1 August 2014

Coles to be anchor tenant at new Amaroo Group Centre

| Canfan
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Coles Property Director Greg Chubb and Deputy Chief Minister Andrew Barr are pleased to announce that a full line Coles supermarket will be the anchor tenant for the new Amaroo Group Centre.

The centre will include a 2,300 to 2,500sqm supermarket, a Liquorland, around 1100sqm of space for between five to 10 specialty retail shops, more than 30 residential apartments and parking for around 160 cars.

The construction phase will create around 200 jobs and work is expected to commence in the latter part 2015 and take approximately 15 – 18 months to complete, with the centre expected to open for business during the 2016-17 financial year.

Once opened, the development will also significantly contribute to the local employment market with around 150 ongoing jobs in Coles and Liquorland and additional employment opportunities in the centre’s specialty retail outlets.

The inclusion of medium density residential apartments as part of a new group centre development, confirms the ACT Government’s ongoing commitment to provide Canberrans with the opportunity of living closer to services and major public transport routes.

Additional medium density housing will also be constructed in the areas adjacent to the centre.

Coles Property Director Greg Chubb said that, “Amaroo is a growing suburb in Canberra with great potential. Our development will mean local residents can have a full-line supermarket for the first time in their suburb.”

He also confirmed that local architectural firm Cox and other local consultants would be used to provide concept plans and building and engineering services.

(Andrew Barr Media Release)

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HiddenDragon said :

Some might say that things have only gotten worse in the meantime, but I think there have been small signs of hope, including some responsiveness to a greater consumer demand for Australian produce (on food safety and nationalism grounds).

And carbon ‘miles’. That’s the important one for me, along with food safety. Australian, for me, comes after those. (Of cause buying local in Australia means it is Australian! [:)])

HiddenDragon4:24 pm 05 Aug 14

There is good reason for concern about the market power and practices of the big supermarket chains, as discussed in this Four Corners, from six years ago:

http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/content/2008/s2348906.htm

Some might say that things have only gotten worse in the meantime, but I think there have been small signs of hope, including some responsiveness to a greater consumer demand for Australian produce (on food safety and nationalism grounds).

Beyond that, it’s probably worth remembering that some people (probably increasing numbers) really don’t have much choice about their grocery shopping in terms of what they can afford – and for such folk, the relatively cheap “own brand” offerings of the major supermarket chains are essential to making ends meet each week.

Holden Caulfield3:19 pm 05 Aug 14

“Magnate Mart?”

I’ll have two Ginas, a couple of Andrews and, yeah, throw in half a dozen Clives, too, they seem to be in season at the moment.

A shame they still don’t make ’em like those Christophers and Alans all those years ago.

Ghettosmurf8712:22 pm 05 Aug 14

Steven Bailey said :

I’m sorry I don’t have the time to detail for you the individual policies of every political entity in Australia. Perhaps it would be eisier if you found me an example of a politician, outside of the two majors, that campaigned on a policy that supports a complete market dominance in Australia’s food industries.

You may, or may not, have seen family businesses destroyed, and farmers in tears because of the corporate depravity sanctioned by the two major parties (and that’s okay), but I have.

Steven, lets cut the emotive language and debate this with facts. I am not arguing for the duopoly. I am simply asking that when you make claims, you don’t embellish them so that it seems you have more direct support than you actually do. It doesn’t do your credibility any favours when you make broad claims which are simply not true.

I am not saying that those minor parties have policies that directly advocate FOR the duopoly. I would even argue that the 2 majors policies are not DIRECTLY for the duopoly, though the continuance of the status quo is certainly what results from their policies.

All I am saying is that I would argue that many minor parties in the Australian politicval landscape do not have a policy on this matter, one way or the other and therefore it is not reasonable for you to claim that they actually support your viewpoint.

Not opposing something doesn’t mean you support it.

Steven Bailey3:49 pm 04 Aug 14

Ghettosmurf87 said :

Steven Bailey said :

My arguments against Coles and Woolworths is supported by countless entities throughout Australia including The Council of Small Business of Australia, every independent politician I know, and every small political party in Australia.

