First post, hope it'll be helpful.
I went to Coles at Randwick first time in a while, and saw unbelievable prices for Coles branded Alkaline cells, and energiser lithiums. I also saw these specials at Hurstville Station Coles, so it might be nation/sydney-wide.
AA - 49c/2pack, $2 for 5 packs (20cents each!!)!!!!
AAA - 49c/2pack, $2 for 5 packs!!!!
CR2 - $5/2pack, clearance. expiry around 2016. normally 15-25$ retail. Energiser brand
2CR2 - $2 clearance. expiry around 2016. normally 15-25$ retail. Energiser brand
2CR5 - $3 clearance. expiry around 2016. normally 24$ retail at coles. Energiser brand
CR123 - $1 clearance. 2016
Stock level seems pretty good, i saw about 50packs of alkalines on the shelves.
I figure the lithiums are on clearance, at BOTH STORES, possibly means most coles are clearing them, since they're typically used in film cameras and who the **** uses those anymore (no offence to those who do)
EDIT: I'm wondering if the alkalines are on "silent" clearance maybe, or some sort of pricing error, as the cheapest alternative (eveready alkaline) is about $1 per cell, far more expensive. I think i'll forget about the environment for once and stock up on these - they're "best before 06-2012"
Hmm, I was just at my local Coles today (2165) and actually did have a look at their batteries section, but I didn't notice any of the items you mentioned on sale. Then again, I wasn't looking very hard!
I must say those are pretty good prices for the lithium batteries. I use the CR123 size in some of my flashlights so I might just go back to the local store to have a closer look.