Boycott Coles And Woolworths
Why We Are Boycotting Coles And Woolworths
Sick of being ripped off at the check-out? Boycott Coles and Woolworths and start supporting small and local businesses. The reason behind this bold move is a crucial one: challenging the price gouging practices and record profits of these supermarket giants during a cost of living crisis.
Let’s Send A Message By Boycotting
The cost of living crisis in Australia has put a strain on many households, and consumers are becoming increasingly frustrated with the high prices at these supermarkets. Social media platforms have provided a space for consumers to voice their concerns and share their experiences, with many posts going viral and reaching millions of people.
As a result of this backlash, the Greens have moved to establish a Senate inquiry into the power of these two major supermarkets and their impact on grocery prices. The inquiry aims to find a way to dismantle their power and bring down soaring grocery prices. The inquiry comes after both Coles and Woolworths reported $1 billion-plus profits this year. The outcome of this inquiry could have a significant impact on the Australian grocery industry and the way consumers shop for groceries.
Take Action!
The Greens want to hear from you about your experiences with Coles & Woolworths.
Can you take 5 minutes to fill in the survey and share how price gouging is affecting you?
Reasons for the Boycott
As concerned citizens, we have decided to boycott Coles and Woolworths due to several reasons. The following are some of the reasons that have led to this decision.
Price Gouging
One of the main reasons for the boycott is the price gouging by Coles and Woolworths. According to several reports, these supermarket giants have been charging exorbitant prices for basic necessities, especially during the ongoing cost of living crisis.
In South Australia, the price of groceries has risen by 20% in the past 5 years. The price rises far exceed the rise in costs for the supermarket giants hence the record profits.
Duopoly Market Concerns
Another reason for the boycott is the duopoly market concerns surrounding Coles and Woolworths. These two companies have a near-monopoly on the Australian supermarket industry, controlling over 70% of the market share. This dominance has led to concerns about the lack of competition, which can result in higher prices and limited choices for consumers.
“For too long the big supermarkets have had too much market power. This allows them to dictate prices and terms that are hitting people hard,” the Greens spokesperson for economic justice, Nick McKim, said.
Cost of Living Crisis
The boycott against Coles and Woolworths has gained momentum as these companies are making billions of dollars in profits while many Australians struggle with the cost of living crisis. The cost of living crisis is a major concern for many Australians, and the boycott is a way for consumers to express their frustration with rising prices and stagnant wages.
According to a report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the cost of living in Australia has increased by 23% over the past decade. This increase has been driven by rising housing costs, energy prices, and healthcare expenses. As a result, many Australians are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet.
The boycott against Coles and Woolworths has been sparked by the perception that these companies are profiting from the cost of living crisis. We are frustrated with the high prices of groceries and household items, and they believe that these companies are not doing enough to help ease the financial burden on Australian families.
WE ARE NOT BOYCOTTING BECAUSE OF AUSTRALIA DAY MERCHANDISE!
Woolworths announced that they are no longer stocking Australia Day merchandise. Woolworths Group said while it stocked Australia flags all year round, it wouldn’t be stocking anything special for the occasion this year.
“There has been a gradual decline in demand for Australia Day merchandise from our stores over recent years,” a spokesperson said.
“At the same time there’s been broader discussion about 26 January and what it means to different parts of the community.”
Opposition leader Peter Dutton reacted by calling for a boycott of Woolworths.
This is unrelated to our call for a boycott in response to pricing.
Attempting to make this into a culture war moment just distracts from the true issue at hand: unethical pricing practices.
We think the decision to stop stocking Aus Day merch is great even if it is only about Woolworth’s bottom line.
Alternatives to Coles and Woolworths
If you’re looking to boycott Coles and Woolworths, there are plenty of alternative options available. Here are a few suggestions:
Supporting Local Businesses
One way to support your local community and avoid shopping at Coles and Woolworths is to shop at local businesses. Many local stores, markets, and farmers’ markets sell fresh produce, meat, and other grocery items. Not only will you be supporting the local economy, but you’ll also be able to find unique, locally-sourced products that you won’t find at the major supermarket chains.
Other Supermarkets
Aldi, IGA & Foodland are the main alternatives to Coles & Woolworths. Aldi are cheaper but their are ethical questions around them copying other brands and small businesses. Supporting smaller independently owned business is the best option or smaller supermarket chains. Any way you can spend you money away from Coles & Woolworths improves competition and ultimately helps keep prices down.
Overall, boycotting Coles and Woolworths doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality or convenience. By supporting local businesses and exploring alternative retailers, you can find high-quality, affordable groceries while also taking a stand against the dominance of Australia’s major supermarket chains.