Well of course the Small Business Council is going to support Small Business rather than the corporate multi-nationals. That’s about as obvious as saying that the Cancer Council is against smoking or that the Mineral Council supports the mining industry.

How many independent politicians do you know then Steven? Are they all really vehemently against Coles and Woolies, or do they just think it would be nice if there were some other smaller retailers around as well?

And “Every small political party in Australia” supports your argument? Are you sure of that? Are you telling me that the Liberal Democratic Party, the Shooters and Fishers Party, the Australian First Nations Political Party, Australian Christians, Rise Up Australia, the Voluntary Euthanasia Party, Wikileaks, Carers Alliance, Australian Sports Party, Australian Motoring Enthusiasts Party, and the list goes on and on….ALL support your argument?

Whether or not the duopoly is good or bad is a debate to be had. But lets actually debate it using facts, rather than making exaggerated claims which I doubt you can substantiate.

You make some good points. I respond with respect to those points.

Your first point is a good one. Coles and Woolworths are to small business what cancer is to humans, so thanks for making that comparison.

The Australian Sex Party, the Greens, Nick Xenophon, Katter, John madigan, Andrew Wilkie, I could go on. They all campaign against the duopoly of Coles and Woolworths.

I’m sorry I don’t have the time to detail for you the individual policies of every political entity in Australia. Perhaps it would be eisier if you found me an example of a politician, outside of the two majors, that campaigned on a policy that supports a complete market dominance in Australia’s food industries.

The point is that Coles and Woolworths is a duopoly that, whilst limiting our access to healthy Australian grown food, erodes the hearts of Australian communities and small businesses. And with the support of other Australian corporations, including the two main political parties, Coles and Woolworths act with impunity and precision in their ruthless pursuit of putting profits before people.

You may, or may not, have seen family businesses destroyed, and farmers in tears because of the corporate depravity sanctioned by the two major parties (and that’s okay), but I have.

Steven Bailey2:44 pm 04 Aug 14

dungfungus said :

Steven Bailey said :

I’m sorry but this is a long one (as the actress said to the bishop). 🙂

I respect Andrew Barr as a compassionate leader in the ACT. However, when it comes to Coles and Woolworths, my position couldn’t be further from that of the two major parties.

It is enlightening to learn that Australia’s political duopoly (Labor and Liberal) are subservient supporters to the corporate duopoly of Coles and Woolworths.

My arguments against Coles and Woolworths is supported by countless entities throughout Australia including The Council of Small Business of Australia, every independent politician I know, and every small political party in Australia.

I have met so many people who have lost so much to this corporate duopoly as a result of their predatory and unprecedented market power.

Coles and Woolworths are a ruthless duopoly that destroys small business, destroys agriculture, and destroys regional communities. This duopoly is spreading its tentacles into every aspect of our economy, restricting your choice as consumers.

If you think that it’s fair for one duopoly to control 85% of your food, 400 hotels, Dan Murphy’s, BWS, First Choice, Liquor Land, Vintage Cellars, Big W, Kmart, Target, Bunnings, Office Works and Magnate Mart, and more pokie machines than any other consortium in Australia. If you’re happy for that, then keep on voting for the major parties.

Coles and Woolworths are destroying agriculture, corporatising regional Australia, destroying suppliers, destroying small businesses and they are dictating what food you eat, and they are dictating the way you buy petrol.

Do we want to live in a country where people on low incomes are forced to buy groceries from one place just so they can afford petrol? There is no precedent for such a duopoly to exist in a modern developed economy.

Not even in America will you find such market dominance. Roosevelt dismantled Rockefeller’s corporate empire, and all without harming the shareholders. We need heroism in our politicians, but instead we have minionism. When Australia dismantles the duopoly, I will be there.

Andrew, join me and be on the right side of history. 🙂

So I expect you have told your superannuation fund manager to expunge Coles and Woolworths shares from your investment portfolio in protest?

