As the cost of living continues to rise, Australians are becoming increasingly savvy with their shopping habits, seeking out the best deals to stretch their weekly budgets further. Emily Gilchrist, a Sydney local, is one such shopper who has taken a proactive approach to her grocery spending, venturing beyond the familiar aisles of Woolworths to explore the savings potential at ALDI and beyond.
Emily, a 26-year-old construction industry worker, typically spent between $150 to $200 per week on groceries for herself, her husband, and their beloved Golden Retriever. However, with grocery prices on the upswing, she decided to test the waters at ALDI, a supermarket known for its cost-effective offerings. To her surprise, she found that her grocery bills dropped to $140 and $160 on different weeks, a significant saving that couldn’t be ignored.
Despite the initial success at ALDI, Emily found that the low-cost supermarket didn’t carry everything she needed, leading her to make additional trips to Woolworths. The inconvenience of shopping at two different locations, especially when they weren’t housed under the same roof, felt like a waste of time for her. Yet, this practice of ‘cross-shopping’ is precisely what ALDI has been promoting. With a campaign that cheekily acknowledges customers’ visits to other supermarkets, ALDI encourages shoppers to ‘shop at ALDI first’ to maximise their savings.
ALDI’s ability to offer lower prices is partly due to its smaller range of products. With only 1,800 items on its shelves compared to the 20,000 to 25,000 at Coles and Woolworths, ALDI’s streamlined selection contributes to its competitive pricing. A government-funded supermarket price report by CHOICE confirmed that ALDI was the most affordable option for a basket of staple items, including milk, bread, sugar, pasta, tea bags, and fresh produce.
The trend of cross-shopping is a growing concern for supermarket giants like Coles and Woolworths. Money expert Joel Gibson points out that these retailers fear the ‘cross shopper’—those who divide their grocery shopping among multiple stores to find the best deals. This behaviour disrupts the traditional model of one-stop shopping that has long been the cornerstone of their business strategy.
Recent research by Finder indicates that 32% of Australian shoppers are now visiting multiple stores to snag the best bargains. Emily, while no longer a regular at ALDI, has continued her cross-shopping journey by sourcing her meat from Farmer to Fridge, an online platform that connects customers with local farmers. By purchasing an eighth of a cow for $309, she discovered she could save nearly $200 compared to buying similar cuts at Woolworths.
This innovative approach to grocery shopping not only offers financial benefits but also encourages culinary creativity. With a variety of beef cuts to experiment with, Emily is embracing the opportunity to explore new recipes and cooking techniques.
Grocery spending hit a record high in January, with households reporting an average weekly spend of $209, up 11% from the previous year. For Emily and her husband, who are currently renovating their first property, groceries represent one of the most significant yet variable expenses. To further manage costs, they’ve signed up for the Woolworths Everyday Extra rewards program, which provides monthly discounts and points boosters.
By planning their meals weekly, they avoid unnecessary purchases and the temptation to eat out, ensuring that every dollar is spent wisely. This strategic approach to grocery shopping is a testament to the adaptability and resourcefulness of Australian consumers in the face of economic pressures.
Grocery shopping habits are evolving as Australians look for ways to manage rising costs. Whether it’s switching supermarkets, buying in bulk, or cross-shopping for the best deals, different strategies work for different households.
Have you noticed a change in your grocery spending habits? Do you prefer shopping at one store for convenience, or do you mix and match to find the best prices? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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