Woolworths, one of Australia’s leading supermarket chains, has announced a significant price reduction on nearly 400 essential items as the country heads into winter. This initiative aims to alleviate some of the financial pressure on families, with Woolworths set to reduce prices on popular staples including chicken schnitzel, Greek yoghurt, and frozen berries.
According to the company, families spending around $150 on weekly groceries may expect to save about $15, with an average price drop of around 10%. Woolworths CEO Amanda Bardwell stated that this price adjustment aims to provide "meaningful" savings at the checkout for customers. She emphasized that the move is part of a long-term strategy to offer genuine value, rather than merely a temporary promotion.
The initiative comes as a direct response to customer feedback, indicating a strong desire for more affordable shopping options. The price reductions will commence on May 14 and are set to remain in effect until 2026. Bardwell also indicated that this is only the beginning, with more staple products anticipated to receive price cuts in the coming months.
Notable Price Reductions Include:
- Woolworths chicken schnitzel (600g): Reduced from $10.50 to $9.00
- Greek yoghurt (1kg): From $4.20 to $3.80
- Coca-Cola (2L): Dropping from $4.20 to $3.70
- Four N Twenty party sausage rolls (500g): Now priced at $7.00 (down from $7.50)
- Maggi noodles (12 pack): Reduced from $10.00 to $9.00
- Babylove nappies (bulk size): Now $16.00, down by $2.00
- Shine Optimum dishwasher pods (45 pack): Reduced from $13.00 to $11.70
In comparison, Coles, another major supermarket competitor, offers similar products at slightly higher prices, such as a 600g chicken schnitzel at $10.50 and Greek yoghurt at $4.10.
Both Woolworths and Coles have come under scrutiny over the past year for their pricing strategies, as many shoppers have expressed concerns about the affordability of basic goods. This pressure has led both retailers to face legal challenges, including class action lawsuits over their pricing practices.
Additionally, Woolworths has faced backlash due to recent changes in its customer loyalty programs. Customers were notified that as of June 1, those enrolled in the Delivery Unlimited service would no longer receive double points on their Everyday Rewards accounts. Instead, customers will enjoy a three-month complimentary offer for the Direct To Boot service, which allows for faster pick-up options, typically costing $5 per order.
The changes to the delivery program have prompted frustration amongst shoppers, with many threatening to cancel their subscriptions. Woolworths has stated that while the Delivery Unlimited service remains popular, the modifications are intended to streamline offerings and enhance customer convenience.
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to affect many Australians, supermarket chains are likely to keep competing on price to secure customer loyalty and drive foot traffic in-store. Only time will reveal the long-term impact of these pricing strategies and the ongoing adjustments from both Woolworths and Coles in response to consumer demands.
