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Supermarkets accused of pushing "confusing" promo labels

Coles, Woolworths and Aldi have all been accused of saturating their stores with "confusing" promotional labels that offer little to no discount. Research by consumer advocacy group Choice suggests one-in-four shoppers feel "misled" by discount stickers, finding it difficult to discern the promo price from the original price. More than 1,000 customers across the country took part in the <a title="www.choice.com.au" href="https://www.choice.com.au/unclearsupermarketspecials" target="_blank" rel="noopener">research</a>, which surveyed price tags regularly used by Woolworths, Coles and Aldi that featured phrases such as “down down”, “member price” and “prices dropped”. According to the report, which has been passed on to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Supermarkets Inquiry, it was Coles that caused the most confusion, with their "while stocks last" stickers proving to be unclear to the average shopper. Coles told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/woolworths-coles-and-aldi-accused-of-confusing-promotional-labels/news-story/c2a350bd62dd0a0ba9c4fad04fa69435" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> its “while stocks last” tickets offer customers the chance to buy items which are only available at Coles for a limited time, and which are unlikely to be restocked once the products are sold out. But according to Choice, one-third of shoppers surveyed believed products tagged with the bright yellow tag were discounted, while another third were unsure of its meaning. Woolworths’ “member price” was also found to cause “considerable confusion”, according to the consumer watchdog. Meanwhile Aldi’s “super savers” label were also found to leave many Aussies confused, with a third of those surveyed unsure if it was a discount, according to the research. “Consumers look for products that are the best value for money but it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to decipher the promotional tags being used by the supermarkets,” Choice said. “Consumers are drawn to promotional tags that make it look like one product is potentially better value or a good deal, compared to other products." However, the labels are “confusing and potentially misleading” and without contextual information or historical pricing data, “consumers have no way of knowing if they are getting a good deal or not." Coles, Woolworths and Aldi have all responded to the report, with Coles saying in a statement, “Customer feedback is important to us. Our goal is to always be as clear as possible and we are taking steps to update this ticket over the coming months.” Choice has called for “transparent pricing” from supermarkets in the report “to ensure that people are able to effectively compare products, recognise genuine discounts and make informed decisions” when buying their groceries. Choice is also calling for strong enforcement action from the ACCC to “send a clear message to the supermarkets that misleading pricing is unacceptable”. Image credits: Choice

Money & Banking

The top 11 situations to always haggle for a lower price

Mortgage rates Buying a new home is probably the biggest purchase you will make over the course of your life, so every last penny you can save is worth it. “Borrowers should shop their business around to many banks/lenders to see what rates are available,” says mortgage broker Ade Labinjo. “Then use the rates obtained to pit the banks against each other for the purpose of either matching or driving down the rates they were quoted.” Labinjo says that by getting at least one extra quote rate, the average borrower could save up to $1,500. Never settle for the initial quote rate that the bank offers you – haggle for a better price because chances are, they’re not giving you their absolute best offer upfront. Flea markets, farmers markets, garage sales At flea markets, farmers markets, and garage sales the sellers typically set their own price. If you know how to haggle, this is a great opportunity to get a really good deal. Also, see if buying in bulk or large quantities can get you a price reduction. Hotel rooms Hotels want their rooms filled, so it never hurts to haggle with the people at the front desk for a better price or room upgrades. “Hotels have to pay a commission to booking websites, and pass on some of that as a benefit to the user,” says Saurabh Jindal, founder of Talk Travel. If you find that the price is the same on the booking website and the hotel’s website, ask the hotel for a room with a better view or more amenities. “Hotels have rooms allocated to various booking platforms and may give you a better option which has not yet been sold.” Memberships Memberships always come along with extra fees. It might be a renewal fee, startup fee, or a maintenance fee if it’s your gym membership. Ask if they can waive some of the fees or threaten to cancel and go somewhere else. They want to keep making money off of you and might just give you a discount. Lease renewal If you’re considering re-signing your lease, know that it is most likely more expensive for the landlord to prepare your apartment for a new tenant than to lease to you for another year. If you’ve had a good relationship with your landlord, try to negotiate in a deal before you re-sign. If the landlord is going to increase your rent, ask if you can increase it by less or not at all. If you consistently pay rent on time, are a respectful neighbour, and take good care of your apartment they may keep your rent from increasing. It’s important to remember who your lease is with though, says Julie Ramhold, Consumer Expert at DealNews.com. If your apartment is owned by a management company, they probably won’t offer any wiggle room. But, if you’re renting from a single landlord or owner, try negotiating for a lower price. Online selling platforms People who post items for sale online are typically moving or looking to get rid of unwanted items. Use that to your advantage and ask for a lower price – the worst they can say is no. You could also offer to come and pick it up quickly if they give you a better deal. Internet and phone bill As annoying as your internet and phone provider may be, they don’t want to lose you as a customer. “If you’re signing up or looking to renew, sometimes you can get a lower rate by telling a rep what the competitor is offering and saying it works better with your budget,” says Ramhold. A lot of cable companies give you a promotional price for your first year, make sure to call right before the price goes up for your second year. The competitors will most likely offer better prices for new customers and that can work in your advantage and possibly get you a better deal with your current provider. Insurance rates Just like internet providers, insurance companies don’t want you to switch to a different provider. “Use your customer loyalty to your advantage and try to talk to the right person on the phone,” says Kelan Kline a personal finance expert and co-founder of The Savvy Couple. “Tell them the service you are receiving is not good enough for the price.” They might offer you a discount to keep you. Home services If you’re renovating your kitchen or getting some landscaping done, make sure to shop around and get a few different quotes first. Use those quotes to negotiate with the contractor you want to work with. Also, you may be able to haggle for a better price if you offer to pay upfront in cash or schedule a contractor during the winter months when business is typically slower. Jewellery “You should know that the markup on diamond jewellery is anywhere from 50 to 200 per cent and more,” says Chhavi Agarwal, a personal finance expert. There is always room for haggling. Agarwal suggests politely making a counteroffer. You’d be surprised the changes they are willing to make to the bill. If they refuse to come down in price, try to haggle the labour charges. Returned items Never miss an opportunity to haggle for a better price on items that have been returned to stores. Stores will typically mark returned items that have been slightly used or have a ding with a price reduction, but it doesn’t hurt to ask for more off. They know that items that have already been opened aren’t as appealing to customers and they want to get them sold. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/money/11-times-you-should-always-haggle-for-a-better-price?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Money & Banking

