Woolworths buyers have told suppliers their products could be pulled from shelves just days before Christmas if they refuse to fund the supermarket giant's new Cheap Cheap advertising campaign.
"I was asked for a contribution of almost $1 million, and when I refused to pay I was told a 'range review' was under way and I would be informed of the outcome early next week," said the sales manager of one of Australia's leading health product companies.
"The implied threat is that some of my products will no longer be stocked if I don't pay up."
Fairfax Media can reveal the ACCC has now assigned one of Australia's most experienced investigators to probe claims that Woolworths is engaging in unconscionable conduct by demanding suppliers pay tens of millions of dollars by the end of December.
The team, which is being led by veteran ACCC enforcement manager Alan Ducret, has promised to provide whistleblower protection in return for information from suppliers.
Entire Article Here
So let me get this straight.
In a drive for lower prices to entice customers away from their rivals, Woolworths is asking their suppliers, whom they've already screwed right down to almost unsustainability in the purchasing process, is coming back for another bite, asking their suppliers to now PAY THEM to keep their product on the shelf, in order to close the retailers PROFIT GAP?????
WHAT MONGRELS!!!!
No doubt rival supermarkets are doing something similar.
And who'e doing anything about it?
