Coles Supermarkets: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 06:21, 25 April 2007

Latest revision as of 04:29, 26 July 2025

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{{Short description|Australian supermarket chain owned by Coles Group}}

{{Infobox_Company |

{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2017}}

company_name = Coles Supermarkets |

{{Use Australian English|date=November 2017}}

company_logo = [[Image:Coles.png|250px]] |

{{About|the Australian supermarket chain|its parent company|Coles Group}}

company_type = [[Supermarket]] |

{{Infobox company

company_slogan = ''Love Fresh'' |

| name = Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd

foundation = [[1914]] |

| logo = Coles logo.svg

___location = [[Australia]] |

| logo_caption = Logo used since 2007

key_people = |

| image = OIC hawthorn east Coles HQ from Tooronga Rd.jpg

num_employees = 59,000+ |

| industry type = [[RetailSubsidiary]] |

| image_caption = Coles headquarters site, adjacent to [[Burwood Highway|Toorak Road]] in [[Hawthorn East]], [[Melbourne]]

products = |

| trade_name = Coles

revenue = |

| industry = [[Retail]], [[supermarket]] and [[consumer service]]s

homepage = [http://www.coles.com.au/ www.coles.com.au] |

| foundation = {{start date and age|1914}}

| founder = [[George Coles (entrepreneur)|George Coles]]

| location_city = [[Hawthorn East]], [[Victoria, Australia]]

| locations = 860 stores {{Collapsible list|830 Coles Supermarkets|30 Coles Local}}

| key_people = {{ubl|Leah Weckert (managing director)|[[Curtis Stone]] (ambassador)}}

| num_locations_year = 2025

| area_served = Australia

| revenue = {{decrease}}[[A$]]38.175 billion (2019)<ref name="2019 Annual Report">{{cite web|url=https://www.colesgroup.com.au/FormBuilder/_Resource/_module/ir5sKeTxxEOndzdh00hWJw/file/Coles_Annual_Report_2019.pdf|title=2019 Full Year Results|access-date=22 January 2020}} {{date missing |date=March 2025}}{{publisher missing |date=March 2025}}</ref>

| operating_income = {{decrease}}[[Australian dollar|A$]]1.414 billion (2018)<ref name="2015 Annual Report">{{cite web|url=http://media.corporate-ir.net/media_files/IROL/14/144042/Appendix%204E-Preliminary%20Final%20Report,%202011%20Full-Year%20Results.pdf|title=2011 Full Year Results|access-date=18 August 2011}} {{date missing |date=March 2025}}{{publisher missing |date=March 2025}}</ref>

| assets = [[A$]]21.644 billion (2018)

| num_employees = ~120,000

| parent = [[Coles Group]]

| subsid = {{flat list|

* [[Coles Local]]

* [[Coles Online]]}}

| homepage = {{URL|https://www.coles.com.au/|coles.com.au}}

}}

'''Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd''', doing business as '''Coles''', is an Australian [[supermarket]], retail and consumer services chain, headquartered in [[Melbourne]] as part of [[Coles Group]]. Founded in 1914 in the suburb of [[Collingwood, Victoria|Collingwood]] by [[George Coles (businessman)|Sir George Coles]], the company currently operates 846<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=22 August 2023 |title=FY23 Results Release |url=https://www.colesgroup.com.au/DownloadFile.axd?file=/Report/ComNews/20230822/02700046.pdf |website=Coles Group}}</ref> supermarkets throughout Australia, including several now-re-branded [[Bi-Lo (Australia)|Bi-Lo]] stores. Coles has over 120,000 employees<ref name=":0"/><ref name="ColesMarket">{{cite news|newspaper=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/business/red-spot-special-coles-up-for-sale/2007/02/23/1171734017312.html|date=2007-02-24|access-date=2008-07-25|title=Red spot special: Coles up for sale}} {{author missing |date=March 2025}}</ref> and accounts for around 27 per cent of the Australian market.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Looking beyond the panic-buying, Australia's big supermarket story is Aldi's growing market share|url=http://www.roymorgan.com/findings/8336-fresh-food-and-grocery-report-december-2019-202003230634|access-date=2021-02-06|website=[[Roy Morgan]]|language=en}} {{date missing |date=March 2025}}</ref>

'''Coles Supermarkets''' are an [[Australia]]n supermarket chain owned by [[Coles Group]]. With over 500 stores nationally and a staff of more than 60,000 people, Coles currently hold the 2nd largest market share behind [[Woolworths Supermarkets]].

[[Coles Online]] is the company's online shopping ('click & collect' and home delivery) service.

== History ==

Coles was founded by George James (G.J.) Coles in [[1914]] when what was called the "Coles Variety Store" opened on [[9 April]] in Smith Street in the [[Melbourne, Australia|Melbourne]] suburb of [[Collingwood, Victoria|Collingwood]]. Expansion to more stores occurred and the chain was regarded as the leaders in providing value to Australian shoppers. (G. J. Coles learned the retail trade working for his father's "Coles Store" business at Wilmot, Tasmania between 1910 and 1913).

