Coles online sales crash after Reddit users spot 80% off liquor deals
A viral Reddit post exposing almost 80% discounts on 24-packs of premixed drinks triggered a technical failure that took the Coles website and app offline.
An Australian Reddit account posted about a near-80% markdown on 24-packs of premixed alcoholic drinks sold through Coles’ Liquorland brand, prompting thousands of shoppers to place orders. The discount, which reduced a $130 pack to $27, appeared to be a mistake, possibly linked to AI-driven pricing tools, according to the operators of price-tracking site CW Scanner. Within hours the Coles website and mobile app went offline, briefly returned with the discounted items removed, and then shut down again.
A Coles spokesperson confirmed a technical error had incorrectly priced select 24-pack beer and ready-to-drink products, and said customers would be refunded. CW Scanner identified dozens of affected cartons, with savings ranging from $49 on beer to $173 on certain premixed drinks. The incident follows previous scrutiny of Coles’ promotional practices, including a court finding on misleading “Down Down” offers.
Why it matters
Consumers faced erroneous ultra-low prices and potential order cancellations, highlighting risks of automated pricing errors in large retailers.
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