Coles

Coles supermarkets are a subsidiary of the parent company Wesfarmers,  operating in Australia. Founded in 1914 by GJ Coles under the brand name “Coles Variety Store.” The company currently headquartered in Hawthorn, East Victoria. Australia. 

GJ Cole expanded into the grocery sector with the acquisition of three major chains between 1958 and 1960. The John Connell Dickens chain, The Babies and the Mathews Thompson Chain. 

The company now operates over 700 stores throughout Australia and is in every metropolitan area. Coles has 100,000 employees and as of 2013 has shown revenue of A$ 32.7 billion.

Coles operates under an ethical sourcing policy. A commitment to the purchasing of product that does not foster exploitation. Suppliers held to a high standard in the processing of the line Coles brand products. Winning the Fair Trade Retail Award of the year in 2013. Having included in their offerings of product that are Fair Trade Certified. 

Coles offers customers the opportunity to shop online and publishes a company magazine. Coles runs five levels of private label brands that are used to stock the supermarkets.

The corporate governance is maintained by the parent company Wesfarmers with a Mr. John Durkan as Coles managing director.