New Zealand’s most frenzied supermarket promotions ranked and reviewed
A look back at New Zealand's history of supermarket loyalty schemes and collectible promotions, from Smeg knives to Ooshies.
New Zealand has developed a proud tradition of frenzied supermarket promotions that have driven shoppers to frenzy, injuries and school bans over the past decade. The article ranks these promotions by frenzy level, from the relatively tame 2015 Fruit for Kids scheme to the current Ooshies craze at Woolworths, which has already sold out and prompted schools to ban the figurines due to fights and theft. Notable past promotions include Smeg knives in 2021, which resulted in over 80 ACC claims from injuries, and Disney Dominoes in 2015, which saw adults and children fighting at swap meets. Marketing experts attribute the appeal to deep-seated desires to collect items and achieve completion, compounded by food budget pressures and surveillance concerns among New Zealand consumers.
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New Zealand’s most frenzied supermarket promotions, ranked and reviewed
Alex Casey takes a look back at our proud history of going apeshit over supermarket promotions. My household is delighted to announce the safe arrival of our brand new Smeg wooden cutting board, weighing a hearty 1.2kg and costing us…