Coles Supermarkets

Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd, trading as Coles, is an Australian supermarket, retail and consumer services chain headquartered in Melbourne, Victoria. Founded in 1914 in Collingwood by George Coles, Coles operates 807 supermarkets throughout Australia, including several now re-branded BI-LO Supermarkets. Coles has a rich history in the Australian retail industry and is currently owned by Wesfarmers, having been acquired in 2007.

History

The first Coles store opened in Collingwood, Victoria in 1914. This store was a small discount operation that proved highly successful. Over the decades, Coles expanded across Australia, becoming one of the country’s leading supermarket chains. In 1960, Coles opened its first supermarket in North Balwyn, Victoria, marking a shift from variety stores to focus on food retailing.

In 1985, Coles launched the now-famous slogan "Good Things are Happening at Coles", which accompanied a shift towards a more positive shopping experience. The 1990s and 2000s saw further expansion and the introduction of new store formats, including Coles Express service stations and Coles Local, a smaller format store focusing on local products and convenience shopping.

In 2007, Coles was acquired by Wesfarmers in a significant retail acquisition. This move consolidated Coles’ position in the Australian retail market, allowing for further expansion and development.

Operations

Coles operates a variety of store formats, including Coles Supermarkets, Coles Express, Coles Online, and Coles Local. The company focuses on providing fresh food, groceries, general merchandise, liquor, and fuel to millions of customers each week. Coles is committed to Australian farmers and producers, with a strong emphasis on fresh produce and sustainable practices.

Coles Online offers an extensive range of products available for home delivery or click-and-collect, catering to the growing demand for online shopping. Coles Express, in partnership with Shell, provides convenience shopping along with fuel services across Australia.

Sustainability and Community Initiatives

Coles is actively involved in sustainability and community initiatives, including reducing food waste, improving packaging sustainability, and supporting local communities. The Coles Nurture Fund supports Australian producers, farmers, and manufacturers in developing new market-leading products, technologies, systems, and processes.

Controversies

Like many large corporations, Coles has faced its share of controversies, including issues related to treatment of suppliers, advertising practices, and environmental concerns. The company has made efforts to address these issues, implementing policies to ensure ethical sourcing and reduce its environmental footprint.

See Also

• Woolworths
• Aldi
• Supermarket chains in Australia