COOK is an excellent new cookbook. 600 pages of recipes from The Australian Women’s Weekly. COOK is beautifully printed. The Recommended Retail Price is $69.95. I ordered 100 copies even though my newsagency is big in books - I was glad to have the opportunity to play in a new space - especially with such a premium product and in the lead up to Christmas.
Then gorilla retailer, Big W changed my plans. In my centre they are selling COOK for $36.95. This is less than our buy price. Even before COOK is advertised by the publisher, Big W (Woolworths) is ruining the market for everyone. Dymocks has COOK at $59.95. That makes more sense - it’s where we expected to be. I’d have accepted Big W selling COOK for, say, $49.95, given their focus on being cheap. $36.95 is nuts.
The Big W strategy is to grab attention with a loss leader regardless of the damage done to a product along the way. Their pricing of COOK at $36.95 is arrogant. But, I have to cop it – such is competition. It reminds me of why I hate businesses like Big W. They are a cancer in the retail channel. They screw with consumer’s minds. They disrespect brands. They kill off the creativity of their employees. They squash small businesses – the standard bearers of community among retailers.
Gorillas in the jungle would have better manners.
Now, let’s see if we can be smart in how we compete.
4 responses so far ↓
1 Vaughan // Oct 11, 2006 at 5:04 PM
Mark,
It makes me wonder at what price is the publisher selling this wonderful title to Big W at? I too have commited to a quantity of this product and a customer came in and politely advised me that ‘Big W are selling this title at a RRP $36.95. I therefore am ripping off my customers.’ What am i supposed to say to that? It’s not like i am only $5 to $10 cheaper!
Well done Big W for raping retail again, or maybe, well done to our industry partners that continue to sell these titles at a reduced price to the raper!.
2 Simon // Oct 12, 2006 at 11:49 AM
Sorry guys but if I can get it cheaper then I will. Competition is tough but its good for consumers!
3 kim // Oct 12, 2006 at 12:30 PM
I am sure BigW is selling at a loss, no discount would have been given.
4 Minnie meliorist // Aug 7, 2007 at 9:29 AM
I think it is absolutely amazing that Big W has pushed the price so low!!! I agree with you, they must be running at a loss. I actually work for a Big W as a casual, and i find it particularly funny to read your comments on the corporation. Good work! You brought a smile to my day.
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