Coles has reported a decline in sales, which it attributes to the success of Woolworths' Disney Ooshies collectible toy promotion. The campaign, which offers free Disney-themed figurines with purchases, has proven highly popular with customers, drawing them away from Coles stores.
Impact on Sales
The supermarket chain said the Ooshies craze had a significant impact on its sales figures, as shoppers flocked to Woolworths to collect the limited-edition toys. Coles noted that the promotional push by its rival had directly affected customer footfall and spending.
Woolworths launched the Disney Ooshies collection in August, featuring characters from popular Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars franchises. The promotion quickly became a nationwide phenomenon, with customers spending more to complete their sets.
Retail Competition
The sales slump highlights the intense competition between Australia's two largest supermarket chains. Coles acknowledged that the promotional activity from Woolworths had been a key factor in its recent performance, as consumers chose to shop where they could collect the popular toys.
While Coles did not provide specific sales figures, the company indicated that the impact was noticeable across its stores. The supermarket is now looking ahead, focusing on its own promotional strategies to win back customers.
The Ooshies craze is expected to continue until supplies last, with Woolworths having ordered millions of the collectibles to meet demand. For Coles, the challenge remains to differentiate its offerings and recover from the sales dip caused by the Disney promotion.