Kmart and Target join forces to create mega discount stores

Two of Australia’s favourite retail giants are about to get better in a huge merger creating a $10 billion discount giant. Wesfarmers is set to fold Target into Kmart with hopes that it will improve sales, provide better value for customers, and allow both stores to share backend technology. Ian Bailey the Managing Director of Kmart Group has said that there will be “no impact” to stores, and that the move was an "internal reorganisation". "With customers now demanding value more than ever, this new operating model will unlock a new level of scale and productivity across both brands, so we can deliver even greater value to our customers in the future," he said in a statement. "For store networks and 50,000 store team members – it's business as usual – as we continue to focus on providing the best value products to the thousands of customers in Australia and New Zealand who choose to shop at Kmart or Target every day." The move comes as the cost of living crisis is forcing more and more Aussies to be mindful of their spending habits. In a statement to the The Australian Financial Review, Bailey said that there would likely be “a handful of redundancies" but more jobs overall by next year. He added that one of the benefits of tighter integration and better technology is the ease in which the prices of products can be reduced. He said that the price drop on 1000 Kmart products this month was assisted by merchandise planning tools and a self-navigating inventory scanning robot. "Kmart and Target are both strong businesses. I don't see us doing this from a position of weakness. It's quite the opposite,” he told the publication. “I'd say we're strong, but I think there's an opportunity to really capitalise on this time and find ways to continue to deliver better value for customers." "What we found was that running two businesses it was very, very difficult to get the tech into Target, and to get those benefits. This is really why we decided to push the two businesses into one." Images: Getty

Money & Banking

The viral hack for free luxurious travel

Taking a trip abroad can be expensive, especially if you want to travel in style and relax in luxury. However, one woman has revealed how she gets free flights, food and five-star hotels when she travels, saving her a fortune. TikTok user Jen, who goes by @smartypantsfinance, shared a video explaining that she works as a mystery shopper for airports, airlines, hotels and shops which gives her the opportunity to travel the world on a budget. Becoming a mystery shopper for an airport means you can kick your holiday off in style by getting free food in restaurants or free snacks from shops. “There are store mystery shops and restaurant mystery shops at airports,” she said. “So instead of buying a meal before you get on your long flight, find a mystery shopping assignment to cover the cost of the meal or do a little shopping at the convenience store for snacks for your flight, all courtesy of mystery shopping.” The next thing Jen recommends is becoming a mystery shopper for an airline, where you can make a serious saving on your holiday as you’ll get your flights paid for. “Mystery shop on airlines so instead of just paying for your airfare out of pocket, get a mystery shopping assignment that covers all or part of your airfare in exchange for submitting a report about some aspect of the flight,” she said. Once you’ve landed, you don’t want to have to fork out a lot of money for a five-star hotel. Jen advised taking a mystery shopping assignment to get the room covered – plus you might get some other perks. “As a mystery shopper you evaluate a hotel and you submit a report in exchange for the entire cost of the hotel stay including the room, the taxes, the food and the spa visit,” she said. Jen’s final tip was to become a mystery shopper at your destination to get free meals and souvenirs. “Mystery shop at your destination. I have eaten in five star restaurants in Maui, Istanbul, Turkey, London and Paris all on mystery shopping assignments,” she said. “I’ve also done shopping assignments at my destination so I can make a little money while I was on my vacation and come back with some free things.” The video has been watched more than 20,000 times and Jen advised viewers to visit her website smartypantsfinance.com to learn more about becoming a mystery shopper. Image: Getty

