Coop Extra Slashes Candy Prices to Celebrate 20th Anniversary
- According to communications director Harald Kristiansen, the steep discount brings the cost down to 59 kroner per kilogram—roughly a third of the standard 16.90 kroner per hectogram price...
- The single-day promotion undercuts rival supermarket chains across Norway for the week, according to market pricing tracked by Nettavisen.
- To manage expected consumer demand, Extra has prepared inventory across all locations.
According to communications director Harald Kristiansen, the steep discount brings the cost down to 59 kroner per kilogram—roughly a third of the standard 16.90 kroner per hectogram price typically charged by the Coop-owned chain.
Anniversary Promotion Sparks Price Comparison
The single-day promotion undercuts rival supermarket chains across Norway for the week, according to market pricing tracked by Nettavisen. Bunnpris has scheduled a promotional price of 9.90 kroner per hectogram from Thursday through Saturday, while Europris is charging 10 kroner per hectogram in an offer running through the end of the week. Additional 10-kroner promotions are slated for Friday at Prix, Coop Marked, and Matkroken. When contacted by Nettavisen, major rival grocery operators Kiwi and Rema 1000 declined to state whether they would match the price cut. Retail industry observers note that competing chains rarely match short-term promotional discounts.
Stock Preparations and Public Health Criticisms
To manage expected consumer demand, Extra has prepared inventory across all locations. The birthday party is planned in good time and all stores have ordered in extra goods to this day,
Kristiansen stated, according to Nettavisen, assuring customers that steps have been taken to prevent empty bins. Low-cost supermarkets in Norway face regular criticism for discounting sugary goods, but Extra paired the candy promotion with discounted produce, offering cauliflower and broccoli at 5.90 kroner per piece alongside 400-gram packages of carrots at the same price point, as reported by Nettavisen. Consumer researcher Runar Døving criticized standard retail pricing practices in an interview with Nettavisen, arguing that standard candy prices reveal massive profit margins on sugar-based goods. The fact that they usually sell the pick-and-mix candy for 169 kroner kilo, shows that the grocery industry secures a huge margin,
Døving said, adding that the lower promotional price represents a more accurate reflection of baseline costs. Døving may think whatever he wants about the price level, but we see that customers are greatly enjoying the low prices on pick-and-mix candy and the healthier alternatives this week,
Kristiansen said to Nettavisen.
