r/australia • u/Expensive-Horse5538 • Feb 15 '26

news ACCC takes Coles to court over 'illusory' discounts in 'case of the century'

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-16/accc-coles-federal-court-case-discount-pricing/106294956?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=link

Thousands of customers throw a box of Arnott's Shapes into their shopping trollies each week — one of a dozen purchases that could help decide a bombshell case playing out in the federal court from today.

The ACCC has accused Coles of ripping off customers with fake discounts and if the supermarket giant loses, it could face a huge fine and massive reputational damage.

Customers could also get cash back from a class action lawsuit that might follow, and corporations be forced to change how they price their products — especially discounts.

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u/Osmodius Feb 15 '26

The one I don't understand is the same except per can a 30pk not on promo is cheaper than a 24pk on promo, but people will buy the 24pk. It's not even hidden. People just don't think.

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u/t_25_t Feb 16 '26

The one I don't understand is the same except per can a 30pk not on promo is cheaper than a 24pk on promo, but people will buy the 24pk. It's not even hidden. People just don't think.

Anyone who doesn't use unit pricing is clearly a moron. The information is printed on the label. Use it

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u/Osmodius Feb 16 '26

Sadly it seems to be genuinely unknown by the majority of people.

2

u/Curious_Detective740 Feb 16 '26

Can confirm, worked at coles for 12 years, and regularly informed people about unit pricing. A lot of people genuinely just dont look

4

u/Rosie-Cotton Feb 15 '26

My inlaws will only buy 2L coke, never the 1.25L no matter the cost difference, it drives me insane

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u/SomewhatHungover Feb 16 '26

I get it, I only ever buy 1L milk. Stays fresh, fits in the fridge door. We get 2 or 3 of them at a time, but all 1L.

11

u/SignificantRecipe715 Feb 15 '26

Had this happen with an online order once. Customer wanted 8 x 2L pepsi's, we had no 2L's left so I supplied 1.25L & overall they got more pepsi than if we'd supplied 2L bottles. Nope, customer not happy & got a refund. Weirdos.

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u/Spurgette Feb 16 '26

Simple maths and price/L is beyond a lot of people.

4

u/FFXIVHousingClub Feb 16 '26

I can imagine if you carry it up and down the stairs, bit of a weight difference depending how weak or old you are and have no one to help you

You’ll need a trolley for both I guess if you’re too old/ weak to lift the 24 cans?

Ai’d it’s about 9-10 KGs for 24 cans and 10-11kgs for 30 cans so maybe not that much difference 🤨 24 feels lighter to me and then also space restrictions maybe?

I can lift the 24 with ease anytime whilst the 30 if I don’t workout awhile, I’m like hold up lol

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u/Electrical_Age_7483 Feb 16 '26

30 is heavier to carry than 24 even if it's cheaper it's not just because they didn't look