Travel Tips

Exclusive senior discount makes mealtimes even easier

When it comes to mealtimes, it's easy to fall into the routine of always having the same recipes on rotation. Relying on the same things for dinner can become boring and repetitive very quickly, and sometimes it's difficult to know where to start to expand your cooking repertoire. On top of this, getting to the grocery shops is getting harder for many Aussies, with the danger of Covid still rife. Many Aussie seniors are turning to tech to make mealtimes easier, with 70% of Australians leaning on apps for a simpler kitchen experience. According to a new study, 58% of Aussies are turning to the internet for new recipes and nearly a third (27%) are getting their cooking inspiration from online videos over traditional cookbooks. On top of this, 60% of older Australians are wanting to become more adventurous in the kitchen, and want to spice up their meal routines. Enter: HelloFresh. HelloFresh is a subscription meal service that delivers fresh ingredients to create healthy, delicious dinners right to your door. HelloFresh customers can choose between a range of meal plans to include up to five recipes a week for up to four people. Users can choose their weekly meals online, with a huge range of options available to include vegetarian, family-friendly recipes, calorie smart meals and quick & easy options. Meals get safely delivered right to your door with ease, with each meal’s ingredients packaged individually, and perfectly pre-portioned to exactly what you need to reduce food waste. HelloFresh orders also come with a dedicated recipe card, showing how to create your delicious meals in an easy to follow guide. When HelloFresh started offering <a href="https://www.hellofresh.com.au/meal-kits/senior-discounts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exclusive senior discounts</a> with guaranteed 10% off each box – saving Aussie seniors up to $600 off their yearly grocery bill – we leapt at the chance to try out the full service for a week. Plus, even better, if you’re a new customer, you’ll also receive 40% off your first box and 30% off your second. After trialling HelloFresh for one week, I can confidently say it is the quickest answer to mealtimes I have ever experienced. I received my HelloFresh box in the mail and everything was packaged perfectly: individual meal kits (that were colour coordinated as well) so I knew which ingredients went with each dish, easy to follow recipe cards, pre-portioned ingredients and refrigerated bags to keep everything fresh in transit. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/03/P1011783.jpg" alt="" width="1278" height="720" /> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/03/P1011805.jpg" alt="" width="1278" height="720" /> I selected five meals for two people, and was given a selection of delicious dishes that I had never thought to make before and was excited to try. Monday’s dinner was the Easy Chorizo & Corn Ciabatta Melt with Pear Salad: a nice and easy meal to ease into the week. The Italian-inspired meal was full of flavour, with the pear salad adding so much freshness. The minimal effort dish has since made its way into our weekly rotation of dinners, with the hands-on time being less than 30 minutes and an instant weeknight favourite. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/03/P1011885.jpg" alt="" width="1278" height="720" /> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/03/P1011895.jpg" alt="" width="1278" height="720" /> On Tuesday, I made the mouth-watering Haloumi & Tomato Relish Burger with Sweet Potato Wedges. This irresistible burger was another super quick and easy weeknight dinner guaranteed to beat any takeaway burger cravings. With minimal ingredients, it's astonishing how this relatively simple dinner could pack such a flavourful punch, but it was an instant winner in my house. The vegetarian dish showcased a way of making burgers I had never thought of before, and I will definitely be making this dish again. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/03/P1011828.jpg" alt="" width="1278" height="720" /> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/03/P1011830.jpg" alt="" width="1278" height="720" /> Wednesday was Mexican night, with Beef Enchiladas with Corn Salsa & Sour Cream on the menu. This dish warranted a little bit of creative liberty, as I accidentally added the corn salsa inside the enchiladas rather than on top (sometimes it pays to stop and read the recipe card properly…) Nevertheless, we carry on! These enchiladas were a delicious answer to a Mexican fiesta, with the option to add more spice always available with any HelloFresh meal. This colourful and delicious dinner is a must-try for any lover of Mexican food, along with a recommendation from yours truly to slow down and read the recipe before you start. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/03/P1011840.jpg" alt="" width="1278" height="720" /> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/03/P1011844.jpg" alt="" width="1278" height="720" /> Thursday’s dinner was the Quick Sweet Chilli-Lime Chicken with Sesame Konjac Noodles & Veggies. This fresh and zingy meal was so quick and easy to make, with the fresh ingredients making a huge difference. The Asian-inspired stir fry used delicious spices and flavours that I had never thought of using before, and will definitely be added into my next stir-fry. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/03/P1011870.jpg" alt="" width="1278" height="720" /> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/03/P1011849.jpg" alt="" width="1278" height="720" /> We finished out the week strong on Friday with the Easy Honey Mustard Pork with Roast Pumpkin, Zucchini & Feta. Anything with the word “easy” in the title is something I want to be making on a Friday. This flavourful comfort meal was homey and delicious, and you just can’t go wrong with a fresh twist on the classic meat and veggies dinner. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/03/275734974_507443164447904_814243807490846583_n.jpg" alt="" width="1278" height="720" /> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/03/275007273_529899835369438_5814029601494393651_n.jpg" alt="" width="1278" height="720" /> I could not recommend HelloFresh enough to anyone who is trying to make dinner times easier and more enjoyable, while also injecting some inspiration and creativity into the kitchen. HelloFresh is now offering a generous seniors discount, which can be activated simply by clicking the “Try Now” button on the <a href="https://www.hellofresh.com.au/meal-kits/senior-discounts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">home page</a>. Simply confirm your age to claim the discount and you are good to go! With a range of inventive dishes that are a must-try for any food lover, or anyone who wants their dinners made quickly and easily, there’s a reason so many Aussies are turning to HelloFresh to have their inspiration delivered right to their door. Image credits: Hamish Stevens

