Australians have spoken, and the verdict is damning: They love Bunnings and Kmart, and they absolutely despise the supermarket duopoly of Coles and Woolworths.
A new survey ranking Australia's most trusted and distrusted brands reveals what anyone who's bought groceries lately already knows: The big supermarkets have burned through public goodwill faster than they've raised prices on lettuce.
The Winners: Value and Transparency
Topping the trust rankings are Bunnings, Kmart, and Aldi, three retailers that Australians see as delivering value for money. Bunnings, with its iconic warehouse format, weekend sausage sizzles, and straightforward pricing, has achieved near-mythical status in Australian culture.
Kmart's resurrection from near-death to beloved bargain destination is one of retail's great turnaround stories. And Aldi's transparent pricing and limited-selection model has won fierce customer loyalty, particularly among shoppers fed up with the complexity and price manipulation at major supermarkets.
What these brands have in common: They don't take the piss. They offer clear value, simple pricing, and don't treat customers like marks to be squeezed.
The Losers: The Grocery Duopoly
At the bottom of the rankings sit Coles and Woolworths, and frankly, they've earned their spot. The two supermarket giants control roughly two-thirds of Australian grocery retail, and they've used that market power to engage in what many Australians perceive as outright price gouging during the cost-of-living crisis.
According to the survey, Australian shoppers are furious about rising prices, confusing discount schemes, and the feeling that they're being ripped off while supermarkets post record profits.