Ha. No, you can’t blame evryday Australians for shopping or profiting from the duopoly. This is a problem that governments need to address, and they are not; they are making it worse.

Ghettosmurf871:01 pm 04 Aug 14

Steven Bailey said :

My arguments against Coles and Woolworths is supported by countless entities throughout Australia including The Council of Small Business of Australia, every independent politician I know, and every small political party in Australia.

Well of course the Small Business Council is going to support Small Business rather than the corporate multi-nationals. That’s about as obvious as saying that the Cancer Council is against smoking or that the Mineral Council supports the mining industry.

How many independent politicians do you know then Steven? Are they all really vehemently against Coles and Woolies, or do they just think it would be nice if there were some other smaller retailers around as well?

And “Every small political party in Australia” supports your argument? Are you sure of that? Are you telling me that the Liberal Democratic Party, the Shooters and Fishers Party, the Australian First Nations Political Party, Australian Christians, Rise Up Australia, the Voluntary Euthanasia Party, Wikileaks, Carers Alliance, Australian Sports Party, Australian Motoring Enthusiasts Party, and the list goes on and on….ALL support your argument?

Whether or not the duopoly is good or bad is a debate to be had. But lets actually debate it using facts, rather than making exaggerated claims which I doubt you can substantiate.

Steven Bailey said :

I’m sorry but this is a long one (as the actress said to the bishop). 🙂

I respect Andrew Barr as a compassionate leader in the ACT. However, when it comes to Coles and Woolworths, my position couldn’t be further from that of the two major parties.

It is enlightening to learn that Australia’s political duopoly (Labor and Liberal) are subservient supporters to the corporate duopoly of Coles and Woolworths.

My arguments against Coles and Woolworths is supported by countless entities throughout Australia including The Council of Small Business of Australia, every independent politician I know, and every small political party in Australia.

I have met so many people who have lost so much to this corporate duopoly as a result of their predatory and unprecedented market power.

Coles and Woolworths are a ruthless duopoly that destroys small business, destroys agriculture, and destroys regional communities. This duopoly is spreading its tentacles into every aspect of our economy, restricting your choice as consumers.

If you think that it’s fair for one duopoly to control 85% of your food, 400 hotels, Dan Murphy’s, BWS, First Choice, Liquor Land, Vintage Cellars, Big W, Kmart, Target, Bunnings, Office Works and Magnate Mart, and more pokie machines than any other consortium in Australia. If you’re happy for that, then keep on voting for the major parties.

Coles and Woolworths are destroying agriculture, corporatising regional Australia, destroying suppliers, destroying small businesses and they are dictating what food you eat, and they are dictating the way you buy petrol.

Do we want to live in a country where people on low incomes are forced to buy groceries from one place just so they can afford petrol? There is no precedent for such a duopoly to exist in a modern developed economy.

Not even in America will you find such market dominance. Roosevelt dismantled Rockefeller’s corporate empire, and all without harming the shareholders. We need heroism in our politicians, but instead we have minionism. When Australia dismantles the duopoly, I will be there.

Andrew, join me and be on the right side of history. 🙂

So I expect you have told your superannuation fund manager to expunge Coles and Woolworths shares from your investment portfolio in protest?

Steven Bailey11:55 am 04 Aug 14

I’m sorry but this is a long one (as the actress said to the bishop). 🙂

I respect Andrew Barr as a compassionate leader in the ACT. However, when it comes to Coles and Woolworths, my position couldn’t be further from that of the two major parties.

It is enlightening to learn that Australia’s political duopoly (Labor and Liberal) are subservient supporters to the corporate duopoly of Coles and Woolworths.

My arguments against Coles and Woolworths is supported by countless entities throughout Australia including The Council of Small Business of Australia, every independent politician I know, and every small political party in Australia.

I have met so many people who have lost so much to this corporate duopoly as a result of their predatory and unprecedented market power.

Coles and Woolworths are a ruthless duopoly that destroys small business, destroys agriculture, and destroys regional communities. This duopoly is spreading its tentacles into every aspect of our economy, restricting your choice as consumers.

