Dear Yabby,

I find things rather difficult to find in
our local Coles store. It's far too large -
with items all over the place - and they
keep moving some of the merchandise from
week to week - making it even more difficult
to find things.

We shop at our local Safeway for many items -
(still called Safeway), we know where everything
is. They don't move things around and we save a
lot of time - because we know where things are.

Dear Lexi,

If the Safeway store suits you better, that is clearly the place for
you to shop. Coles are indeed reorganising alot of their stores, for
all sorts of reasons. The numbers speak for themselves, they have
picked up alot of business. When Coles was taken over a few years
ago, they were a basket case. It just shows what good management
can do.Ian Mcleod is actually trying to get a better deal for
consumers and clearly consumers notice.

I have a dishwasher and used to buy what was available for around
6-7$ a container. Then the manufacturers claimed to have doubled
the strength of the active ingredient and charged 11$ or so.So
a couple of weeks ago I bought a packet of the Coles Smartbuy
dishwashing powder to try it. Works just as well for 2.50$.

Unlike Aldi and Costco, Coles is Australian owned and most people
would have an interest in it, through their Super Fund.

One good reason to choose a small local shop over supermarkets is that in the supermarkets they bombard your ear with their idea of "music", no escape - perhaps they do it because they don't want you to hear your own thoughts, preventing you from thinking twice about what you buy, or perhaps they are simply sadist: just run as fast as you can, pick the items you need and out the door ASAP.

I know just what you are talking about Lexi.

I have 4 different towns all about 25Km from home, which have Coles & Woolworths. One has an Aldi, & 3 other towns a similar distance from home have independent supermarkets.

I have different reasons to go to a number of these towns, like farm equipment, doctor, & car parts, so I try to combine my shopping with other necessary trips. It is frustrating when you can't find something you want.

I find the difference in prices depending on the socioeconomic flavour of these towns quite marked. I know it is foolish, but I tend to shop at the only one of these places that was here when I came.

I think they must profit from this behaviour in many, as they tend to be the dearest of all. At least I can still find what I want, so I suppose they have trained me well.

Rechtub some rather nice supportive replies.
A look at non suburban reality living may be different.
Just 40 ks away from tourist Mecca is a bit different.
Corner small business charges 8 cents a liter more for fuel, 160% of the price for a gas bottle.
Bread $2 more!
As customers flee, and they do, prices rise, so tourists passing by pay more still.
We are talking small business getting smaller.
All those telling us we should buy there tell me why?
My butcher is giving me the best at the best price, I am loyal to those who are loyal to me.

The problem with small Retail is their costs.

As for larger malls, they will soon suffer as the rents they need to charge, just to subsidize the large retailers are simply becoming unaffordable.

I can only speak for QLD, but can assure you the days are numbered for many.

We even have the likes of Westfeild charging shoppers to park, if they stay for more than three hours.

So gone are the days of catching a movie then do lunch, then shop.

These retailers are being screwed and, considering that paid parking was introduced mid lease, it's simply not fair.

Once this lot run their leases out, many will not renew.

And Yabby, I know you love your Coles, but, once the comp it gone, do you think they will continue to look after you?

Just look at the price difference in produce, between a centre with a green grocer, or ome without.

Of cause, the government finally stepped in, too little too late of cause.