I have noticed that Coles supermarkets are stocking more imported lines, especially in parts of the business where local products used to dominate.
Most recently I have noticed biscuits from the UK that are less than half similar style and size biscuits made in Australis. Yesterday I noticed these chocolates – also from the UK and also much cheaper than Aussie made equivalent product.
I don’t know how Coles is doing this, bringing product from around the world, from a country with relatively high labour costs and putting it on the shelves for less than local product.
Part of our job as local newsagents is to spread the shop local story. Key in that story is supporting Aussie businesses wherever possible.
In our case we have sourced several Australian confectionery and chocolate makers to help us pitch local in this space. With two Coles outlets in our centre, understanding the differences we can pitch in this locally-sourced product area will help us as we increase our pitch on this in 2015.
I visit Coles a lot to look for opportunities like this. I think Australians want to support local businesses – as retailers we need to help them do this.
Mark – In this particular case Coles deal directly with the UK supplier. Coles buyers do travel to the UK and visit several suppliers whilst there.
I understand Niall. This post was more from a perspective of supporting Australia made goods. Do we really need these cheap UK chocolates? If Australians want jobs – no.