Between 1986 and 2006, Coles Supermarkets was a brand of Coles Myer, later [[Coles Group]], prior to [[Wesfarmers]] purchasing Coles Group in 2007. It became a subsidiary of Coles Group again after Wesfarmers [[Corporate spin-off|spun off]] the business in November 2018.<ref name="coleslisting">{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-21/australian-shares-tumble-coles-debuts-on-stock-market/10517580|title=Coles debuts with $18b market value; Australian shares tumble after global sell-off|first=David|last=Chau|date=21 November 2018|access-date=21 November 2018|work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]}}</ref>

In [[1960]], the first supermarket was opened in Melbourne suburb, [[North Balwyn, Victoria|North Balwyn]], and in [[1973]] a Coles store had been established in all capital cities of the country.

[[Image:Coles_exterior.png|thumb|250px|The exterior of a Coles store in [[Springvale, Victoria]].]]

In 2020, Coles changed its slogan to "Value the Australian way".

Throughout the 1980's, stores were entitled "Coles New World" (then simply "New World" for a brief period late in the decade) until they were renamed Coles Supermarkets in the early 1990's and given the trademark "orb" logo. This was replaced with the "circled tick logo" in 2005, having previously been used as a sub-logo of Coles since 2003. As of 2007, that logo has been replaced with the Coles name without a logo next to it, as shown above.

==History==

From mid 2006, the [[Bi-Lo]] chain of supermarkets were absorbed into the Coles name. This also happened to [[Newmart]] (Bi-Lo trading under another name in Western Australia) during 2002-2003, with the Newmart stores co-located with Coles in the same area or shopping centre sold off to [[Foodland Associated Limited|FAL]] and rebranded as the now-defunct [[Action Supermarkets]] chain. As of 2007, the Newmart website has been redirected to the Coles website.

[[George Coles (entrepreneur)|George Coles]] learned the retail trade working for his father's 'Coles Store' business from 1910 to 1913. (The store continued operating as "The Original Coles" at [[Wilmot, Tasmania]] until it was destroyed by a fire on 24 January 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.examiner.com.au/story/2043642/north-west-store-gutted-in-blaze/|publisher=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)|The Examiner]]|access-date=2014-01-24|title=North-West store gutted in blaze|date=23 January 2014 }}</ref>) Coles itself was founded when George Coles opened the Coles Variety Store on 9 April 1914 on [[Smith Street, Melbourne|Smith Street]] in the [[Melbourne]] suburb of [[Collingwood, Victoria|Collingwood]]. Further expansion occurred and Coles' interest in food retailing was spurred in 1958 when it acquired 54 John Connell Dickins grocery stores. It then acquired the Beilby's chain in South Australia in 1959 and 265 Matthews Thompson grocery stores in New South Wales in 1960.<ref name="encyc">{{cite web|publisher=Encyclopedia of Business|title=Coles Myer Limited|url=http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/history2/9/Coles-Myer-Ltd.html|access-date=2009-06-24}}</ref>

In 1960, the first supermarket (trading under the Dickins name) was opened in the Melbourne suburb of [[Balwyn North]], at the corner of [[Burke Road|Burke]] and [[State (Bell/Springvale) Highway|Doncaster Roads]] where a modernised version continues to operate. From 1962, its supermarkets were branded ''Coles New World'' with accompanying Space Age-themed imagery.<ref name="eMelb">{{cite web|title=Coles|url=http://www.emelbourne.net.au/biogs/EM00373b.htm|publisher=eMelbourne – The Encyclopaedia of Melbourne Online|access-date=7 July 2010}}</ref> By 1973, Coles had established stores in all Australian capital cities. In 1991, the stores were rebranded ''Coles Supermarkets'' and from 1998, simply as ''Coles''.

During March 2007, it was agreed by the [[Coles Group]] board to slightly change the [[Coles]] brand logo. From April 2007, the exterior logo located outside each Coles Supermarket is being removed, or partially removed. The "New World" circular [[Coles]] logo will be removed, as well as the "Save Everyday" slogan and "Coles Tick". This is believed to be due to the negative publicity caused by failure to live up to this slogan, and a general concesus that it is cheaper to shop at rival Woolworths.

