Woolworths' Disney Ooshie craze pulls shoppers from Coles, denting rival's sales

Woolworths' recent Ooshie giveaway, which rewards customers who spend $30 with blind-pack Disney, Marvel and Star Wars rubber figurines, sold out ahead of schedule and prompted many families to shop at the chain instead of Coles. Coles' chief executive Leah Weckert described the resulting four-week dip in in-store sales as a short-lived impact of the rival's collectable campaign. The slowdown did not affect the supermarket's online channel, and the company still reported a 1% increase in net profit to $1.09 billion for the fiscal year ending June, with profit margins rising to 5.7%.

Analysts warned that the Ooshie frenzy could unsettle investors, while consumer-behaviour expert Gary Mortimer noted the toys' role in teaching social skills. Environmental groups raised concerns about the plastic waste generated, prompting Woolworths to highlight that the figures are made from 97% recycled thermoplastic rubber and to offer recycling bins in some stores.