Coles battles controversy over catchy jingle – but here are 10 great Australian examples that prove the jingle isn’t dead

As many pained parents know, the Coles “Down, Down, Prices are Down” jingle is a catchy one.

But the supermarket giant has now been accused of taking its marketing too far by offering prizes to school students who sing the jingle and telling schools to invite Coles managers in to talk with students.

According to The Australian, child welfare advocates have accused Coles of “brainwashing” students during its popular Sports for Schools program, which gives equipment for schools in return for receipts showing money spent at its supermarkets.

Child and adolescent psychologist Rita Princi told the paper that Coles’ actions could “cause conflict with parents and is a sign that consumerism has gotten out of hand”.

While we can’t comment on whether Coles is indeed brainwashing children, here at SmartCompany we note that the trusty jingle is not as prevalent as it used to be.

But as any TV-loving child knows, they stick in your head.

Here are our top 10 Australian advertising jingles. We welcome your suggestions in the comments section below.

Happy little Vegemites – Vegemite

It’s hard to top this ad for sheer longevity and catchiness. Plus, it tapped into Australian patriotism.

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Aussie kids are Weet Bix kids – Weet Bix

Like The Beatles, these ad writers knew you didn’t need to have a lot of words to get your message across.

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I like Aeroplane Jelly – Aeroplane Jelly

Karaoke for kids that works decades on.

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