In 2004, the liquor division office (Coles Liquor Group), was moved from [[Chullora]] in [[Sydney]] to the company head office in [[Hawthorn East]], Melbourne. With [[Coles Group|Coles Myer]] CEO John Fletcher citing the move for better efficiency between the food and liquor departments. It also resulted in Craig Watkins (35-year veteran and director of Coles Liquor) retiring from the company.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/03/10/1078594405532.html|title=Coles Myer re-locate liquor group office to Melbourne|date=2004-03-10|access-date=2016-06-10|newspaper=[[The Age]]}}</ref>

== Advertising ==

Coles has used many advertising campaigns on TV, radio, newspapers, catalogues and in-store for a long time under a host of different names, slogans and logos. Its original slogan was "Nothing over 2/6", when Coles was still primarily operating variety stores. Various slogans have since been used including "You'll find the best value is at Coles New World" in the 1980s, during the Coles New World era. In 1991, Coles New World was renamed as Coles Supermarkets and given the trademark "orb" logo which it has used for 15 years. In 1998, the capitalized "Supermarkets" text was removed from the logo leaving simply "Coles". Coles used the slogan "Serving You Better" from 1998 to 2003 with the advertising jingle going with it from 2000. . This was replaced with the slogan "Save Everyday", endorsed by Lisa McCune which saw the introduction of the "circled tick logo". The circled tick replaced the "orb" logo in 2006 and there were minor changes to the advertising graphics. As of 2007, that slogan has been dropped and so has Lisa McCune and the "circled tick", with simply the Coles name in the new logo and no slogan at all, in preparation for an entirely new "circular" logo to be inroduced in the coming months to match the current Coles Group brand identity.

From mid 2006, many [[Bi-Lo (Australia)|Bi-Lo]] supermarkets were badged as Coles Supermarkets. Newmart supermarkets, under which Bi-Lo traded in [[Western Australia]], were badged as Coles Supermarkets in 2002–2003. Newmart stores co-located with Coles in the same area or shopping centre were sold to Foodland and re-branded as the now-defunct [[Action Supermarkets]] chain. The conversion program was put on hold at Easter 2007.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/business/coles-supermarket-sales-drop/2007/05/17/1178995276828.html|title=Coles Supermarket Sales Drop|date=2007-05-17|access-date=2007-08-23|newspaper=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]}}</ref> In July 2007, [[Wesfarmers]] agreed terms to purchase Coles Group for $22 billion. The purchase was completed in early 2008.<ref>{{cite news |title=Coles sold for $22 billion |date=2007-07-02 |access-date=2007-08-01 |publisher=[[Herald Sun]]|url=http://www.news.com.au/business/story/0,23636,22003301-14334,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070706033113/http://news.com.au/business/story/0%2C23636%2C22003301-14334%2C00.html |archive-date=2007-07-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Promotions ==

*4c/litre Fuel Offer - Spend More than $30.00 in a single transaction at either [[Coles]], [[Bi-Lo]], [[Pick'n'Pay]] or [[Liquorland]] to receive a 4c/litre fuel discount coupon at the end of the receipt for use at Shell/Coles Express service stations. Currently the offer extends to 6c/litre if you also spend $2 or more instore at [[Coles Express]]

*FlyBuys - Shoppers can collect [[FlyBuys (Australia)|FlyBuys]] [[loyalty program]] points throughout the Coles Group network

*iTunes - [[iTunes Store]] prepaid cards are available at Coles

*In December 2006 and January 2007, for two weeks for each offer, a 10c/litre Fuel Offer was created, for customers who purchased over $80.00 in a single transaction at [[Coles]]. This was soon followed by a similar deal by rival company [[Woolworths (supermarkets)|Woolworths]].

*In 1993, Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd. ran a promotion in conjunction with Apple Computer entiled "Apples for Students", where students collected grocery dockets and returned them to their participating school, and once a certain value had been reached the school would be provided with a free Macintosh computer.

[[Image:Colesadelaide.jpg|thumb|150px|Coles Supermarket in Adelaide, Australia.|left]]

In August 2007, as Wesfarmers foreshadowed its plans for the restructuring of Coles Group following its anticipated takeover, it stated that one of three planned divisions would comprise supermarkets, liquor and convenience stores.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wesfarmers plans Coles investment, restructuring|work=Reuters|date=2007-08-16|access-date=2007-08-16|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/innovationNews/idUSSYD11087920070816?sp=true}}</ref>

== Departments ==

From 2008 to 2014, Coles was run by UK retailer [[Ian McLeod (businessman)|Ian McLeod]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Greenblat|first=Eli|date=2014-02-18|title=Coles boss Ian McLeod steps down|url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/coles-boss-ian-mcleod-steps-down-20140218-32y69.html|access-date=2021-02-07|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en}}</ref>

Each department is managed by a Department Manager, who delgates tasks to department supervisors and staff. The Department manager reports to the Store Manager. In the absence of the Department Manager, the Second-In-Charge supervises the department.

