From Yahoo Finance: 2025-04-30 19:09:00

Australia’s Woolworths supermarket sees a rise in demand for cheaper options due to cost-conscious shoppers amid rising living expenses, leading to an increase in private-label offerings similar to Coles. Third-quarter sales exceeded expectations with a 3.2% rise to A$17.31 billion, driven by own-brand and e-commerce growth of 5.7% and 15.7%, respectively.

Shares of Woolworths ended 1.2% higher at $31.94 as its home-label brands, offering discounts of over 40%, remain popular among customers. CEO Amanda Bardwell noted a trend of value-seeking in grocery areas, leading to strong performance of own-brand products. Analysts predict a positive market outlook for Woolworths and Coles amidst challenging retail conditions.

Woolworths focuses on lowering prices on over 340 products to address customer concerns about rising living costs. Despite competitive pricing against main rivals, ongoing efforts are needed to manage budgets. Smaller rival Coles reports a 3.4% year-on-year sales increase, highlighting strong growth in its supermarket business. Challenges persist in Woolworths’ clothing sales at Big W operations due to seasonal trends.



Read more at Yahoo Finance: Australia’s Woolworths to focus on own-brand offers as living costs weigh on consumers