Food & Wine

“Fairytale” chateau re-listed with million-dollar discount

An estate dubbed Chateau Jardin Perfume has taken a price cut after being on the market since mid 2021.The chateau-inspired mansion was first listed for $8 and $8.8 million, and has been <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/sassafras-vic-3787-2017057790" target="_blank" rel="noopener">relisted</a> with a price guide between $5.7 and $6.2 million.Located in the town of Sassafras in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges, the home has been renovated and filled with French chandeliers, Italian porcelain floors, custom statues, and an imported staircase.The three-bedroom, three-bathroom house sits on 2600 square metres and has been described as a “fairytale”, “off-the-charts” and a “palace in the sky”.Its current owners first bought the home in 2016 for $2.66 million, when it was marketed as “Beauxbatons Manor”, referencing the French wizardry school in the Harry Potter books.After completing a swift, multimillion-dollar renovation, Peninsula Sotheby’s International says it has become the kind of home you’d find in the Hollywood Hills.“When you look at the colouring of the decor, the splashes of pink, the outdoor furniture, which is all from LA, the Rolls-Royce in the garage, it is very Hollywood Hills, even with the aspect over Melbourne city which is typical of what you would see in LA,” agent Rob Curtain said.Along with the glamourous finishings, the home features vivid colours and patterns like fuschia and leopard print throughout.Originally, the interior and exterior furniture and furnishings - except the artwork - were included with the home.With the relisting of the home, Mr Curtain told <a href="https://www.nine.com.au/property/news/fairytale-mansion-dandenong-ranges-for-sale/aef16231-7655-4cee-85a5-351dbc618f47" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Domain</a> that the price would be readjusted accordingly if the prospective buyer didn’t wish to buy the fixtures and fittings - which may explain the new, reduced price.Other luxe features include two separate master wings, a six-car garage, a “gold-class” theatre room with space for eight people, and an opulent cigar room.The extensive renovations also saw the grounds undergo a major transformation, with the 2400-square-metre grounds undergoing extensive landscaping to create gardens filled with roses, camelias, gardenias, tulips, freesias, hyacinth, jasmine and Mexican orange blossom.The fairytale atmosphere is made complete with the stunning pool featuring a mosaic tile rose on the bottom, as well as with a series of stone paths and twinkling lights.Images: Domain

Real Estate

Cheapest time to book your holiday

As international and state borders begin to reopen, many people are beginning to entertain the thought of a much-needed holiday. To help with the planning of your getaway, the online travel heroes at <a href="https://www.expedia.com.au/?semcid=AU.B.GOOGLE.BT-c-EN.GENERIC&semdtl=a19974562136.b1102228276698.r1.g1kwd-12670071.i1.d1434120385295.e1c.j19071834.k1.f1.n1.l1g.h1e.m1&gclid=CjwKCAiA1uKMBhAGEiwAxzvX9x-giTFyqjpYv8hWrFTFP_kxSMjLrJoF-62qXMPuQ-aQFynkC9aZohoCy6wQAvD_BwE">Expedia</a> have crunched the numbers to reveal how you can save hundreds by timing your bookings just right. Analysing data released by the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), the website was able to figure out the cheapest times to book airfares and accommodation. When it comes to booking flights, timing is key, as the data revealed that prices for domestic flights begin to increase about 35 - 42 days before the date of departure. In order to land the cheapest deal, it’s recommended that you book your flights about three to four months before you travel. The data also shows that booking domestic flights on a Sunday can save travellers up to 20 percent, as opposed to booking flights on a Friday. Travellers can also save money by timing their accommodation bookings, as making a reservation on a Wednesday is the day when the lowest average daily rate tends to occur. If you’re thinking about what days to travel, Expedia recommends setting off on a Wednesday rather than a Saturday, as you could save almost 5 per cent. The ideal day to begin your holiday is Tuesday, as starting your vacation earlier in the week could save travellers up to 10 percent, versus arriving at your destination on a Saturday. Image credits: Getty Images