If you think that it’s fair for one duopoly to control 85% of your food, 400 hotels, Dan Murphy’s, BWS, First Choice, Liquor Land, Vintage Cellars, Big W, Kmart, Target, Bunnings, Office Works and Magnate Mart, and more pokie machines than any other consortium in Australia. If you’re happy for that, then keep on voting for the major parties.

Coles and Woolworths are destroying agriculture, corporatising regional Australia, destroying suppliers, destroying small businesses and they are dictating what food you eat, and they are dictating the way you buy petrol.

Do we want to live in a country where people on low incomes are forced to buy groceries from one place just so they can afford petrol? There is no precedent for such a duopoly to exist in a modern developed economy.

Not even in America will you find such market dominance. Roosevelt dismantled Rockefeller’s corporate empire, and all without harming the shareholders. We need heroism in our politicians, but instead we have minionism. When Australia dismantles the duopoly, I will be there.

Andrew, join me and be on the right side of history. 🙂

justin heywood said :

JC said :

If Wollies and Coles insist on self serve checkouts then why the hell don’t they install self serve checkouts for trolleys? Or even better start scan as you go. Seen both work well overseas, wouldn’t be hard to introduce here.

Though I do note the newer Wollies trolleys have the holder for a scan as you go scanner so maybe something is in the pipeline.

Good point. If Aldi can manage it why not Woolies and Coles? There must be hundreds of trolleys in the various lakes around Canberra and dumped elsewhere. The costs are of course just past on to the punters.

These companies do well enough out of Canberra, so why not insist they install a system to make sure they come back?

What does that have to do with self service trolley check-outs?

justin heywood said :

JC said :

If Wollies and Coles insist on self serve checkouts then why the hell don’t they install self serve checkouts for trolleys? Or even better start scan as you go. Seen both work well overseas, wouldn’t be hard to introduce here.

Though I do note the newer Wollies trolleys have the holder for a scan as you go scanner so maybe something is in the pipeline.

Good point. If Aldi can manage it why not Woolies and Coles? There must be hundreds of trolleys in the various lakes around Canberra and dumped elsewhere. The costs are of course just past on to the punters.

These companies do well enough out of Canberra, so why not insist they install a system to make sure they come back?

You’re talking about something different here. Scan as you go isn’t about making sure the trolley comes back – it’s being able to scan what you put into the trolley as you do your shopping, pay for it at the end, and head out the door.

Having to put a coin into the trolley, that you get back once you return it, is something else. Incidentally, Woolworth at Kippax do use this system. Woolies and Coles at Belconnen Mall don’t though. Not entirely sure what the difference is.

justin heywood3:11 pm 03 Aug 14

JC said :

If Wollies and Coles insist on self serve checkouts then why the hell don’t they install self serve checkouts for trolleys? Or even better start scan as you go. Seen both work well overseas, wouldn’t be hard to introduce here.

Though I do note the newer Wollies trolleys have the holder for a scan as you go scanner so maybe something is in the pipeline.

Good point. If Aldi can manage it why not Woolies and Coles? There must be hundreds of trolleys in the various lakes around Canberra and dumped elsewhere. The costs are of course just past on to the punters.

These companies do well enough out of Canberra, so why not insist they install a system to make sure they come back?

If Wollies and Coles insist on self serve checkouts then why the hell don’t they install self serve checkouts for trolleys? Or even better start scan as you go. Seen both work well overseas, wouldn’t be hard to introduce here.

Though I do note the newer Wollies trolleys have the holder for a scan as you go scanner so maybe something is in the pipeline.

Nightshade said :

dungfungus said :

Re trolleys at self serve checkouts, if I have to use a self serve because there aren’t enough human checkouts open, I spread everything out around the device and call the attendant for assistance often. This is the only way the message that we don’t want machines to replace people (and jobs) can be conveyed back to these stores.

