A supermarket spokesperson has shared the controversial news in a statement.
Coles supermarket has confirmed a major change to selected stores across Australia in a new statement.
The retail giant has announced that it has reduced the trading hours of its deli counters at some Coles stores.
The popular service area will now close at 8pm each night, regardless of the trading hours of the store in question.
“We know that most of our customers prefer to shop at our delis before 8pm,” a Coles spokesperson told 7NEWS.com.au.
“As a result, we are tailoring the opening hours of some of our delis to when our customers shop the most.
“Customers will still be able to buy their deli favourites including sliced meats, cheeses and antipasto as part of our convenient pre-packaged range often located near the deli department.
“Customers are urged to check with their local store if they are unsure of their deli opening hours.”
The move follows Woolworths’ recent decision to reduced the trading hours of its seafood, deli and meat counters.
In August, Woolworths confirmed that the deli counters at stores nationally would also close at 8pm.
In 2020, Coles removed the deli counters in some smaller and regional stores, replacing it with Deli To Go option.
The change meant that shoppers were no longer able to buy deli products such as chicken pieces, ham, salami and antipasto snacks by the desired slice or weight – and instead had to buy pre-packaged items.
At the time, a Coles spokesperson defended the move.
“With more than 800 supermarkets across the country, we regularly review the offering and range in each store to ensure it meets local customer demand,” the spokesperson said.
“This may include tailored features, such as an in-store bakery, deli or a larger range of convenience meals for stores with busy customers looking for convenient, healthy meal solutions.”
Extracted from 7news
