Coles has kicked off its centenary celebrations by recreating one of its stores from 100 years ago. It wants to show customers that it is still based on the same principles.
The first Coles store was opened in Smith Street in Collingwood, Victoria by brothers GJ and James Coles, in April 1914. Nothing in the store was over two shillings, or two bob. Back then there were 20 shillings to the Australian Pound, with a shilling worth 12 pence. It's hard to work out what that equates to, given the switch to dollars and decimilisation, plus a century of inflation. But it sounds like good value.
Ian McLeod, Coles managing director, said that would continue: “2014 is an important year for Coles as we celebrate the fact that we have now been serving our customers for 100 years. During the course of the year, we will celebrate this event with our customers, team members and suppliers to commemorate this great Coles community and our uniquely Australian story.”
“GJ Coles was a businessman, a family man and a philanthropist - dedicated to providing both great quality and great value, as well as a strong commitment to customer and community service. 100 years on and Coles remains true to the core principles of its founder and we will continue to strive to do so, keeping our customers at the heart of everything we do.”
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