Coles and Woolworths have announced new measures to help customers respond to the rising cost of living.
Woolworths is freezing the prices of essential trolley items until the end of the year to ease the pressure on shoppers.
Coles gives customers a 10 percent discount on gift cards for their stores.
Food costs have risen steadily across the country over the past year, putting pressure on Australian households.
While the price increases initially affected meat and imported products, they have since spread to almost every other food product.
The price of vegetables has skyrocketed, with some Australian supermarkets charging up to $10 for lettuce due to shortages caused by a poor growing season and flooding.
It has prompted Woolworths to freeze the prices of private label products and essential trolleys such as flour, sugar, canned tomatoes, frozen peas, chicken breast, washing powder, and dishwashing liquid.
Woolworths Group chief Brad Banducci said the average family spends more than $200 weekly on groceries and daily necessities.
“We know this is a significant portion of the weekly household budget,” he said.
“As we are all leaning towards the challenges of inflation, rest assured that the entire Woolworths team is committed to ensuring you can always get your Woolies value.”
Mr. Banducci advised customers to be creative and shop seasonally, look out for the Woolworths logo on the packaging and take advantage of the fuel discount when refueling the car.
Camera IconWoolies has announced price freezes to help customers. NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi Credit: News Corp Australia
It comes at a critical time for consumers facing rising prices for basic goods and amenities such as gasoline and fresh produce.
Starting Wednesday, Coles offers 10 percent off the total transaction price for $100 and $250 gift cards for just one week, although there is an additional purchase fee.
Camera IconColes is slashing the price of its $100 and $250 Coles MasterCard gift cards by 10 percent for a week. Delivered Credit: Delivered
A $250 Coles Mastercard gift card, with a $7 purchase fee, costs $231.30, a savings of $18.70.
Customers will receive an additional $5.50 when they purchase a $100 Coles Mastercard Gift Card, with a $5 purchase fee, for $94.50.
There is a limit of five gift cards per customer, meaning shoppers would save $93.50 if they bought five $250 gift cards.
Camera Icon A $100 Coles Mastercard Gift Card. Credit: Included Camera Icon A $250 Coles Mastercard Gift Card. Provided Credit: Provided
Most consumers (58 percent) use gift cards in their weekly shopping, followed by utility and service bills.
Cole’s non-food general manager Jonathan Torr said the offer is about helping Australians tackle the current cost of living.
“We understand that many Australians are struggling with the rising cost of living, and we are always looking for ways we can bring the very best value to Coles to make a difference,” he said.
Camera IconAustralians struggle to pay for basic goods and amenities. NCA NewsWire/Andrew Henshaw Credit: News Corp Australia
“The 10 percent discount on select Coles Mastercards will provide some temporary relief on everyday spending, as the gift cards can be used for everything from the weekly shop to paying the household bills – it can even be used to transfer savings to other retailers. Maximize the end of the day. Sales of the financial year.”
This offer is valid until next Tuesday while supplies last at Coles supermarkets.
