Shoppers frustrated over checkout practice in ALDI. Did this catch your attention, too?
- Replies 29
ALDI has always been different from the other big supermarkets.
From their speedy checkouts to their no-frills approach, they pride themselves on efficiency and low prices.
If you've shopped at ALDI recently, you might have noticed something different at the checkout, and it has shoppers a tad miffed.
Lately, more and more shoppers have reported that staff are asking to check their reusable bags at the checkout.
One shopper recently shared their experience online.
'She still asked, "Are your bags empty?" even after I'd shown they were flat and unused,' the shopper recounted.
While the customer wasn't too bothered, they were surprised and wondered if this was a new thing.
While the practice has been around for a while, it recently got more attention.
Is this a new policy, or just a sign of the times?
According to long-time ALDI shoppers and staff, bag checks have been part of the ALDI experience.
'Been shopping at ALDI for nearly two decades, and they're always peeking,' one shopper commented.
'Our local even has a dedicated security guard for it,' another added.
While bag checks aren't new, many have agreed that they have become 'aggressive'. Why?
An ALDI worker explained that the company wants to prevent shoplifting.
'We're being checked on the cameras constantly and disciplined regularly about checking bags,' the worker shared.
'Stock losses are one of the major focuses of the company, the most it's ever been in my time at ALDI.'
Apart from ALDI, retailers across Australia have been tightening security as shoplifting rates rise amid the cost of living pressures.
While the intention is to protect stock and keep prices low, some shoppers said that the process can feel uncomfortable.
Coles has implemented several anti-shoplifting measures over the years. Watch here:
Source: A Current Affair/YouTube
In Australia, retailers are allowed to conduct bag checks as a condition of entry.
By walking in, you're generally agreeing to these terms.
However, according to the National Retail Association, staff can only check bags, parcels, prams, containers, and bags larger than an A4 piece of paper.
While customers can refuse a bag check, the store can also ask customers to leave the premises.
Some shoppers shared that they felt singled out or embarrassed.
Others found it inconvenient, especially when they were juggling groceries, kids, or mobility aids.
On the flip side, other shoppers don't mind the checks if it means keeping prices down and deterring theft.
READ MORE: Rising costs, rising crimes: Shoplifting among average Aussies surges amidst economic strain
Have you noticed more bag checks at ALDI or other supermarkets lately? How do you feel about the process? Is it a fair practice, or is it going too far? Share your experiences with us in the comments section below.
From their speedy checkouts to their no-frills approach, they pride themselves on efficiency and low prices.
If you've shopped at ALDI recently, you might have noticed something different at the checkout, and it has shoppers a tad miffed.
Lately, more and more shoppers have reported that staff are asking to check their reusable bags at the checkout.
One shopper recently shared their experience online.
'She still asked, "Are your bags empty?" even after I'd shown they were flat and unused,' the shopper recounted.
ALDI shoppers have expressed their concern over the strict bag checks in store. Image Credit: ALDI Unpacked
While the customer wasn't too bothered, they were surprised and wondered if this was a new thing.
While the practice has been around for a while, it recently got more attention.
Is this a new policy, or just a sign of the times?
According to long-time ALDI shoppers and staff, bag checks have been part of the ALDI experience.
'Been shopping at ALDI for nearly two decades, and they're always peeking,' one shopper commented.
'Our local even has a dedicated security guard for it,' another added.
While bag checks aren't new, many have agreed that they have become 'aggressive'. Why?
An ALDI worker explained that the company wants to prevent shoplifting.
'We're being checked on the cameras constantly and disciplined regularly about checking bags,' the worker shared.
'Stock losses are one of the major focuses of the company, the most it's ever been in my time at ALDI.'
Apart from ALDI, retailers across Australia have been tightening security as shoplifting rates rise amid the cost of living pressures.
While the intention is to protect stock and keep prices low, some shoppers said that the process can feel uncomfortable.
Coles has implemented several anti-shoplifting measures over the years. Watch here:
Source: A Current Affair/YouTube
In Australia, retailers are allowed to conduct bag checks as a condition of entry.
By walking in, you're generally agreeing to these terms.
However, according to the National Retail Association, staff can only check bags, parcels, prams, containers, and bags larger than an A4 piece of paper.
While customers can refuse a bag check, the store can also ask customers to leave the premises.
Some shoppers shared that they felt singled out or embarrassed.
Others found it inconvenient, especially when they were juggling groceries, kids, or mobility aids.
On the flip side, other shoppers don't mind the checks if it means keeping prices down and deterring theft.
READ MORE: Rising costs, rising crimes: Shoplifting among average Aussies surges amidst economic strain
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