In February 2011, Coles acquired [[National Australia Bank]]'s 50 per cent interest in Australia's largest loyalty program [[Flybuys (Australia)|Flybuys]], giving it 100% ownership.<ref name="Colesbuy">{{cite news|publisher=[[Inside Retail]]|url=http://www.insideretailing.com.au/Latest/tabid/53/ID/10102/Coles-buys-out-FlyBuys.aspx|title=Coles buys out FlyBuys|access-date=16 February 2011|date=16 February 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219134620/http://www.insideretailing.com.au/Latest/tabid/53/ID/10102/Coles-buys-out-FlyBuys.aspx|archive-date=19 February 2011}}</ref> In September 2011, Coles commenced stocking private-label clothing in its stores with several stores receiving refits to accommodate the range.<ref name="heraldsunmix">{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/fashion/coles-turns-into-a-one-stop-shop/story-e6frf8o6-1226121550572|title=Coles fashion line revealed |last=Collier|first=Karen|date=25 August 2011|newspaper=Herald Sun|access-date=7 October 2011|___location=Melbourne}}</ref>

*'''Bake House''': The Bakery department manages baked products such as cakes, and many Coles stores have their own bakehouse with which to create products onsite. Types of bake houses include "in-store bakeries" and "bake off plus". Where there is no bake house, a proprietory bakery exists, meaning that all products sold are bought in from outside sources. Proprietory bakeries have a 'bakery in-charge' whose line manager is the Dry Goods Manager. In store bakeries have a 'bakery manager' who directly reports to the store manager.

In 2018 Wesfarmers announced its intention to demerge the Coles business, seeking to retain only a 20% interest going forward.<ref>{{cite web |last=Letts |first=Stephen |date=16 March 2018 |title=Coles is being spun off for what could be a billion less than it was bought for |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-16/wesfarmers-to-demerge-its-coles-supermarket-chain/9554658 |access-date=11 February 2025 |website=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]}}</ref> In 2018, Steven Cain was appointed as CEO of the Coles Supermarket brand as part of the demerger of Coles from Wesfarmers.

*'''Service''': This department is the main point of contact between customers and staff. It comprises the checkouts which are operated by Customer Service Assistants, and where the customer purchases are made, and the customer service desk where customers can inquire about products and other information. This department can often draw on resources of other departments.

Coles deployed its first electric truck in April 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pattabiraman |first=Rakshnna |date=2022-04-27 |title=Linfox deploys its first electric delivery truck for Coles |url=https://insidefmcg.com.au/2022/04/27/linfox-deploys-its-first-electric-delivery-truck-for-coles/ |access-date=2024-11-11 |website=Inside FMCG |language=en-AU}}</ref> The first fully electric delivery vans followed in August 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pattabiraman |first=Rakshnna |date=2023-08-10 |title=Coles adds a fully electric van to its online delivery fleet |url=https://insidefmcg.com.au/2023/08/10/coles-adds-a-fully-electric-van-to-its-online-delivery-fleet/ |access-date=2024-11-11 |website=Inside FMCG |language=en-AU}}</ref>

*'''Dairy''': Dairy maintains refrigerated and frozen foods such as milk, other dairy products, and juices and ensures that stock meets appropriate temperature requirements.

In April 2023, Coles opened its first Witron-powered automated distribution centre in [[Redbank, Queensland]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weber |first=Kate |date=2023-04-27 |title=Coles opens first automated distribution centre |url=https://www.itnews.com.au/news/coles-opens-first-automated-distribution-centre-593739 |access-date=2024-11-11 |website=iTnews}}</ref> In the second half of 2024, two highly-automated {{Convert|87000|m2|adj=on}} customer fulfilment centres powered by [[Ocado]] technology were opened in [[Truganina, Victoria]] and [[Wetherill Park, New South Wales]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Settineri |first=Hailey |date=2024-09-22 |title=Coles opens first CFC in Victoria |url=https://retailworldmagazine.com.au/coles-opens-first-cfc-in-victoria/ |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=Retail World Magazine |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Siddeek |first=Amaani |date=2024-10-11 |title=Coles launches revolutionary customer fulfilment centre in Wetherill Park |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/fairfield-advance/coles-launches-revolutionary-customer-fulfilment-centre-in-wetherill-park/news-story/15009048b8b19dddacb9286f29b02051 |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-10-13 |work=Fairfield Advance}}</ref> A second Witron distribution centre was opened in [[Kemps Creek, New South Wales]] in August 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Crozier |first=Ry |date=2024-08-07 |title=Coles Group opens automated distribution centre in Sydney's west |url=https://www.itnews.com.au/news/coles-group-opens-automated-distribution-centre-in-sydneys-west-610438 |access-date=2024-11-11 |website=iTnews}}</ref> and construction of a third in Truganina was announced in October 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Crozier |first=Ry |date=2024-10-31 |title=Coles to build a third automated distribution centre |url=https://www.itnews.com.au/news/coles-to-build-a-third-automated-distribution-centre-612743 |access-date=2024-11-11 |website=iTnews}}</ref> In the same month, Coles deployed their fully electric prime mover truck.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mccleery |first=Adam |date=2024-11-01 |title=Coles adds electric truck to its delivery network |url=https://www.foodmag.com.au/coles-adds-electric-truck-to-its-delivery-network/ |access-date=2024-11-11 |website=Food & Beverage Industry News |language=en-AU}}</ref>

*'''Delicatessen''': The Deli packages meat and other delicatessen products for customers according to the customer's wishes. They may also have a Cappucino Café area serving hot savoury food, coffee, and cakes. It is important to note, however, that while the Café is structurally part of the Delicatessen, it is actually run by the Bakery department.

