Coles lifts sales as Australian shoppers tighten spending

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 23:38 · Archive

Coles reported group sales growth of 2.2 per cent to $11.2 billion in the first quarter of 2026/27, driven by supermarket revenue rising 3.6 per cent.

Coles reported group sales of $11.2 billion for the first quarter of 2026/27, with supermarket revenue rising 3.6 per cent to $10.3 billion after excluding tobacco. The result reflects continued pressure on Australian household budgets, with shoppers becoming more selective about where they purchase groceries and other items.

Chief executive Leah Weckert said customers are 'shopping more deliberately across retailers and channels' and that Coles is taking action to compete more effectively. The supermarket chain has expanded its budget-friendly Coles Simply range of entry-level staples to compete with discount retailers like Aldi, and has noted customer appetite for grocery promotions. Supermarket price inflation moderated to 1.1 per cent in the quarter, down from 1.6 per cent previously, driven primarily by cost increases in dairy and meat offset by deflation in fresh produce and non-food categories.

Liquor sales fell 1.3 per cent to $831 million, with customers shifting to smaller pack sizes and ready-to-drink products. Coles also noted that volatile fuel prices, attributed to the war in the Middle East, affected transport costs during the period.

How it is being reported

• Coles vows to lift game as shoppers become more pickySupermarket giant Coles has lifted group sales by 2.2 per cent on the back of its key grocery and food business, as it prepares to head off competitors.The West Australian · 29 Oct, 23:19
• Coles vows to lift game as shoppers become more pickySupermarket giant Coles has lifted group sales by 2.2 per cent on the back of its key grocery and food business, as it prepares to head off competitors.Perth Now · 29 Oct, 23:19

In this story: Coles · Leah Weckert · Woolworths · Aldi · Australia

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