Travel Tips

Pay peanuts for business class quality: New economy travel option a game-changer for long-haul flights

A mum travelling with her two young children and her partner has shocked other travellers by bringing their attention to an economy upgrade available on Air New Zealand flights. It’s known as the “SkyCouch” and will leave you forgetting all about the temptation of travelling in business or first class. Melbourne mum Adele Barbaro posted about the economy upgrade on Facebook, where it garnered more than 23,000 comments with curious travellers asking about the experience. “We got to experience the Air New Zealand Skycouch on our way here and for those that don’t know what it is, it is a unique economy option where your entire row becomes a bed,” Adele wrote alongside images of herself and her family using the pullout bed. “If there is 2 of you travelling, you can purchase a third seat at half price and you will get the entire row to yourself. “The legs rest all rise to meet the chair in front and create a completely flat, large play or sleep area. “Paul and Harvey had a bed and so did Chloe and I. It’s the next best thing to business (but way cheaper) and perfect for long haul flights with young families. And we all slept.” <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheRealMumma%2Fposts%2F893564864353449&width=500" width="500" height="789" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> The upgrade allows a row of seats to be turned into a couch or a bed after take-off. This means that you’re able to take advantage of the entire row and can use it to lounge or rest on your flight. Passengers are able to purchase the flight add-on from $200 each way (based on a Sydney to Los Angeles flight) when three people have booked the seat row. There’s not a separate price for SkyCouch, as Air New Zealand charges for one economy seat plus the additional fee. However, it will cost you more if you’re travelling alone as you’re reserving the whole row. Many parents have praised the economy upgrade. “Best thing we did was get the sky couch for our holiday kids slept 7 out of 14 hour flight that’s a win for me,” one person wrote. “Skycouch was amazing on our recent trip to USA,” another added. “I wish every airline would allow this.”

Travel Tips

Supermarket hack: Coles' new discount to save you money

Tossing through the ugly fruits and veggies to get the good ones will no longer be a problem shoppers have to face anymore. Supermarket giant Coles will now be selling “ugly” fruit and vegetables at discounted prices to reduce food waste. It’s new program "I’m Perfect" will sell fruit and veggies once considered “ugly” at reduced prices to customers who don’t mind a few blemishes or bruises. The low-cost items will include apples, oranges, pears, carrots, onions, sweet potatoes and lemons. The new I’m Perfect range has launched in Victoria and South Australia for a trial period. <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7827113/perfect.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/829ed8d7f09e47f79b17bbf0aa7ff94f" /> The supermarket’s competitor Woolworths has been selling imperfect produce since 2014, through their Odd Bunch program. Coles General Manager of Produce Brad Gorman said in a statement the initiative would save a large quantity of fruit and veggies from being wasted. “Our customers know that regardless of shape, size or any small cosmetic blemishes, Coles produce is fresh and bursting with flavour,” he said. “So when we were thinking how to package produce that looked a little less than perfect, we thought we’d celebrate the fact that great-tasting fruit and veggies come in all shapes and sizes.” The new range has been well received by suppliers, including Adelaide Hills apple grower Tony Ceravolo. “All of our fruit is grown outdoors and exposed to the elements and while we do our best to minimise weather impacts, inevitably Mother Nature sometimes proves too strong for us,” he said. “[Coles is] encouraging people to buy our apples that are a little flawed on the outside, but with the same crunch and taste that’s adored by their customers. It’s win-win-win – a win for customers, a win for us, and a win for reducing food waste.”

Retirement Income

Discount hacks: Former employee reveals the secrets Kmart doesn't want you to know