==Advertising and branding==

*'''Fresh Produce''': The Fresh Produce department are responsible for all fruits and vegetables in the supermarket, and staff members often prepare fruit for sale.

{{cleanup-PR|section|date=July 2018}}

{{more citations needed|section|date=July 2018}}

[[File:Coles Warwick entrance.jpg|thumb|A Coles supermarket in a shopping centre in [[Warwick, Western Australia]]]]

[[File:SouthCity Shopping Centre.jpg|thumb|A Coles store in [[Glenfield Park]], New South Wales]]

[[File:Stockland Tooronga Coles entrance NW.jpg|thumb|A Coles store at a shopping centre in [[Hawthorn, Victoria]]]]

[[File:Coles, Engadine - panoramio.jpg|thumb|A Coles store in [[Engadine, New South Wales]]]]

Coles' original slogan was "nothing over 2/6", when it was primarily operating variety stores. The slogan "You'll find the best value is at Coles New World" was used in the 1980s. The red/orange [[sphere|orb]] was used from 1991 to 2005, although store signs continued to use the orb up until the early 2010s. "Serving you better" was used as a slogan from 1998 to 2003, replaced by "save everyday", endorsed by actress [[Lisa McCune]]. A circled tick was used as a logo device from 2003 to 2007, replacing the orb as a primary device in 2005.{{Citation needed|date=July 2010}} "Save everyday" was later changed to the grammatically correct "save every day".<ref>{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2023-04-13 |title=Latest Coles Catalogue - Discounts & Savings |url=https://finderhub.com.au/coles-catalogue/ |access-date=2023-04-18 |website=Finder Hub |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2007, the slogan and circle tick were discontinued with simply the Coles name used in preparation for a new red ball logo to match proposed Coles Group livery, which was shelved later in the year as the business was sold. A number of tag lines were employed in the next few years: "Something better every day", "Proudly Australian since 1914" (introduced with its TV sponsorship of the [[2008 Summer Olympics]]),<ref>{{cite magazine | last = Downes | first = Stephen | title = Coles and Red Rooster lead Olympics cash in | magazine = [[Crikey]] | date = 2008-08-12 | url = http://www.crikey.com.au/Media-Arts-and-Sports/20080812-Coles-and-Red-Rooster-front-runners-in-Olympics-cash-in.html | access-date = 2009-01-04 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090415100935/http://www.crikey.com.au/Media-Arts-and-Sports/20080812-Coles-and-Red-Rooster-front-runners-in-Olympics-cash-in.html | archive-date = 15 April 2009 | url-status = dead }}</ref> "Cutting the cost of your shopping", "Quality food costs less at Coles" and "It all counts".<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=The Australian |title=Plan to replace axed shopping site |url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,25704942-5017996,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090906113237/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0%2C28124%2C25704942-5017996%2C00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2009-09-06 |date=2009-06-29 |access-date=2009-07-01 }}</ref> The slogan "Good things are happening at Coles" was rolled out in 2018, and its current slogan "Value the Australian way" was employed in 2020.

*'''Grocery''': Grocery carries out stock placement, ordering the aisle shelves and performing general maintenance duties such as cleaning up spillages, carrying out price checks, and sometimes retrieving trolleys. Grocery staff often assist customers with transporting difficult products around the store and car park or with general queries. The Grocery department comes under the direction of the Dry Goods Manager, who also manages the proprietary bakery department (where applicable) and General Merchandise & Apparel, and is generally regarded as 3rd in charge of the store.

In the 1960s, Coles sponsored a general knowledge quiz show, ''Coles £3000 Question'' (later ''Coles $6000 Question'' and ''Coles $7000 Question'') which aired on [[Seven Network|Channel 7]].<ref name=eMelb/>

*'''Meat''': The Meat department stocks pre-packaged refrigerated meat products (known as Retail Ready Meat) for customers and prepares many of these packages for sale. The only exception to this is in Western Australia, where all Coles Supermarkets run a true meat room, with a full complement of butchers and apprentices. This is the only state where the meat is prepared in the store, and only less common lines, such as turkey mince and ready-to-cook products, arrive pre-packed. Older stores in other states such as Victoria may still have meat rooms, but this is becoming less common as the Company refurbishes these stores. Despite common public perception, Retail Ready Meat is not gas flushed, rather sealed with purified air.

