Australia - you're standing in it
Here’s a thought - why support the duopoly of Coles and Woolworths especially when they keep increasing their margins and ruthlessly squeezing suppliers?
Seems like IGA is the only big supermarket chain that has a little bit of heart (or maybe it’s the only way they can compete) and doesn’t endlessly keep trying to increase their margins
Regardless, I’m more than happy to pay a little bit more and shop at IGA rather than be treated with contempt and shop at the big two.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-20/woolworths-coles-accc-supermarket...
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100%. I hate them both and what you pay and what you get is getting worse. The quality of fruit, veg and meat is rubbish. Unless you get things on special you are actually paying more than in other places. My local butcher is expensive but the quality is 3 times better. Other local fruit and veg shops are much better. Or even Harris Farm if you got one, it’s a bit more expensive but quality and choice is miles ahead. Everything else can be bought online for less. Or if not less than the same price but free delivery so one goes to the shop a lot less.
I’ve really cut down my shopping in Coles and Woolies. It’s nearly at zero, I only go there when I travel around and I need something quickly. I rarely spend more than $50.
Lucky there is still plenty of fresh produce about …
&pp=0gcJCfcAhR29_xXO flollo wrote:100%. I hate them both and what you pay and what you get is getting worse. The quality of fruit, veg and meat is rubbish. Unless you get things on special you are actually paying more than in other places. My local butcher is expensive but the quality is 3 times better. Other local fruit and veg shops are much better. Or even Harris Farm if you got one, it’s a bit more expensive but quality and choice is miles ahead. Everything else can be bought online for less. Or if not less than the same price but free delivery so one goes to the shop a lot less.
I’ve really cut down my shopping in Coles and Woolies. It’s nearly at zero, I only go there when I travel around and I need something quickly. I rarely spend more than $50.
Yeah I haven't shopped at either for years apart from the odd foray into South Grafton Coles.
Such a shame that market concentration is rife in Australia - banks, groceries, hardware, alcohol, airports, energy, communications...
And of course there's politics :)
AndyM wrote:flollo wrote:100%. I hate them both and what you pay and what you get is getting worse. The quality of fruit, veg and meat is rubbish. Unless you get things on special you are actually paying more than in other places. My local butcher is expensive but the quality is 3 times better. Other local fruit and veg shops are much better. Or even Harris Farm if you got one, it’s a bit more expensive but quality and choice is miles ahead. Everything else can be bought online for less. Or if not less than the same price but free delivery so one goes to the shop a lot less.
I’ve really cut down my shopping in Coles and Woolies. It’s nearly at zero, I only go there when I travel around and I need something quickly. I rarely spend more than $50.
Yeah I haven't shopped at either for years apart from the odd foray into South Grafton Coles.
Such a shame that market concentration is rife in Australia - banks, groceries, hardware, alcohol, airports, energy, communications...
And of course there's politics :)
Woolies and Coles price gouge, exploit workers, hate unions, and negatively impact farmers while their CEO gets 2.15 million dollars a year. It's practically a moral obligation to shoplift from them as often as possible.
For meat, I'll generally buy direct from the farm. Quarter, half or whole (cow, lamb and/or pork). Nothing beats the quality and price. If you don't know anyone, they are online everywhere these days and will generally deliver too.
I try and get to the farmers markets for fresh veges, generally whatever is in season.
Places like Cambells or Aldi for dry goods.
fitzroy-21 wrote:For meat, I'll generally buy direct from the farm. Quarter, half or whole (cow, lamb and/or pork). Nothing beats the quality and price. If you don't know anyone, they are online everywhere these days and will generally deliver too.
I try and get to the farmers markets for fresh veges, generally whatever is in season.
Places like Cambells or Aldi for dry goods.
Aldi is the go if you have one around. No shitty supermarket music pumped into your head, and no one hundred of every item faffing up your experience by instilling indecision.
"It's practically a moral obligation to shoplift from them as often as possible."
As John Schumann from the band Redgum wrote,
"It's a form of reprisal, a song of survival
Keep your morals intact
Don't be naive, you're stealing from thieves
It's a matter of tact
Just don't let yourself get caught in the act"
Even if you do get caught in the act, just say "you got me" and walk out.
I'd rather not play that game in a small town.
AndyM wrote:I'd rather not play that game in a small town.
Valid.
The "I can't believe it's not politics" thread.