Woolworths, The Reject Shop respond to huge price difference of product

The cost of living crisis is forcing Aussies to seek smarter ways to save, with many cancelling subscriptions as well as luxuries to reduce their monthly spendings.

Trying to pass savings tips on to others a Queensland mum has highlighted the stark price difference of a teeth whitening kit between Woolworths and The Reject Shop, with the same product being as much as 10 times more expensive for a shopper to purchase the toiletry from the supermarket.

"My daughter works for The Reject Shop and it almost physically hurts her to see some of the prices at Woolworths," the woman wrote online.

The Oral B product was priced at $6 at The Reject Shop, significantly cheaper than the $60 price tag she saw on the same product in Woolies. However the product has now been subjected to a price drop, priced at $20 at Woolworths since Wednesday. The product is currently priced at $20 in Coles, $12 at Amazon and $45 at Chemist Warehouse.

Retailers' contrasting approach to 'weekly specials'

Both Woolworths and The Reject Shop confirmed they seek "value" for their customers yet adopt contrasting approaches to weekly specials. Woolworths promote thousands of "specials every week" which results in products being discounted for a limited time, while The Reject Shop do not provide specials to customers, which it deems advantageous.

"With the current cost of living pressures being faced by Australian families, we reject weekly specials and offer the lowest prices every day," The Reject Shop spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia. "Anytime you walk into The Reject Shop, you can save on a basket of everyday items compared to the supermarket."

However products sold at Woolworths can be subjected to price drops, much like we have seen with the Oral B whitening kit in question.

"We work hard to provide value to our customers on a range of household essentials and that's why we offer around 6,000 specials every week, and have recently dropped the price on more than 450 products," a Woolworths spokesperson told Yahoo.

Despite the product being comparatively cheaper from The Reject Shop even with the price drop from Woolworths, it is unclear whether the products from The Reject Shop are available all year round — with customers possibly only able to nab products at the significantly lower price while stock lasts.

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People online also questioned whether the products being offered at such a low price point at The Reject Shop pass quality control tests or consumables have expired, yet the retailer discredited this misconception.

"We will only accept products that can be assured of quality and comply with Australian Consumer Law, so our customers can be confident that they truly are getting the best value."

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