In 2010, Coles launched a new sub-slogan, "Down Down, Prices Are Down", featuring a large red cartoon hand pointing downwards to symbolise the chain's low-price policy. The slogan incorporated the tune of "[[Down Down]]", a 1975 hit by British rockers [[Status Quo (band)|Status Quo]].<ref>{{cite news |date=18 April 2011 |title=Woolworths sees shake-up in discretionary retail |url=http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Woolworths-sees-shake-up-in-discretionary-retail-pd20110418-G25J4?OpenDocument&src=hp3 |url-status=dead |access-date=11 July 2011 |newspaper=Business Spectator}}</ref>

*'''Liquor''': This department is in charge of managing alcoholic products. The Liquor department only exists in stores with 'Coles Liquor', as opposed to [[Liquorland]]. Coles Liquor means that liquor is sold in-store in the grocery aisles - i.e. one side of the aisle is everyday drinks, the other side liquor. Coles Supermarkets do not control [[Liquorland]] stores. All [[Liquorland]] stores are run independently with their own store manager and staff. Note that not all stores in every state have this department due to government laws in each state.

In 2011, the campaign was revised to the fit the tune of [[Petula Clark]]'s 1964 hit "[[Downtown (Petula Clark song)|Downtown]]".<ref>{{cite news|last=Collier|first=Karen|title=Coles' annoying 'Down Down' jingle here to stay|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/stores-jingle-jangle-a-real-downer/story-fn7x8me2-1226088389618|access-date=11 July 2011|newspaper=[[Herald-Sun]]|date=6 July 2011}}</ref> but reverted to "Down Down" later in the year.

In 2012, it used Status Quo, which originally recorded the song in 1975, singing and speaking in the newest ad in the series. In February 2016, Coles updated the "Down Down" campaign again, to the tune of "[[That's Amore]]" ("it's a Down Down"). In May 2017 the "Down Down" campaign was again refreshed with ''[[Australian Idol]]'' and reality-TV contestant [[Casey Donovan (singer)|Casey Donovan]] with a new disco version of the advertisement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mumbrella.com.au/casey-donovan-coles-down-down-442005|title=Casey Donovan latest celeb to front Coles' Down Down campaign|website=[[Mumbrella]]|date=3 May 2017}}</ref> This was ultimately dropped in March 2018, with Coles commercials (mostly on its in-store radio known as Coles Radio) using "[[Best of My Love (The Emotions song)|Best of My Love]]" by [[The Emotions]], a hit disco song from 1977, instead.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mumbrella.com.au/coles-moves-strategy-away-from-down-down-to-good-things-503164|title=Coles moves strategy away from 'Down, down' to 'Good things' platform|last=Dawson|first=Abigail|date=2018-03-06|website=Mumbrella|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-10}}</ref>

==Radio Station==

*'''General Merchandise & Apparel''': Non-food items such as clothing, hardware, magazines, stationery and gardening products.

Coles Radio is the brand name for the in-store radio station heard across all Coles' supermarkets. It is owned and operated in partnership with broadcaster [[Nova Entertainment]] and adopts a [[hot adult contemporary]] format, featuring a playlist consisting of pop hits from the 1980s, '90s, 2000s and current hits. The station has one announcer, Meg Alexander, throughout the workday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The station is also available outside stores via Coles' website, the '''Nova Player''' app and on [[DAB+]] digital radio, making it accessible in many newer car models.

==Internet retailing==

*'''Over Head''': This department covers Point of Sale (Ticketing), Administration (Office Employees), and Receiving where the Stockhand is located. The roles of Store Manager, Store Support Manager (usually regarded as the Second-In-Charge to the store) and Duty Manager are also considered as a part of this department.

{{Main|Coles Online}}

==Accusations of anti-competitive practices==

== See also ==

Coles has been accused by suppliers of using heavy-handed tactics when dealing with its suppliers.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-05-05|title=ACCC takes action against Coles for alleged unconscionable conduct towards its suppliers|url=https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/accc-takes-action-against-coles-for-alleged-unconscionable-conduct-towards-its-suppliers|access-date=2020-10-17|website=[[Australian Competition & Consumer Commission]]|language=en}}</ref> A 2004 investigation by the [[Australian Competition & Consumer Commission]] (ACCC) did not result in any action being brought against Coles and [[Woolworths Supermarkets|Woolworths]]. A 2012 investigation in which suppliers were offered anonymity is believed to have uncovered unethical practices.<ref name="Greenblatt">{{cite web|last=Greenblat|first=Eli|url=http://www.smh.com.au/business/accc-to-investigate-coles-woolies-20130214-2eg16.html|publisher=SMH|title=ACCC to investigate Coles and Woolies|date=14 February 2013 |access-date=7 May 2013}}</ref> In 2013, the ACCC was investigating both Coles and Woolworths over accusations that they used improper market practices to force down prices from suppliers.<ref name="Greenblatt"/> These accusations further intensified on a February 2024 episode of news program [[Four Corners (Australian TV program)|''Four Corners'']], which exposed accusations of [[price gouging]] between both Coles and [[Woolworths Supermarkets]], which form an alleged [[duopoly]] colloquially known as Colesworth.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoo6XVxpiU8 |title=The cost of living with Coles and Woolworths {{!}} Four Corners |language=en |access-date=2024-03-30 |via=youtube.com}}</ref>

*[[Coles Group]]

*[[Coles Express]]

*[[BI-LO (Australia)|Bi-Lo]]

