Business & Finance
Woolworths Disney Ooshies campaign triggers short-term sales slump at Coles
A popular promotional toy collectible temporarily diverted shoppers to Woolworths, according to Coles' latest financial statements.
The short version
- A four-week sales slump occurred at Coles supermarkets due to a rival collectible promotion hosted by Woolworths, Coles reported during its full-year financial presentation.
- A survey by YouGov found nearly two-thirds of surveyed parents adjusted their shopping habits to visit Woolworths more frequently during the Disney Ooshies promotion.
- Despite the temporary impact on supermarket sales, Coles posted a 1% increase in full-year net profit to $1.09 billion for the 12 months ending in June.
- Concerns over plastic waste and school disruptions emerged alongside the promotion, though Woolworths stated the figures are made primarily from recycled rubber and provided in-store recycling bins.
Key facts
- Coles reported that its sales experienced a nearly four-week moderation due to Woolworths' Disney Ooshies promotional campaign.[The Guardian]
- For the fiscal year ending in June, Coles posted a 1% increase in net profit to $1.09 billion and expanded its supermarket earnings profit margin from 5.3% to 5.7%.[The Guardian]
- The Ooshies promotion required Woolworths customers to spend $30 to receive a collectible Disney, Marvel, or Star Wars figurine.[The Guardian]
- Woolworths exhausted its stock of Ooshies a week earlier than scheduled due to high consumer demand.[The Guardian]
- According to a YouGov poll, nearly two-thirds of parents surveyed altered their shopping behavior to buy at Woolworths more frequently during the campaign.[The Guardian]
- Several schools and after-school care facilities instituted bans on the toys, citing lost items, disputes, and classroom disruptions.[The Guardian]
- Woolworths stated that the Ooshie figurines are made from 97% recycled thermoplastic rubber and offered dedicated store bins for recycling.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- The long-term environmental impact of the plastic toys remains disputed, as environmental groups cite landfill concerns while Woolworths highlights recycling efforts and recycled materials.[The Guardian]