Supermarket specials cycles in Australia (what shoppers should know)

Catalogue rhythm

Woolworths and Coles typically rotate large groups of half-price or “down down” style promotions on a weekly cycle, often starting Wednesday. Aldi’s “Special Buys” follow a different calendar and are not always comparable to weekly grocery discounts.

IGA and independent banners can mirror national chains on some lines while setting their own promotions locally, which is why your suburb may not match a capital-city catalogue exactly.

Stack habits with comparison

Specials are a strong signal, but not every “was/now” ticket represents your best price that week—especially if another chain has a different promotion.

Searching the same product name on TrolleyChecker search can surface Google Shopping–backed prices that complement what you saw in a catalogue or on a shelf ticket.