Coles opens its own little shop as battle for customers goes small

The perpetual battle between supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths over shoppers’ dollars is about to get small.

Coles on Tuesday unveiled the first of its “Coles Local” small-format stores in the well-heeled Melbourne suburb of Surrey Hills, chasing what it says is a big opportunity in catering to wealthy but time-poor shoppers who will pay a premium for convenience and high-end products.