Coles has attracted criticism over a controversial change to one of its most popular services.
The supermarket giant has confirmed a new trial with the way it releases its weekly specials catalogues to customers.
Traditionally, Coles shoppers have been able to access a “Sneak Peek” of the supermarket’s weekly catalogue – which advertise specials available from Wednesday – on early Monday evenings.
However now, website users need to create an account with Coles or log-in to their profile in order to view the early catalogue.
The news has created waves with some customers, who aren’t happy with the new system.
“Coles, any reason why we have to sign up to view your next catalogue now?” one X user asked.
“Your competitors don’t do this restriction. You want our details to bombard us with spam? Don’t think I will.”
Another wrote: “Coles, why do I need to login to look at next week’s catalogue, when I never shop online?
“My account is also inactive and I don’t want to be on hold with your customer service centre. Please don’t change what’s not broken #Disappointed.”
A Coles spokesperson has told 7NEWS.com.au that the supermarket has embarked on the trial to create a more personalised experience for shoppers.
“We are constantly working to improve the digital experience for our customers. The number one piece of feedback that we get from our customers is about having personalised specials based on what they have brought previously,” the spokesperson said.
“As part of the work we are doing in this space, we are trialling asking some customers to log into Coles Online to view the sneak peek catalogue so we can give them more personalised specials based on their location and what they have brought before.”
“We are always open to hearing what our customers think and encourage them to share their feedback with us.”
