‘Shopping around’: Aussies hunt for cheapest supermarket prices

Australians have changed the way they shop after the consumer watchdog started an inquiry into the supermarkets.

Australians have changed their shopping habits over the last 12 months after the ACCC inquiry into the supermarkets began.

Forty-three per cent of shoppers surveyed by Canstar Blue have changed how they grocery shop.

The research shows 23 per cent of Aussies are a lot more cautious when shopping at major supermarkets, while 17 per cent admit they’re choosing to shop from them less frequently.

Shoppers are changing their habits. Picture: NewsWire Monique Harmer

Canstar Blue spokeswoman Eden Radford said Australians shouldn’t settle for anything less than great value when it came to their weekly shop.

“While plenty of us may have been shocked by what the ACCC inquiry revealed, it did serve as a great reminder that the only way to know you truly are getting a good deal is by knowing your prices and shopping around,” she said.

Aussies are changing their shopping habits at the same time as they are spending $216 on average to feed a family of four, according to Canstar Blue.

To help save money, 35 per cent are splitting their grocery shopping between supermarkets to maximise savings.

They are searching for savings. Picture: NewsWire Monique Harmer

But not every Australian is as invested.

More than one in three said the legal inquiry into the supermarkets hadn’t changed where they shopped, while another 11 per cent said they weren’t even aware of the consumer watchdog’s probe.

The survey data was released after the ACC’s landmark probe into the supermarket giants made 20 recommendations to improve competition and help lower grocery prices.

Woolworths and Coles disproportionately dominate the supermarket sector, according to the ACCC, holding 38 and 29 per cent market share respectively.

The remaining 33 per cent is held by Aldi (9 per cent), Metcash, the parent company behind IGA stores (7 per cent) and other independent grocers (17 per cent).

The recommendations called for more transparent and uniform rules on pricing, measures to stop land banking and increasing choice in remote areas.

Both Woolworths and Coles said the sector remained highly competitive.

Ms Radford said regardless of the supermarket probe, shoppers could and should take the time out to compare prices to know if they are getting a good deal.

“The next time you’re heading to the supermarket, take a quick look at your list and compare prices to see where you could get a better deal,” she said.

Originally published as ‘Shopping around’: Aussies hunt for cheapest supermarket prices