Whether you love them or hate them, Australia’s major supermarkets are a staple in the lives of millions. Chances are, you’ve visited a Woolworths, Coles, or Aldi recently, navigating through the holiday crowds to secure your festive favorites. Perhaps you also stopped by Kmart or Bunnings for a last-minute gift. If so, you might have noticed some significant changes, as these major retailers embrace new strategies in 2025.
The retailers are continually revamping their store layouts and checkout systems in response to evolving shopper habits. Let’s delve into the transformations that took place in 2025 and what consumers can expect in the coming year.
Retail Innovations in 2025
Ever-Evolving Checkouts
In 2025, almost every major chain, including Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, IGA, Kmart, and Bunnings, introduced self-serve checkouts. These kiosks have become a prominent feature nationwide, with Woolworths reporting that self-serve checkouts are now available in 98% of their supermarkets. The kiosks are credited with expediting the payment process, reducing reliance on staff for checkout operations.
However, the shift hasn’t been universally welcomed. Critics argue that self-serve checkouts contribute to job losses and increase theft incidents. This brings us to another significant change.
Increased Security Measures
With theft on the rise due to the escalating cost of living, retailers have enhanced their security measures. Some of these changes might go unnoticed by shoppers, while others, like the new anti-theft security gates at Coles and Woolworths, are more visible. The latter faced criticism after trialing new push-through access gates at an east coast store.
In response to theft, some Coles stores have implemented advanced technology, including weighted shelves and locked display cabinets. Meanwhile, Bunnings has expressed interest in reintroducing facial recognition cameras to bolster security.
AI-Powered Smart Trolleys
Shoppers at the Coles Richmond Traders store experienced a technological leap with the trial of AI-powered smart trolleys. These trolleys allow customers to pick, weigh, and pay for groceries directly from the trolley, eliminating the need for traditional checkouts. Equipped with AI, cameras, sensors, and a built-in weight scale, the trolleys automatically recognize items as they’re added.
Coles isn’t alone in this innovation. Woolworths introduced Scan&Go trolleys in several stores, enabling customers to use their Everyday Rewards card to access a touchscreen device attached to the trolley. This device allows shoppers to scan and pack groceries as they shop.
Increase in Home Brands
Both Woolworths and Coles have significantly invested in their home brands. Earlier this year, Coles announced a 10% reduction in the variety of products on its shelves, following Aldi’s model. Woolworths also increased shelf capacity to accommodate more home brand products. These supermarkets have developed different tiers of in-house items, ranging from basic to premium packaging.
Aldi Partners with DoorDash
While Coles and Woolworths have existing partnerships with DoorDash and Uber Eats for on-demand deliveries, Aldi joined the fray in July, partnering with DoorDash to trial food delivery in Canberra. The service has since expanded nationwide, providing more options for consumers seeking convenience.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Kmart to Overhaul Layout
Kmart is set to undergo a major format change following complaints from customers. The retailer announced plans to revert to its original layout, moving checkouts from the center to the front of the store, aiming to enhance the shopping experience.
Cash Rule Change
Starting January 1, supermarkets and petrol stations will be required to accept cash payments. This new mandate by the Australian government aims to ensure accessibility for all consumers, mandating cash acceptance for in-person transactions of $500 or less between 7 am and 9 pm. Despite its intentions, some groups argue that the changes are insufficient.
Cheaper Prices on Some Products
As part of their strategy to expand home brands, Woolworths announced the extension of its Lower Shelf Price initiative for at least six months. This initiative locks in lower prices for over 130 products, potentially saving shoppers hundreds of dollars.
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