BadgeIsBack

i) They're taking an interest out of Australia.
ii) They're commentating essentially on the superior results of British supermakets (yes really)

On a customer survey, of Brit supermarkets vs Coles/Woolworths duopoly:

iii) Price is a big big factor - Australian supermarkets lose handdown - other factors are more level:
iv) Fresh is considered better in the UK - however it's pointed out this is a perception due to packaged foods (which I agree on)
v) Even service is considered (a bit) better, Australian friendliness clearly not making up for the variety of product lines in the UK

vi) Bit of balance : A brit journo criticises the ruthless of Brit chains and the demise of local shops

cheers

busterboy

I quite like Safeway's over here but there again I like food and cook from scratch. The cheese section is good and the only thing I can't find is really good meat...Serrano Ham, Pruscuttio etc.

I think those reliant on the Tesco's finest glammed up TV dinners are in for a shock over here though....there aren't aisles of that type of stuff.

kiwi_child

Well done! I'm impressed. Cooking from scratch is the absolute best for your wallet/purse, taste buds and health (once you have a few decent recipes sorted).

LauraC

I prefer to cook from scratch too.

I don't find Tescos to be all that great - their fresh stuff doesn't last long, their shelf stackers are always in the way (nearly got hit by the big plastic trays that they slid across the floor in front of me today with no warning) and they move things around the store so often I can't find what I'm looking for sometimes.

When I last in Aus I used Coles, which is bit like Netto really, rather than like Tescos. Woolies was much better and in my opinion more comparable to Tescos. I like the markets and the bakeries, butchers etc available in Aus.

Hutch

I used to shop in Waitrose ... only downside to the sensational food was having to remortgage before every Friday big shop.

busterboy

When we lived in Lincoln, the local supermarket was still a Safeway's. When it became a Waitrose, the 4x4s, Mercedes etc became too many to count and for the first time in my life I went shopping with 'the list'.

BadgeIsBack

A mate of mine used to go in 10mins before closing time and snatch up all the markdowns - very successful he was, too.

busterboy

What a trog!

kiwi_child

Oh yep, markdowns are definitely the way to go! Especially if you're on a fixed income or have a tribe to feed

I find woolies/safeway tends to have more of them than coles overall.

LauraC

Sometimes there are reductions on sundays!

Geelong Gent

You need to find yourself a local butcher or deli.

The thing I love about our locals is that we run into each other outside of the shop and still chat - its like having the advantages of a small town (everyone being friendly and taking time for conversation) but not the disadvantages of everyone knowing your business (and telling you how to run yours).

framac

Sunday shopping. That would be a novel idea in Northern Qld

LauraC

Oh yeah! I forgot they don't do sunday shopping there do they?

Anyway, the Tesco here does reductions on Sunday.

Sugo

i always thought you could get thing like proscuito from victoria market, i remember when i went last year the market food area had some really cool shops with cheeses and meats. Got the impression that with the migrant communities from the med then italian and greek foods were common.

I was only on holiday though

busterboy

Unfortunately, I live some way away but it is a good tip.