Kmart shoppers in Brisbane have been taken by surprise with the introduction of coin-operated trolleys in some stores.
The budget retailer has started rolling out this change across Queensland, with around a third of Kmart stores in the state now having locked trolleys.
But what’s behind this move, and how do customers feel about it?
The Reason Behind the Change
The introduction of coin-operated trolleys is mainly due to councils implementing new requirements regarding trolley containment systems.
Some shopping centres where Kmart operates have also led the initiative to address issues of trolley theft, damage, and abandonment.
The new trolleys can be unlocked with a $1 or $2 coin, which is returned to the customer once the trolley is secured back into the in-store trolley bay.
Customer Reactions
While some customers don’t mind the new coin-operated trolleys, others are expressing their frustration on social media.
“Who has a coin anymore?” asked one disgruntled Aussie on Facebook. Others are pointing out that the move shows little consideration for parents with children who have to go “up and down” escalators to return their trolleys.
People with disabilities are also speaking out, claiming that the rollout wasn’t well-thought-out, as there aren’t trolley bays available to leave trolleys in the car park.
Finding Ways Around the Charge
Some customers are sharing clever ways to circumvent the charge, such as using a trolley from Coles or an Aldi token to unlock the Kmart trolley.
However, not everyone is a fan of the move. As one customer pointed out, “Get over it, Aldi has had them forever! It will make you take the trolley back and not leave it randomly somewhere!”
The Benefits of Coin-Operated Trolleys
On the other hand, some customers are defending the change, saying it’s a great idea to prevent trolleys from littering neighborhoods
. As one customer wrote, “So sick of seeing trolleys littering our neighbourhood”. Residents are encouraged to report abandoned shopping trolleys to the relevant retailer if they see one on the street or in a waterway.