A former employee at Kmart has revealed the best tips and tricks in order to make the most out of the savings on offer at the retail discount giant. Rita Kaminski worked at Kmart from the age 15 to 19 whilst she was at school. Her tips, according to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-6906111/Former-Kmart-employee-reveals-shoppers-discounts.html" target="_blank">The Daily Mail</a>, are as follows: 1. The stock will drop in price Rita recommends finding a friend who works at Kmart so they can keep an eye on the catalogue for you. However, if you don’t have any friends that work at Kmart, keep an eye on your local store and drop in from time to time. “A lot of the stock will always change in price,” she explained. “If it's something that isn't in the catalogue but it has been in the store for a long time, especially clothes, they can sometimes go on sale for as little as $1.” 2. Look at the barcodes Rita recommends checking the barcode of an item before buying it, especially if you’re looking at an upgraded model of the same product. “The last digit on the barcode changes after every new season,” she said. “So if there are two toasters that look exactly the same and the last digit of one barcode is eight and the other is nine, the one with the eight should be cheaper.” 3. There is extra stock that exists Turns out there is extra stock available. However, the whereabouts of it all isn’t known to everyone. Rita recommends visiting the store between 8 am and 5 pm as this is when the full-time employees are on, who are more knowledgeable about the store. You can also inquire about specific games and they might have it out the back. “There are thousands of games in storage, so if you're looking for something in particular, just ask,” Rita said. 4. The cheapest time to visit is after a major holiday (such as Easter or Christmas) With Easter coming up, this is the best time to head into Kmart as this is where the best bargains are. Rita explained: “The best bargains are right after Christmas and after Easter,” Rita said. “On Boxing Day there's a whole section that drops down to between five cents and $5 but it is usually wiped out on Boxing Day by customers so it's good to come in early. “In between campaign periods like 'Back To School' they would mark things down because it's not as busy but a lot of the times, quite randomly, they will slash the prices of a bulk number of books, clothes or appliances. “It's usually when a newer model/garment has been updated, fixed or isn't selling. “The price will drop down drastically but the item doesn't really change by much.” Are you going to utilise these tips? Let us know in the comments.

Money & Banking

Supermarket hack: How to get 5% discount at Woolworths and Coles with this simple trick

Getting 5 per cent off your groceries is easier than ever thanks to these tricks. If you’re a member of NRMA, RACV in Victoria or RACQ in Queensland, you can enjoy gift cards from Coles and Woolworths at discounted prices. RACV and RACQ offer their customers gift cards for Woolworths with 5 per cent off the face value price. This means that a $100 Woolworths gift card that can be spent at a variety of retailers can be purchased for $95. RACQ also offers a 4 per cent discount on gift cards from Coles. Customers of Suncorp Insurance can also receive Coles gift cards at a discounted price. NRMA used to offer a similar discount but phased it out in 2018. It now offers customers up to 5 cents off per litre at Caltex stores. Members can access the deal via the members' mobile app. These savings can be very helpful for those who are looking for discounts. Did you know you could save on your groceries and petrol in this way? Let us know in the comments.

Money & Banking

The $9 designer Kmart knock-off people can't get enough of

The world of candles is a sweet-smelling market, and the French brand Diptyque has reached a big market by appearing on the social media feeds of celebrities and influencers. The catch is though – each candle requires you to dig deep into your pockets for one of their luxury fragrances, costing upwards of $80 just for one candle. However, the crew at Mamamia thinks they’ve found <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/kmart-candles-diptyque-dupe/">the ultimate k</a>nock-off, in one of the most beloved Australian stores – Kmart. If you like a floral and rosy scent, much reminiscent of Diptyque’s bestselling smell, <a href="https://www.mecca.com.au/diptyque/baies-candle/V-008665.html#q=baies&start=1">‘Baies’</a>, then Kmart has got your back with their <a href="https://www.kmart.com.au/product/decadent-scent-pink-peonies-fragrant-candle/2087829">$9 Decadent Scent Pink Peonies Fragrant Candle</a>. Alternatively if you’re not much for floral smells, perhaps you’d appreciate a subtle, figgy scent like Target’s <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/target-candle-diptyque-dupe/">Fig Leaf and Verbena</a> candle that retails for just $8 – a steep comparison to the French brand’s <a href="https://www.mecca.com.au/diptyque/figuier-candle/V-008666.html#q=diptyque%2BFiguier%2B&start=1">Figuier candle</a> that starts at $48. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj6eqrNg5fN/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj6eqrNg5fN/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">New candle range at #kmart ⬅️ swipe to see more #kmartaustralia #kmartau #kmarthome #kmsrtstyle #kmartaus #candles #kmartdecor #kmartcandle #newatkmartaus</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by @<a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/bargain_finder_mum/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> bargain_finder_mum</a> on Jun 11, 2018 at 10:58pm PDT </div> </blockquote> Although these scents are not exact matches, they share tones and notes that are highly comparable – and saving you a lot of money. The great thing about these discount store candles is not only are they affordable, but the packaging is a thick and heavy glass on-trend with current styles that we know you will be loving. Plus, they're also a great gift idea. Have you tried Kmart’s candle range? Let us know in the comments below.