“We”? Speak for yourself – I love self-service checkouts. Checking out my own groceries is more interesting than doing nothing while I wait in a longer line and watch someone else else check them out. It also provides a quicker option for people who have more than 12 items but much less than a full-to-overflowing trolley. I am shopping for only one person and generally have too many items for the express lane, but nothing remotely comparable to the people with massive trolley loads, and the self-service system means I don’t have to wait behind several of those trolleys any more.

I did say ” I use self-service checkouts whenever there aren’t enough human ones open”.
At Woolies Erindale, more often than not, there are no human checkouts open so one is forced to use the self-service devices whether one has 2 or 200 items.
Complaints to Woolies are usually met with the respone “the rostered staff haven’t turned up for work”.
I urge all unemployed people to send their weekly 40 job applications to Woolies at Erindale.

dungfungus said :

Re trolleys at self serve checkouts, if I have to use a self serve because there aren’t enough human checkouts open, I spread everything out around the device and call the attendant for assistance often. This is the only way the message that we don’t want machines to replace people (and jobs) can be conveyed back to these stores.

“We”? Speak for yourself – I love self-service checkouts. Checking out my own groceries is more interesting than doing nothing while I wait in a longer line and watch someone else else check them out. It also provides a quicker option for people who have more than 12 items but much less than a full-to-overflowing trolley. I am shopping for only one person and generally have too many items for the express lane, but nothing remotely comparable to the people with massive trolley loads, and the self-service system means I don’t have to wait behind several of those trolleys any more.

watto23 said :

dungfungus said :

Here is an example of today’s cheap Woolies (Erindale) bread prices:
Burgen Bread Rye 700G

$5.65
TipTop Cafe Style Fruit Toast 650G $5.65
Helgas Pumpkin 5 Seed 720G

$5.39
Can anyone beat that?

What you want “Gourmet bread” at white loaf prices? Thats probably standard for those brands. I don’t buy a lot of bread but bought a fruit loaf the other day from the corner store and paid $6.50 for it.

I will agree that the queues at woollies Erindale are ridiculous and self serve checkouts should ban trolleys as well. They are not setup for people with a trolley.

Everyone does realise inflation affects wages and things we buy don’t they?

I used to eat “white bread” but it is now so insipid and lacks integrity. I don’t see the more expensive stuff with seeds and wholemeal as boutique either. It can be a meal in itself.
Re trolleys at self serve checkouts, if I have to use a self serve because there aren’t enough human checkouts open, I spread everything out around the device and call the attendant for assistance often. This is the only way the message that we don’t want machines to replace people (and jobs) can be conveyed back to these stores.

watto23 said :

dungfungus said :

Here is an example of today’s cheap Woolies (Erindale) bread prices:
Burgen Bread Rye 700G

$5.65
TipTop Cafe Style Fruit Toast 650G $5.65
Helgas Pumpkin 5 Seed 720G

$5.39
Can anyone beat that?

What you want “Gourmet bread” at white loaf prices? Thats probably standard for those brands. I don’t buy a lot of bread but bought a fruit loaf the other day from the corner store and paid $6.50 for it.

I will agree that the queues at woollies Erindale are ridiculous and self serve checkouts should ban trolleys as well. They are not setup for people with a trolley.

Everyone does realise inflation affects wages and things we buy don’t they?

If they banned trolleys at the self-serve checkouts, imagine the length of the queue the one person on the checkouts would have.

Zan said :

The big two (now three with Aldi) are manipulators of choice. There is very little choice for those who do not like highly manufactured foods by multinationals. The small manufacturers have nowhere to sell their products. In the past few years choices of goods in W & C is getting less. It will only get worse.

“There is very little choice”
I find that I often need to go to smaller supermarkets, or fruit & vegetable markets to buy Australian products. I might do a shop in Coles, but refuse to buy their non-Australian products when I know they are available elsewhere. I go to smaller supermarkets and the f&v market to get those products. The products at the market might not only be Australian, but local(ish) Australian. I like to buy products as locally as possible. As an example, at the markets I can buy honey that comes from towns near Canberra. Not only is it Australian, but it often says from where is Australia. The smaller supermarkets are also likely to get a product in if asked to.

dungfungus said :

Here is an example of today’s cheap Woolies (Erindale) bread prices:
Burgen Bread Rye 700G

$5.65
TipTop Cafe Style Fruit Toast 650G $5.65
Helgas Pumpkin 5 Seed 720G

$5.39
Can anyone beat that?

