Supermarkets have been under intense scrutiny in Australia over a range of issues, including alleged profiteering in a cost of living crisis, and poor treatment of workers and suppliers.

In this episode, we explore how the use of advanced technologies and digital platforms by the two supermarket majors may be contributing to these issues, and further entrenching market dominance.

Links:

Four Corners investigation https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-19/super-power-the-cost-of-living-with-coles-and-woolworths/103486508

The Conversation piece on surveillance tech at Coles and Woolworths https://theconversation.com/the-secret-sauce-of-coles-and-woolworths-profits-high-tech-surveillance-and-control-224076

The Conversation piece on Coles deal with Palantir https://theconversation.com/solving-the-supermarket-why-coles-just-hired-us-defence-contractor-palantir-222883

Monash Business School study on cost of living, consumer sentiment and shoplifting https://lens.monash.edu/@business-economy/2023/09/25/1386156/cost-of-living-shoplifting-surge-aussies-pushed-to-the-limit

Academic article about 'refractive surveillance' https://ijoc.org/index.php/ijoc/article/view/7041

Credits:
Editing and post-production by Martin Franklin (East Coast Studio) eastcoaststudio.com.au

Music by Bensound.com