Money & Banking

Kmart fans go crazy over discount store's exciting new plan

Elated Kmart fans are rejoicing as the major discount department store has announced that they’re introducing Afterpay. The service allows people to pay for items in four equal instalments every fortnight. If the repayments are made on time then there is nothing extra to pay, but a late fee is charged if you miss a payment. Kmart announced via Facebook that it would release further information regarding its partnership with Afterpay for online services. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKmartAustralia%2Fposts%2F1803284346437144&width=500" width="500" height="211" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> The post has garnered major attention as it has been liked over 13,000 times. “This is great,” said one shopper. “If you all keep to a budget it’s the best thing for Christmas, birthdays, or if you need something in a hurry.” Others were worried that this will further fuel their shopping addiction: “My dream has come true … but now I shall be forever in debt hahaha no just joking.” One husband was worried about his future: “Now I have to lock my wife in a cage without internet access. I’ll tell her that you miss her ….” But it wasn’t positive reactions all around, as some were far less enthusiastic, saying people who could not afford to shop at the retailer shouldn’t be shopping at all. “Can see all the people getting into debt over this," said one woman. Many were confused as they questioned the difference between Afterpay and lay-by but one man pointed out that with Afterpay, shoppers receive the product on the spot while paying it off in eight weeks. Kmart has a cult following with many new items selling out the moment they land on shelves, which has seen the company's profits lift significantly to over $500 million a year. Are you excited by this news? Have you used Afterpay before? Let us know in the comments below.

Money & Banking

Australia’s favourite discount department store has been named

Who doesn’t love a bargain? With one store standing out amongst the rest, Australia has spoken and named their favourite discount department store – and it’s not Kmart. Beating the likes of Target, Big W and Best & Less, Costco has been named as Australia’s leading discount department store with a score of 88.6 per cent in customer satisfaction, Roy Morgan’s latest research shows. With Target at 88.5 per cent and Kmart on 88.4, Costco just squeezed out on top. CEO of Roy Morgan Michele Levine said that Costco is the third discount department store to be awarded the prestigious title after Kmart and Target, which highlights the intense amount of competition between the stores. “Costco’s victory came by a whisker with a customer satisfaction rating of 88.6 per cent [which] was only a hair’s breadth ahead of rivals Target and Kmart,” she said. “It comes as the American retailer has unveiled plans for an ambitious expansion with a huge new distribution centre set to open in Sydney’s west next year signalling an expanded online retail presence.” The biggest improvement was from Best & Less which scored a customer satisfaction rating of 86.4 per cent, which is a growth of 1.8 per cent in the last 12 months. Costco improved by 1.7 per cent and Target rose by 1.5 per cent. Levine said that the high scores reflected how seriously the department store giants took to the threat of Amazon. “Amazon recently became only the second company to top a market capitalisation of $1 trillion,” she explained. “In an increasingly competitive environment with discount department stores facing increasing competition from online retailers such as Amazon, the big two department stores Myer and David Jones, specialist niche retailers and of course each other, maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction and building a reputation of trust is key.” The results are compiled after extensive research which consists of over 50,000 Australian’s taking part in a face-to-face interview, including more than 9,000 interviews with people who shop at discount department stores.

Money & Banking

Discount retailer wars: Could this be the end for Kmart?

Costco has unveiled plans its giant Australian distribution centre that will service all their stores nationwide as well as their new online store, which will be launched next year. The $78 million facility will be finished in March 2019, with the company planning to move the store online in Australia shortly after that. Experts say that the retail giant’s online store could pose a huge threat to other discount stores, such as Kmart. The distribution centre in Sydney’s west will allow for more Australians to sign up to the $60 annual membership to get products delivered to their door. “Everything we do makes people change. The warehouse concept wasn’t here 10 years ago so we’ve had some impact on the retail scene,” Costco Australia General Manager, Patrick Noone, told <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/">Nine News</a>. The online store will still require a Costco membership, with the company promising to have exclusive online offers around home appliances, furniture and other big-ticket items. Earlier in the year, market research firm Roy Morgan reported that Costco Australia was narrowly beating Kmart in customer satisfaction. Kmart had a nine per cent profit in the first quarter of 2018, which was largely attributed to the retailer’s online store. Costco’s online store will try to compete with other Aussie retailers by stocking the equivalent of 30 stores worth of stock. QUT international business expert Gary Mortimer believes Costco will “absolutely” be able to compete online in Australia, reported <a href="https://thenewdaily.com.au">The New Daily.</a> “Costco is certainly concerned about Amazon's entrance to the Australian market,” he said. “Ultimately, it does represent a threat to incumbent supermarkets and department stores in Australia.” Costco’s distribution centre, which is the size of 17 Olympic football fields, will create close to 1000 jobs and have the capability to distribute to 30 warehouses. “This location is ideal for housing our depot and providing hundreds of jobs in Sydney's booming west,” Mr Noone said. Last week, Costco opened a $55 million warehouse in Epping, Melbourne. Are you excited for Costco’s online store to be launched in Australia? Let us know in the comments below.

