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, […]
Consumers Hold the Power to Drive Change Read More »
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
Independent Supermarkets Struggle in Competitive Retail Landscape Read More »
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
Competition Key to Australia’s Supermarket Industry Growth Read More »
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
Ritchies IGA: The Fight Against Land Banking Read More »
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released its final report on the supermarket sector, making 20 key recommendations to address competition concerns. The inquiry found that ALDI, Coles, and Woolworths rank among the most profitable supermarket chains globally, with their average product margins increasing over the past five years. Key Recommendations for a
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Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ), a not-for-profit organisation serving remote First Nations communities, is investing an additional $500,000 in price reductions to ease cost-of-living pressures. Effective immediately until 1 July, this initiative ensures more affordable grocery essentials for those in isolated areas. All CEQ-operated stores across the Torres Strait, Cape York Peninsula, Doomadgee, and Palm Island
CEQ Invests in Price Reductions to Support Remote Communities Read More »
Woolworths has received widespread praise for an unexpected act of generosity, surprising shoppers who had to restock their fridges after recent power outages. Chantelle, the creator of Fat Mum Slim, shared on Facebook that she had received a $10 voucher while shopping at Woolworths. She was curious whether others had received one, as a staff
Woolworths Praised for Generosity Amid Power Outages Read More »
No matter how well you run your independent retail business, customer complaints are inevitable. How you handle them can make the difference between losing a customer and turning them into a loyal advocate for your brand. Here’s how to manage complaints effectively while maintaining your reputation. 1. Listen and Acknowledge When a customer raises a
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Coles CEO Leah Weckert has highlighted the intense competition in Australia’s $120bn supermarket industry as it awaits a major regulatory review. Speaking at The Australian’s Global Food Forum, Ms Weckert suggested the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) report—expected soon—could introduce stricter regulations. These may focus on greater transparency in supplier contracts, particularly pricing and
Supermarket Industry Faces Intense Competition Amid Regulatory Scrutiny Read More »
For independent retailers, the way you present your products can have a huge impact on customer engagement and sales. Effective visual merchandising doesn’t just make your store look good—it encourages browsing, enhances the shopping experience, and ultimately boosts revenue. Here’s how to get it right. 1. Create Eye-Catching Displays Your window and in-store displays should
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The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) is urging the government to take decisive action to protect the nation’s food security by providing stronger support for manufacturers in the sector. The organisation has highlighted ongoing pressures facing the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, including fragile supply chains, escalating operational costs, and increasing regulatory requirements around
AFGC Calls for Stronger Government Support to Protect Food Security Read More »
Coles CEO Leah Weckert is urging governments to take the lead in strengthening Australia’s critical supply chains, which ensure the delivery of essential goods such as fresh food, groceries, and medicines. With severe weather events increasingly cutting off remote communities, she believes investment in resilient infrastructure is crucial. Having recently navigated the logistical challenges of
Coles CEO Calls for Greater Investment in Supply Chains Amid Rising Disruptions Read More »
The Greens are prioritising a crackdown on price gouging in the upcoming minority Parliament, unveiling a bold plan to hold major supermarkets accountable and ease cost-of-living pressures. Their proposal includes establishing a Prices Commission (PsC) to monitor corporate pricing and illegal price hikes, with offenders facing heavy fines or potential breakups. The PsC would launch
Greens Prioritise Crackdown on Supermarket Price Gouging Read More »
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