Coles and Woolworths have announced another round of price cuts just in time for Black Friday, while Aldi has opened its infamous middle aisle and is offering a discounted vacation.
In a move to grab a larger slice of pre-Christmas consumer spending, Coles and Woolworths have announced another round of price cuts.
Coles says 115 pantry and entertaining essentials will be cheaper, bringing the total number of products it has discounted since last month to more than 550.
Sold in-store and online, they include popular meats, snacks, beverages and other favourites for home entertainers.
Coles says the move stems from research showing about a quarter of customers plan to cook more at home this Christmas, and are seeking discounted food products to spread their costs.
The price discounts will continue for at least the following three months.
Coles chief commercial officer Anna Croft said the company wanted to provide value for customers.
“We are committed to delivering value for our customers to help them fit more into their weekly budget and ease the cost of Christmas celebrations”, she said.
“Today we’re lowering the price of 115 products; to bring the total number of products we’ve reduced since October to more than 550 – providing savings until at least Christmas day across popular meat products and, pantry and entertaining staples we know our customers buy throughout the festive season.”
Rival supermarket Woolworths has also lowered the price of more than 300 products from today until February 25.
It has also launched several Black Friday deals on gift cards, mobile phone starter packs and the Everyday Extra rewards program.
Meanwhile, low-cost rival ALDI pointed to its “everyday low-price model” as its selling point for the festive season.
”This Christmas we stand committed to our Price Promise – we will not be beaten on the cost of your weekly shop,” a spokesperson said.
“Our everyday low-price model means we can provide quantifiable savings on your whole basket every time you check out with us.
“Last year alone, we saved ALDI customers $3.4 billion at the checkout, that’s real money back in the pockets of Australian families at a time when they need it most.
“Aussies looking to bank real savings this Christmas, should try shopping at ALDI as their first port of call.
“By doing this, every Australian can save on their festive grocery bill.”
Aldi today opened its infamous middle aisle full of Black Friday bargains for consumers.
It is also the first time Aldi has added its Holiday’s arm of the business to the sale, but it’s offering just one discounted package to Port Douglas in Queensland’s north.
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Research released earlier this month showed Australians are focusing on value and convenience even as lower fuel prices and income tax cuts lessen the pressure on essential spending.
Overall, spending on essentials has halved in the past year, with petrol prices and utility expenditure shrinking, according to the CommBank iQ Cost of Living Insights analysis.