Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) shares have all risen steadily to start the week.
These blue-chip companies have all enjoyed positive investor sentiment over the last couple of days. These household names have risen around 2%, in line with the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).
Is this the time to jump on board?
For investors looking to gain exposure, here is the latest guidance on what to expect moving forward.
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Retail and shopping giants
Coles, Wesfarmers and Woolworths shares are all large-cap, blue-chip companies and significant constituents of the S&P/ASX 200 Index.
Each operates in Australia's retail sector and provides essential consumer goods, making them relatively defensive investments that tend to perform consistently across economic cycles.
Coles and Woolworths are Australia's two dominant supermarket retailers, competing directly in grocery, liquor, and online retail, while Wesfarmers owns a diversified portfolio of retail businesses, including Bunnings, Kmart, Officeworks, and other consumer-focused operations.
Although Wesfarmers has a broader retail portfolio than Coles and Woolworths, all three companies generate substantial revenue from everyday consumer spending, possess strong market positions, and are widely regarded by investors as stable, high-quality companies with consistent earnings and dividend-paying histories.
How have they performed in 2026?
Investors have turned to these kinds of companies so far in 2026.
Rising interest rates and high inflation have pushed investors towards these defensive options.
Ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and concerns about slowing economic growth have further encouraged a rotation into defensive consumer staples and retail stocks, supporting demand for these shares throughout 2026.
All three have risen year to date, however Woolworths shares have been the clear winner, rising over 35%.
Meanwhile, Coles shares have risen 11.5% and Wesfarmers shares have risen just over 9%.
Which is the best buy right now?
After rising this year, there are mixed views on these retail giants.
In good news, Ord Minnett recently put a buy rating on Coles shares along with a $27 price target.
The broker believes that the company is well-positioned for sales growth in the first quarter.
From current levels, this indicates an upside potential of over 13%.
Elsewhere, it appears experts now see Woolworths shares as fully valued, with the majority viewing it as a hold or sell.
Finally, Wesfarmers has recently been listed as a sell by Morgan Stanley.
The broker has a 12-month price target of $79.
However, from its current share price hovering around $89 per share, this indicates a downside of 11%.
