Fire Erupts in Gnowangerup IGA

A fire that began in the electrical box of Gnowangerup IGA has spread into the roof, with emergency teams working urgently to contain the blaze and protect the town’s only supermarket. Emergency services were alerted at 1:24pm on Wednesday following a triple-0 call reporting the incident. Firefighters from Gnowangerup and Tambellup volunteer brigades are on-site,

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consumer

Consumers Hold the Power to Drive Change

Professor Gary Mortimer, a retail marketing and consumer behaviour expert from Queensland University of Technology, stated that increasing competition should, in theory, drive prices down. However, he acknowledged that fostering competition remains a challenge. He pointed to the ACCC’s recommendation of reducing red tape to make it easier for independent supermarkets to open, but ultimately,

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independent

Independent Supermarkets Struggle in Competitive Retail Landscape

Independent supermarkets in regional Australia are urging shoppers to take action as they battle to remain competitive against the dominance of major retail chains. A recent investigation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found that Coles and Woolworths account for two-thirds of the country’s grocery sales. Since 2008, the number of IGA stores

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competition

Competition Key to Australia’s Supermarket Industry Growth

Australia’s supermarket industry would benefit from greater competition, though an ACCC executive stopped short of calling Woolworths and Coles a duopoly. Speaking to the ABC, ACCC deputy chair Mick Keogh stressed that increased competition was the best way to keep profit margins in check. He noted that competition enables consumers to make informed pricing decisions

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ritchies

Ritchies IGA: The Fight Against Land Banking

Fred Harrison, CEO of Ritchies supermarkets, has struggled to expand his chain, opening only two new stores in the past decade. His growth plans have been repeatedly hindered, particularly as competition regulators have failed to address ‘land banking’. Harrison argues that securing undeveloped ‘greenfield’ sites is nearly impossible for independent chains. He cites a recent

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