🔥 Trending ACCC Blocks Coles Supermarket Expansion in Kalgoorlie

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has blocked Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd (ASX: COL) from acquiring a leasehold interest for a new supermarket and liquor store site in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Western Australia ²⁵. This decision, announced on July 1, 2026, prevents Coles from developing a second supermarket in the regional mining city ¹³⁴.

Background of the Decision

Coles had notified the ACCC in November 2025 of its proposal to acquire a lease for a vacant site at 95-106 Great Eastern Highway, Somerville, a suburb of Kalgoorlie-Boulder ⁸. The plan was to develop this site into a full-line supermarket and a Liquorland store ⁴⁸. Kalgoorlie-Boulder already has one Coles supermarket, a Woolworths, and two independent supermarkets ¹.

Reasons for the ACCC's Block

The ACCC's decision stems from concerns that the proposed acquisition would substantially lessen competition in Kalgoorlie-Boulder ⁴⁵. The regulatory body concluded that allowing Coles to open a second store would likely reduce competition among grocery retailers in the area ⁴.

Impact on Competition

The ACCC's intervention is aimed at protecting smaller, local rivals and ensuring a competitive market environment ³⁷. By blocking Coles' expansion, the ACCC seeks to prevent a significant reduction in choice and potential price increases for consumers in Kalgoorlie ⁴. This move highlights the ACCC's use of its new powers to scrutinize and block acquisitions that could harm competition ¹⁷.

The full Phase 2 Determination regarding this decision is available on the ACCC's acquisitions register ⁶.