Just when you thought it was safe to end your relationship with Coles, one of Australia’s supermarket giants responsible for the fact that I paid $12.50 for some very un-fancy mozzarella slices yesterday, it’s gone and pulled out a whole-arse Pokémon promotion that’s sure to have parents and scalpers punching on like they were at a Van Gogh exhibit.
Starting on Wednesday, February 7th, Coles will be handing out a free “Pokémon Coles Builder” collectable character with every $30 spent in one transaction at its participating Coles stores and Coles online. There will be a total of 35 to collect, predominantly from the earliest generation, with some reports also claiming that “rare” Builders could become available over the course of the promotion.
A spokesperson for Coles confirmed the promotion with us, saying “On Wednesday 7th February, for the first time at Coles, 35 unique Coles Builders, Pokémon Edition will be available to collect featuring some fan-favourites, like Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, and Pikachu, all made from 100% FSC certified cardboard sourced from responsibly managed forests and recyclable in household recycling bins at the end of play.”
As has been the case with previous collectable giveaways, Coles will also have accessories available to purchase along with a Collector’s Guide to pick up in-store.
Coles is also launching a new “Coles Builders Lunchbox Challenge” to promote healthy eating in children, and says these new collectibles are plastic-free and recyclable.
Coles’ spokesperson also told Press Start Australia, “We are launching the Coles Builders Lunchbox Challenge, this is part of a wider program to promote healthy eating for kids.
With the help of a free challenge poster, kids will be encouraged to try more types of fruit and veg. For every piece of fruit or veg added to lunchboxes, kids can colour a star and be on their way to become a Lunchbox Master.”