Money & Banking

The Aussie discount mall that is beating the big-name retailers

It has long been known as the shopping outlet full of old stock and factory seconds, but DFO is now attracting more Australian and overseas tourists than ever before. In the past eight years, DFO has increased its traffic by 40 per cent, welcoming 17 million customers across the country every year. Its sales have also grown at twice the rate of the national retail sector. Australian Bureau of Statistic figures show total retail spending grew 2.5 per cent in May year-on-year, whereas DFO’s tenants’ sales grew 5 per cent last year across its centres in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Apparel sales were leading the growth at DFO, up 12 per cent in the past two years. Industry wide spending on apparel grew at 3.2 per cent. But it has taken up to a decade for the factory outlet to change its reputation. Queensland University of Technology retail expert Dr Gary Mortimer said DFO was initially seen as a dumping ground for old stock. “It had odd sizes, end of range season clothing, outdated styles and colours,” he told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/retail/dfo-is-growing-at-twice-the-rate-of-the-national-retail-sector/news-story/0cd6c97b0742c130b6a456ec46313ee5">news.com.au</a>. But Vicinity Centres, which owns the DFO brand licence in Australia, has overhauled the factory outlet. “When you come to DFOs you’re having a better experience in getting the sizes that you like, and the quality of brands that you like,” Vicinity Centres DFO regional general manager Justin Blumfield said. DFO has recently expanded its portfolio to include better quality local and international designer brands. Some retailers are even stocking items specifically for their DFO outlets. “Now, more than a third of retailers have stock specifically for DFO including Coach, Michael Kors and Portmans,” Mr Blumfield said. “We are seeing premium quality outlets delivering high levels of occupancy and income growth,” Mr Blumfield said. The general manager said outlet shopping was the fastest growing sector of the industry and wants to position DFO as a “destination” for discount sales. “We’ve got a clear strategy at the DFO which differentiates ourself from traditional retail — so we feel that it can complement the traditional shop rather than cannibalise it,” he said. Do you shop at DFO? Do you prefer it over traditional retailers? Let us know in the comments below.

Money & Banking

10 more seniors card discounts you should try

Ah, is there a better word in the English language than “discount”? Whether you’re saving up for a big-ticket item or just trying to make ends meet, seniors card discounts are just the way to ensure more of your cash is staying in your pocket. We’ve rounded up our selection of 10 more seniors card discounts you should try. To take a peek at the discounts available in your state, scroll through the gallery above. What are your thoughts? Have you tried any of these discounts?

Retirement Income

Coles boss says supermarkets at point of discounting “madness”

Coles’ outgoing managing director John Durkan says supermarkets have reached a point of discounting “madness” and believes customers would rather consistently lower prices than aisles that are littered with discount tags. <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/" target="_blank">Speaking to Fairfax</a>, Mr Durkan said shoppers would rather trust they were getting good value on everyday essentials, rather than hunting for discounts every time they shop. “Customers are saying they’d like to see the same price everyday, every week, and that’s our drive - to lower the price, so you don’t have to think about it," Mr Durkan said on Thursday. "It’s much easier not to have to think about it.” Mr Durkan also believes discounting has wreaked havoc on supermarket’s supply chain, but artificially causing spikes in demand for discounted products. <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/" target="_blank">Fairfax Media reports</a> about 40 per cent of sales across Australian supermarkets comes through promoted products, and while Mr Durkan has driven the figure at Coles down to 30 per cent, he was hoping to bring that number even lower. "We’ll always give great promotions to our customers - we just don't need to be giving them at the size and level that we are at the moment," he said. Mr Durkan is set to hand the reigns of the supermarket over to new managing director Steven Cain in October. Coles is set to be spun off into a separately listed company from Wesfarmers later this year and faces challenges from new market players Kaufland and Amazon, but Mr Durkan remains optimistic about its immediate future. "Wesfarmers is going to be an owner of stock in this business and they want to see it successful," he said. "All the conversations ... suggest that it's going to be the right level of debt." What are your thoughts?

Money & Banking

10 seniors card discounts you should use in March

There’s nothing like a discount, and if you’ve got a seniors card burning a hole in your wallet, March might soon become your favourite month of the year. We’ve researched a new batch of seniors card discounts for you to take advantage of around Australia, and make some very real savings on products and services as the weather starts to turn. To see them all, scroll through the gallery above. Do you have a seniors card? Do you use it for discounts?

Retirement Income

10 more seniors card discounts you should take advantage of

If there’s one thing we love at Over60, it’s a seniors card discount. Whether you’re trying something for the first time, chowing down or a cheap meal, or enjoying the latest feature film for half price, there’s nothing like a good deal. We’ve put together a list containing 10 more seniors card discounts you should take advantage of. To see all these incredible discounts, scroll through the gallery above. Do you use your seniors card? Are there any discounts that we haven’t mentioned on the list, that you think we should’ve? Let us know in the comments section below!

Retirement Income

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