Comments made by a Coles spokesperson have been criticised as a “slap in the face” to consumers and suppliers.

Retail expert at the University of Tasmania, Louise Grimmer, says a lot of suppliers are small to medium sized companies.

“When we’ve seen the profits that the big two are posting … It’s a shocking abuse of power, and I don’t think consumers are going to be impressed,” she told Tony Moclair.

Press PLAY to hear what the comments were and her thoughts on the big two

She also says a lot of discounts are bared by the supplier, not the supermarket.

“It’s not the supermarket dropping the price and being a good citizen,” she said.

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