Coles and WW retailer news October 2024

Here's a summary of key news events involving Coles and Woolworths in October 2024:

Both supermarkets have been under significant scrutiny due to their dominant market position and pricing practices, especially during the cost-of-living crisis.

Coles:

1. Supplier Partner Awards: Coles celebrated supplier excellence, quality, and innovation at its annual Supplier Partner Awards on October 18. - Media releases | Coles Group

2. New Customer Fulfilment Centre: Coles opened its second world-class automated customer fulfilment centre on October 11, in preparation for the Christmas rush. - Media releases | Coles Group

3. Cardboard Box Trial: Coles launched a trial to reduce single-use plastic bags by using cardboard boxes. - Media releases | Coles Group

4. Legal Battle with ACCC: Coles is fighting allegations from the ACCC regarding misleading "price drop" promotions. The case is ongoing, with a written response due by November 292. - Coles and Woolworths fight consumer watchdog over alleged misleading pricing campaigns - ABC News

5. Quarterly Sales Report: Coles reported a 3.5% increase in food division sales for the first quarter, reaching $9.5 billion year-on-year.

   
   

Woolworths:

1. Annual General Meeting: Woolworths faced a shareholder showdown at its annual general meeting on October 31, addressing issues like discount schemes, price gouging, and environmental concerns. - Questions stack up as Woolworths faces shareholder showdown - InQueensland

2. Quarterly Sales Report: Woolworths reported a 4.5% increase in total sales, reaching $18 billion for the 14-week period ending October 6. The growth was driven by consumer demand and strategic pricing adjustments. Fresh moves: Woolworths wraps up Q1 with $18bn in sales - ShareCafe

3. Environmental Protests: Woolworths faced protests over its salmon farming practices, particularly regarding the impact on Tasmanian waterways.

4. Legal Battle with ACCC: Similar to Coles, Woolworths is also contesting the ACCC's allegations of misleading pricing campaigns. - Coles and Woolworths fight consumer watchdog over alleged misleading pricing campaigns - ABC News

5. New CEO: Amanda Bardwell took over as CEO after Brad Banducci resigned earlier in the year.