*[[Liquorland]]

==Price gouging and supplier swindling==

== External link ==

{{NPOV-section|date=September 2024}}

*[http://www.coles.com.au/ Coles Supermarkets Website]

Coles and Woolworths, the two largest supermarket chains in Australia responsible for controlling over two thirds of the market share, have recently come under fire on accusations of [[price gouging]]. They have also been accused of allegedly forcing suppliers to increase their supplies in order to buy goods at lower prices, during a time which the economy is at the brink of entering a recession and people are facing a cost of living crisis. In a Senate Inquiry,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Barrett |first1=Jonathan |last2=Remeikis |first2=Amy |name-list-style=and |date=2024-05-07 |title=Supermarkets inquiry: forcibly break up major retailers in cases of anti-competitive behaviour, report says |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/may/07/senate-supermarkets-inquiry-findings-results-woolworths-coles-australia-government |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> Greens Senator [[Nick McKim]], the chair of the committee, highlighted that the actions of Coles and Woolworths resulted in serious harm to the people of Australia, off the profiteering these supermarket chains have done manipulating food prices. One of the key recommendations that was made in this enquiry is to ensure that price gouging will be made illegal.<ref>{{cite web | last=Barrett | first=Jonathan | title=Coles posts $1.1bn profit amid grocery price surge and cost-of-living crisis | website=The Guardian | date=2023-08-22 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/aug/22/coles-supermarket-annual-profit-rise-grocery-price-rise | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref>

==Legal cases==

{{Primarysources|date=December 2006}}

A 2014 [[Federal Court of Australia]] case ruled that Coles "threatened harm to suppliers if they didn't meet their demands," and ordered the chain to pay $10 million in penalties.<ref>{{cite news |date=22 December 2014 |title=Coles ordered to pay $11.2 million in penalties, legal fees for mistreating suppliers |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-22/coles-ordered-to-pay-$10-million-for-mistreating-suppliers/5982848 |access-date=11 February 2025 |work=ABC News}}</ref>

In 2015, the Federal Court of Australia fined Coles $2.5 million for making misleading claims in relation to the sale of its par-baked bread products.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://jade.barnet.com.au/Jade.html#article=388667 | title=BarNet Jade - Find recent Australian legal decisions, judgments, case summaries for legal professionals (Judgments and Decisions Enhanced) }}</ref>

In September 2024, the [[Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Baxter Healthcare Pty Ltd|ACCC]] brought legal action against Coles, accusing the supermarket of misleading customers on discounts through their Down Down promotions.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Barrett |first1=Jonathan |last2=Butler |first2=Josh |name-list-style=and |date=2024-09-23 |title=ACCC sues Coles and Woolworths over allegations of 'illusory' discounts on common products |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/sep/23/accc-suing-coles-woolworths-discounts-misleading |access-date=2024-09-24 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

== Notable promotions ==

[[File:Coles Express Burwood Highway Vermont South.jpg|thumb|A [[Coles Express]] petrol station]]

*4-cents-per-litre fuel offer: When a customer spends $30 or more in a single transaction at a Coles, [[Bi-Lo (Australia)|Bi-Lo]], Pick'n'Pay or [[Liquorland]], they receive a four-cent discount coupon on their receipt or flybuys account for use at [[Coles Express]] service stations. This practice has been criticised by competition law experts who argue that people pay higher petrol and grocery prices to fund these discounts.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Janda |first=Michael |date=16 October 2009 |title=Coles withdraws petrol discount at ACCC's behest |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-10-16/coles-withdraws-petrol-discount-at-acccs-behest/1106726 |access-date=11 February 2025 |newspaper=ABC News}}</ref>

*Shoppers can collect [[Flybuys (Australia)|flybuys]] [[loyalty program]] points at Coles Group businesses.

*Between 1991 and 1993, Coles Supermarkets ran a promotion in conjunction with [[Apple Inc.]] and 12 major suppliers entitled "Apples for Students", where students collected grocery dockets and returned them to their participating school, and once a certain value had been reached the school would be provided with a free Macintosh computer. Seventy per cent of Australia's schools and kindergartens participated and gained more than 25,000 computers, equipment and software worth $13.6 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Developing and Protecting Brands and Trade Marks in Globalising Markets|url=http://www.dilanchian.com.au/component/option,com_docman/task,doc_download/gid,13/Itemid,57/.|author=Noric Dilanchian|date=2002-06-24|access-date=2007-08-23|publisher=Intellectual Property: Protection, Enforcement & Commercialisation 4th Annual National Conference, IES Conferences|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070904033150/http://www.dilanchian.com.au/component/option,com_docman/task,doc_download/gid,13/Itemid,57/|archive-date=4 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>

