Highlights

  • FY26 group sales Revenue reached $45.6 billion, while Group EBIT excluding significant items was $2.3 billion.
  • Supermarkets eCommerce sales increased 26.4%, underlining the growing role of digital channels.
  • Coles completed 241 new stores and renewals during FY26 as it continued investing in its retail network.
  • The group continues to focus on food, drink and everyday essentials, supported by digital capability and operational efficiency.
  • FY27 execution will depend on maintaining customer value, managing costs and progressing network and technology investment.

Coles Group (ASX:COL) is one of Australia’s leading retailers, operating more than 1,800 retail outlets nationally across supermarkets, liquor and related businesses. Its FY26 results highlighted the scale of the core supermarket business, continued growth in digital shopping and ongoing Investment in stores and operational capability. The year also showed how Earnings depend on balancing customer value, retail costs and the pace of technology and network investment.

FY26 Performance Snapshot

For FY26, Coles reported group sales revenue of $45.6 billion and Group EBIT excluding significant items of $2.3 billion. NPAT was reported at $1.1 billion. These figures reflect the scale of the group’s retail operations and provide the main financial reference points for the year. The company’s results also showed continued investment across its store base, with 241 new stores and renewals completed during FY26.

Digital Retail Remains a Key Growth Area

Supermarkets eCommerce sales increased 26.4% during FY26. Coles operates its digital grocery Business alongside its national store network, giving customers access to home delivery and Click&Collect services. The increase indicates that online shopping continued to expand as part of the group’s omnichannel model. Digital growth also increases the importance of fulfilment efficiency, technology investment and consistent Customer Service across physical and online channels.

Retail Network and Operating Strategy

Coles’ stated strategy centres on food, drink and everyday essentials, supported by digital capability and more efficient operations. During FY26, the group continued investing in store renewals and network development while also building technology and supply-chain capability. The company’s approach links customer value and product availability with operating discipline, making execution across stores, distribution and digital platforms central to future performance.

Key Operating Considerations

Coles operates in a competitive retail environment where pricing, product availability, labour, energy and logistics costs can affect margins. Growth in eCommerce also requires investment in fulfilment capacity and digital systems. At the same time, store renewals and network projects need to deliver operational benefits without disrupting trading. These factors mean that sales growth alone does not determine earnings performance; cost management and execution remain equally important.

Key Insights

Coles’ FY26 result showed a large-scale retail business continuing to invest in digital channels and its physical network. The 26.4% increase in supermarket eCommerce sales points to a continuing shift in how customers shop, while the group’s store renewal programme supports its in-store offer. For FY27, the key issue is how effectively Coles converts these investments into consistent sales, service and operating efficiency while managing cost pressures across the retail network.