@skippys.juice.bar This Christmas Boycott Supermarkets! Shop at your local independent businesses and stick it to the Supermarket giants. Get behind the businesses that support your community this Christmas. #fyp #boycottsupermarkets #boycottwoolworths #christmas #fruit #vegtables #freshfood #boycott #boycottcoles #australia #skippysfreshfrootz #foryoupage #butcher #bakery #independent ♬ original sound – Skippys Juice bar
How to Participate in the Boycott
If you want to join the boycott of Coles and Woolworths, here are some strategies you can use.
Boycott Strategies
Shop at independent retailers: Instead of heading to Coles or Woolworths, consider supporting small, independent retailers. These retailers often have unique and locally sourced products that you won’t find in the major supermarkets.
Shop at farmers markets: Farmers markets are a great place to find fresh, locally grown produce. Not only will you be supporting local farmers, but you’ll also be able to purchase high-quality products at reasonable prices.
Shop online: If you can’t find what you need at independent retailers or farmers markets, consider shopping online. There are many online retailers that offer a wide range of products, often at competitive prices. Just be sure to do your research and choose a reputable retailer.
Make your own gifts: Rather than buying gifts from Coles or Woolworths, consider making your own. Homemade gifts are often more thoughtful and personal than store-bought gifts, and they can be a great way to save money.
Spread the word: Finally, if you want to support the boycott of Coles and Woolworths, be sure to spread the word. Share information about the boycott on social media, and encourage your friends and family to join you in supporting independent retailers and farmers markets.
By following these strategies, we can all do our part to support local businesses and send a message to Coles and Woolworths that we won’t stand for their unfair business practices.
Greens Launch Senate Inquiry Into Supermarket Price Gouging
The Green are taking on Coles & Woolworths in state and federal parliament. They are spearheading a senate inquiry which will scrutinise the impact of market concentration on food prices and the pattern of pricing strategies employed by the supermarket duopoly.
The Greens have secured cross-party support to set up the inquiry which will examine:
- The effect of market concentration and the exercise of corporate power on the price of food and groceries;
- The pattern of price setting between the two major supermarket chains;
- Rising supermarket profits and the large increase in price of essential items;
- The prevalence of opportunistic pricing, price mark-ups and discounts that aren’t discounts;
- The contribution of home brand products to the concentration of corporate power;
- The use of technology and automation to extract cost-savings from consumers and employees;
- Improvements to the regulatory framework to deliver lower prices for food and groceries;
- Frameworks to protect suppliers when interacting with the major supermarkets, and;
- Any other related matters.
Sign the petition to show your support here.
In South Australian parliament Rob Simms is calling for a parliamentary inquiry into grocery price gouging.
Take Action!
The Greens want to hear from you about your experiences with Coles & Woolworths.
Can you take 5 minutes to fill in the survey and share how price gouging is affecting you?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are consumers choosing to boycott Coles and Woolworths?
Consumers are choosing to boycott Coles and Woolworths due to concerns over their market dominance and pricing practices. Many consumers feel that the major supermarkets have too much power and are using it to drive up prices, making it difficult for smaller competitors to survive. Also, there are ethical concerns about the treatment of farmers and workers in the supply chain.
Why did people boycott Coles and Woolworths Dec 23-24th?
There was a boycott movement started on Tiktok which aimed to get a mass of people to boycott Coles & Woolworths on the 23-24th of December to send a message that we have had enough on being ripped off.
What market share do Coles and Woolworths hold in the Australian grocery sector?
Coles and Woolworths hold a combined market share of over 70% in the Australian grocery sector. This has led to concerns about the impact of their dominance on competition and pricing.
Which alternative supermarkets are considered competitors to Coles in Australia?
ALDI and IGA are considered to be the main competitors to Coles in Australia. ALDI, in particular, has gained a significant market share in recent years due to its focus on low prices and private-label products.
How have Coles and Woolworths responded to accusations of monopolistic practices?
Coles and Woolworths have denied accusations of monopolistic practices and have argued that they operate in a highly competitive market. However, they have also made efforts to improve their public image and respond to consumer concerns, such as by introducing more sustainable and ethical products which is generally just greenwashing rather than much actual change.
What impact does shopping at ALDI or IGA have on the Australian grocery market?
Shopping at ALDI or IGA can have a positive impact on the Australian grocery market by promoting competition and providing consumers with more choice. However, these supermarkets also face their own challenges and are not immune to criticism.
What are the ethical concerns driving the boycott against Coles and Woolworths?
The ethical concerns driving the boycott against Coles and Woolworths include concerns about the treatment of farmers and workers in the supply chain, in-store staff, as well as concerns about the environmental impact of their operations. Many consumers feel that the major supermarkets have a responsibility to act more ethically and sustainably, and are choosing to shop elsewhere as a result.