*In 2010, Coles Supermarkets ran a similar program called "Sports for Schools" which customers collected coupons to hand in to their school in exchange for sports equipment. The program was run again in 2011, 2012, 2018<ref>{{cite web |title=Sports For Schools |url=https://www.coles.com.au/sfs}}</ref>{{full citation needed |date=March 2025}} and 2020.<ref name="Coles Sports for Schools Program">{{cite news|title=Coles Supermarkets|url=http://sportsforschools.coles.com.au/|website=sportsforschools.coles.com.audate=11 August 2011|access-date=13 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907052402/http://sportsforschools.coles.com.au/|archive-date=7 September 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

*In 2018, Coles ran a collectibles promotion called Little Shop featuring mini-sized grocery items. Competitor [[Woolworths Supermarkets|Woolworths]] stated the success of the promotion led to reduced customer visits to its stores.<ref>{{cite news |title=Woolworths blames plastic bag ban and Coles' Little Shop for drop in sales |url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/woolworths-blames-plastic-bag-ban-coless-little-shop-drop-sales-120953788.html |access-date=11 September 2018 |publisher=Yahoo!7 news |date=20 August 2018}}</ref> Due to the success of the campaign, Coles re-invigorated the promotion with the collectables returning for the Christmas period.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Carey |first=Alexis |date=27 November 2018 |title=Leaked email appears to reveal a limited Christmas edition |url=https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/retail/leaked-email-appears-to-reveal-limited-christmas-edition-launching-next-week/news-story/834262fb3c8ddab9b90dc4b2abbaa004 |access-date=11 February 2025 |work=news.com.au}}</ref>

*Coles actively supported the Yes case for the [[2023 Australian Indigenous Voice referendum]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=McIlroy |first=Tom |date=2023-06-15 |title=Majority of ASX 20 companies publicly support Voice |url=https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/majority-of-asx-20-companies-publicly-support-voice-20230612-p5dfwq |url-access=subscription |access-date=2023-09-12 |website=Australian Financial Review |language=en}}</ref>

==Private label brands==

===Current private label brands===

Coles has several [[store brand|generic or private label brands]]:

*Coles: A mid-price line, replacing the 'You'll love Coles' brand. Designed to match established branded products.

*Coles Finest: A premium brand launched in 2006, with a small range of gourmet foods.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McCubbing |first=Gus |date=2024-10-31 |title=Home brands have had a makeover - and customers love it |url=https://www.afr.com/companies/retail/forget-no-frills-supermarket-home-brands-are-coming-into-their-own-20241031-p5kmv3 |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=Australian Financial Review |language=en}}</ref> Promoted as of greater quality than many well-known branded products and often more expensive.

*Coles Green Choice: A range of household products which claim to be environmentally responsible, with a donation being made to [[Clean Up Australia]] with every one of its products sold.

*Coles Organic: A range of products grown and processed without the use of synthetic chemicals, fertilisers, pesticides or herbicides, approved by official certified organisations.

*Coles Simply: A value brand<ref>{{Cite web |last=McNamara |first=Lauren |date=2024-06-26 |title=Coles launches budget-friendly 'Simply' range to win back consumer trust |url=https://mumbrella.com.au/coles-launches-budget-friendly-simply-range-to-win-back-consumer-trust-837111 |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=[[Mumbrella]]}}</ref>

* Coles Ultra: A range of higher-end cleaning products above the Coles Simply range.

===Defunct private label brands===

In the past Coles had a variety of private labels including:

* Embassy

* Farmland

* Mix<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chanthadavong |first=Aimee |date=2011-08-30 |title=Coles mixes groceries with fashion |url=https://www.retailbiz.com.au/offline-retailing/coles-mixes-groceries-with-fashion/ |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=retailbiz |language=en-US}}</ref>

* Savings

* Simply Gluten Free<ref>{{Cite web |last=Best |first=Dean |date=2013-09-20 |title=AUS: Coles launches gluten-free own-label range |url=https://www.just-food.com/news/aus-coles-launches-gluten-free-own-label-range/ |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=Just Food |language=en-US}}</ref>

* Simply Less<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chung |first=Frank |date=2016-03-29 |title=Woolworths kills off Homebrand |url=https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/retail/woolworths-kills-off-homebrand/news-story/47e5ac49ccb798ffd48ca79afe48a7bb |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=News.com.au}}</ref>

* Smart Buy

* You'll love Coles

==See also==<!-- PLEASE RESPECT ALPHABETICAL ORDER -->

{{Portal|Companies|Supermarket}}

* [[List of supermarket chains in Oceania]]

* [[Pick n Pay Stores]]

==References==

{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==

{{Commons category}}

*{{Official website|http://www.coles.com.au/}}

{{Coles Group}}

{{Wesfarmers}}

{{Major retail companies}}

{{Supermarkets in Australia}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Supermarkets of Australia]]

[[Category:Retail companies of Australia]]

[[Category:Coles Group]]

[[Category:Australian companies established in 1914]]

[[Category:Retail companies established in 1914]]

[[Category:Online retailers of Australia]]

[[Category:Australian grocers]]

[[Category:Companies based in Melbourne]]

[[Category:Companies in the S&P ASX 50]]