If you’ve wandered the aisles of Woolworths lately, you might have noticed something a little different about the price tags. Gone are the days of faded paper tickets and frantic staff swapping out specials with a stapler and a sigh.
In their place: sleek digital price tags, quietly blinking away. But did you know these little screens hide a clever trick that could make your next shop much smarter?
A savvy shopper from Lake Macquarie, New South Wales, recently shared her discovery, which has left many Woolworths regulars scratching their heads and reaching for their phones.
Chantel, a mum who loves a good bargain, noticed that when she tapped her phone on one of these digital price tags, it instantly opened the Woolworths website for that exact product.
Suddenly, she could access reviews, detailed nutritional info, allergy warnings, and even real-time stock levels in the aisle.
‘I found it handy to instantly access reviews, pricing, and stock levels online. It definitely helped when comparing similar products,’ Chantel said.
‘I think it’s a really clever integration of digital tools into the in-store experience.’
So, how does it work? The secret is in the NFC (Near Field Communication) technology built into the tags—the same tech that lets you tap your card or phone to pay at the checkout.
Tapping your phone on the tag sends you straight to the Woolworths website, where you can see everything you’d find online, from ingredients to customer reviews and even which nearby stores have stock if the shelf is empty.
Not everyone is convinced, though. When Chantel posted her find on social media, some shoppers were left scratching their heads. ‘What’s the point of it, though?’ asked one.
‘What purpose does it serve?’ wondered another.
But it’s a game-changer for those who like to know precisely what they’re buying, especially if you have allergies, dietary needs, or want to check if that ‘special’ is a bargain.
And it’s not just Woolworths getting in on the action. Digital price tags are popping up at Coles, ALDI, Dan Murphy’s, and other major retailers.
So next time you’re out shopping, try it—your phone might reveal a hidden world of information (and maybe even a better deal).
But these digital tags are more than just a convenience for shoppers. Retail expert Gary Mortimer said they’re also a massive win for supermarkets.
‘One of the challenges of paper-based tickets was that, in a store with thousands and thousands of items, often a ticket may remain or may be removed. That’s often where you get price confusion,’ he explained.
We’ve all been there—spotting a ‘special’ tag, only to find the price at the checkout doesn’t match. With digital tags, prices are set centrally and updated instantly, so there’s less room for error (and fewer arguments at the register).
Woolworths first rolled out these digital price tags in 2021, and now more than five million are blinking away across their supermarkets.
They save time and paper and help keep prices accurate and up-to-date—no more missing out on a bargain because someone forgot to swap a tag.
So, next time you’re in Woolworths, don’t just walk past those digital price tags—give them a tap with your phone and see what you discover.
Whether you’re hunting for the best deal, checking for allergens, or just curious about other shoppers think, this simple trick could make your next shop a little smarter.
Have you tried tapping your phone on a digital price tag? Did you find it helpful, or is it just another tech you could do without? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear if this clever hack has changed how you shop!
Also read: Are price tags tricking you? The truth behind those colourful sale stickers
