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–
Expert comment on Australian supermarkets –
The supermarket industry has been slammed as “backward” by the head of
marketing for Coles, which has pledged to make its stores consumer-led as part of
a reinvention of its brand.
What are the problems with Australian supermarkets?
How do local supermarkets compare with chains overseas?
In light of research that shows Australians like to shop, but hate the experience of
shopping, what does the supermarket industry need to do to lift its game?
What impact are budget chains like Aldi and Costco having on the industry, and on
shoppers?
RMIT University’s Professor Michael Beverland said Australian retailers were
decades behind the industry overseas.
“Research reveals customers love shopping but hate the shopping experience and
supermarkets are the worst offenders, particularly for women,” Professor
Beverland said.
“The big problem is the culture of retailing in Australia.
“Retailers often say that ‘Australia is different’ or ‘too small’ or ‘too spread out’ or
customers are ‘too price sensitive’, but most of these are just excuses as there are
plenty of other countries with similar issues that have better retail offers.”
Professor Beverland is an expert on retail marketing and branding. His research
interests include consumption experiences and what influences people when they
shop.
He is the co-author of Why Women Shop: Secrets Revealed (Wiley, Sydney, 2005)
and is a regular commentator on marketing and branding issues. His latest book,
Memorable Customer Experiences, is out in October.
Professor Beverland is available for comment on supermarkets in Australia.
For interviews: RMIT University’s Professor Michael Beverland, (03) 9925
5858 or 0416 102 492
For general media enquiries: RMIT University Communications, Gosia
Kaszubska, (03) 9925 3176 or 0417 510 735.
3 August, 2009
NEWS 