What you want “Gourmet bread” at white loaf prices? Thats probably standard for those brands. I don’t buy a lot of bread but bought a fruit loaf the other day from the corner store and paid $6.50 for it.

I will agree that the queues at woollies Erindale are ridiculous and self serve checkouts should ban trolleys as well. They are not setup for people with a trolley.

Everyone does realise inflation affects wages and things we buy don’t they?

The big two (now three with Aldi) are manipulators of choice. There is very little choice for those who do not like highly manufactured foods by multinationals. The small manufacturers have nowhere to sell their products. In the past few years choices of goods in W & C is getting less. It will only get worse.

rommeldog56 said :

dungfungus said :

Here is an example of today’s cheap Woolies (Erindale) bread prices:
Burgen Bread Rye 700G

$5.65
TipTop Cafe Style Fruit Toast 650G $5.65
Helgas Pumpkin 5 Seed 720G

$5.39
Can anyone beat that?

I have no idea whether these prices are good or bad – ’cause I don’t shop at Woolies at Erindale anymore and have switched to Coles at Chisholm and Superbarn/IGA.

Why ? Because of the queues at Woolies Erindale.

They seem to often have total disregard for the time their customers spend in the queues to get through the checkouts (the few that are open that is !). True, it is often so at both Woolies and Coles stores most places from time to time – but Woolies at Erindale is most consistently the worst I have ever experienced – by a country mile.

So, because of their appalling treatment of customers, I have switched my shopping to Coles at Chisholm and local Superbarn/IGA.

.

I was trying to be cynical – those prices are outrageously high.
I agree entirely with you about the service at Woolies Erindale. I only used them on this occasion because I was filling some scipts at the chemist on the other side of the forecourt.
Like you, I use Coles at Chisolm most of the time now – wide aisles, fast service and the F&V seems always fresher. Also, the grog is in under the same roof which saves time. I am also doing Aldi (just around the corner) as their prices are much lower for similar brand names and there is no compromise on quality and freshness.
Once a week I go to Supabarn in Wanniassa which would have the best variety of groceries in Canberra, particularly the stuff that used to be called “continental”. For example, they have several types of Grissini (Italian breadsticks) which Woolies no longer sell and Coles don’t restock them often enough.
I am advised that Woolies will be rebuilding their Erindale store along the lines of their rebuild in Calwell which is twice the size. Can’t happen soon enough.

dungfungus said :

Here is an example of today’s cheap Woolies (Erindale) bread prices:
Burgen Bread Rye 700G

$5.65
TipTop Cafe Style Fruit Toast 650G $5.65
Helgas Pumpkin 5 Seed 720G

$5.39
Can anyone beat that?

I have no idea whether these prices are good or bad – ’cause I don’t shop at Woolies at Erindale anymore and have switched to Coles at Chisholm and Superbarn/IGA.

Why ? Because of the queues at Woolies Erindale.

They seem to often have total disregard for the time their customers spend in the queues to get through the checkouts (the few that are open that is !). True, it is often so at both Woolies and Coles stores most places from time to time – but Woolies at Erindale is most consistently the worst I have ever experienced – by a country mile. So, because of their appalling treatment of customers, I have switched my shopping to Coles at Chisholm and local Superbarn/IGA.

.

Here is an example of today’s cheap Woolies (Erindale) bread prices:
Burgen Bread Rye 700G $5.65
TipTop Cafe Style Fruit Toast 650G $5.65
Helgas Pumpkin 5 Seed 720G $5.39
Can anyone beat that?

Stanhope and his phobia about Coles and Woolworths has gone and now commercial reality is back. Like the vast majority I prefer Coles and Woolies rather than Brand X and their high prices and out of date stock.

Excellent news!

Yet I question that Amaroo ….”is a growing suburb…….”.

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