Newsagency industry commentator and NewsXpress director Mark Fletcher has taken a mighty swipe at Officeworks, claiming the retailer’s barrage of back-to-school ads are disguising the “above the odds’ prices for other items.

 

Writing on his Newsagency Blog, Fletcher said: ”Officeworks is spending a ton of money right now advertising that they offer the best back-to-school deals. They have clever wording to buy them coverage for one direct price comparison. Like Bunnings, they are the master of making it look like they are cheaper. That’s to get you in and spending, knowing you’ll pay above the odds on other items.

 

“While I don’t offer back-to-school supplies in the newsagencies I own, I urge all Australians with kids heading to school this year to shop local, shop with the shop you are likely to call on to support your community group or charity.

 

“The Officeworks ads are excellent at nurturing the impression that you will save if you shop with them.

 

“Local retailers like newsagents and local stationery shops, family businesses, businesses integrated with the local community, will provide more genuine value if you support them,” he said.