In a Melbourne warehouse in Springvale, a crowd has gathered not for retail sales on clothing or electronics, but to grab incredible bargains on grocery items nearing or past their “best before” date. The smell of cardboard and bulk spices fills the air as customers fill their trolleys with $1 chips, 80-cent gourmet crackers, and boxes of Cadbury chocolates. With the cost of living crisis hitting hard, many Australians are steering clear of big-name supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths, opting instead for “salvage” supermarkets such as NQR, Cheaper Buy Miles, and Beyond Best Before, which have become increasingly popular.
Social media plays a significant role in this shift towards discount shopping, as platforms like TikTok and YouTube showcase creators sharing their experiences and “grocery hauls”. One notable example is Melbourne-based YouTuber Tracey Blackstock, aka Goody Yum Yum, who notes that the demand for discount information is escalating. She highlights that stores like Savemore and NQR frequently offer varying stock each week, with the potential for savings of up to 80% on retail prices if customers buy in bulk.
A critical aspect of these discounts comes from a misunderstanding of food labelling laws in Australia. The distinction between “use by” and “best before” dates is often blurred. While “use by” dates signal a hard safety deadline, “best before” dates merely indicate when a product is expected to maintain its peak quality. According to Professor Nitika Garg from UNSW, this conservatism protects consumers, but many overlook the fact that food can still be safe to consume past the best-before date, as long as it isn’t damaged.
The success of discount supermarkets is further exemplified by the story of Maggie Quach and her sister Katie, who launched Beyond Best Before in Sydney’s Newtown in 2023 after witnessing significant food waste in major supermarkets. They’ve tapped into a growing demand for affordable premium products, which has gained traction even in regional Australia, further expanding their customer base.
Despite their popularity, the longevity of these discount stores may face challenges. As Professor Garg points out, retailers must avoid the stigma of low quality often associated with discount shopping. The convenience factor is another hurdle, as these salvage warehouses are often located away from prominent shopping areas.
Nonetheless, for bargain hunters like Blackstock, the effort is worthwhile. She advocates for a comprehensive shopping approach, encouraging customers to explore all avenues for deals, be it at discount stores or major supermarkets. As consumers become savvier, loyalty to traditional grocery shopping may be challenged by the allure of exceptional savings and the thrill of a “treasure hunt” for discounted goods.