A question on supermarket etiquette sparked a debate–which side are you on?
Have you ever wandered the aisles of a supermarket with an empty stomach, longing for something to nibble on?
A shopper named Lauren ‘Loz’ Curtis posted a polarising question on social media that’s bound to get you thinking.
'Here’s a divisive question for you,' Curtis began.
'If you’re at a shopping centre and you’re hungry and you take a bag of chips off the shelf that you haven’t paid for yet, is it okay to open them and eat them before you have paid for them?'
The question prompted a variety of answers and opinions from Curtis’s followers. Most said to wait until passing the checkout, while others argued that it was okay as long as you still pay for the chips.
One commented, 'I don't think that's divisive at all! It's a definite yes! You're still paying for it!'
Another follower wrote, 'Of course, as long as you pay for them at the checkout–that shopping hunger is real!'
Other shoppers had a different opinion on the matter.
'I understand why people do it, but for me, personally, I would rather starve than risk being yelled at for opening them before paying!'
'Maybe 20 years ago but not anymore. Shops are far more cautious about theft. I wouldn’t risk the consequences,' another shopper explained.
Aside from the obvious consequences of petty theft, some owners have resorted to rather unique means of punishing thieves caught in the act. You can read more about how this supermarket boss handles store theft, for example.
Some responded to the post with practical advice. One user stated: 'I only do it with water. I feel like anything else can wait until you get in the car/home.'
Meanwhile, some followers joked about the pitfalls of the retail industry, writing: 'Used to work at Woolworths. Can guarantee the workers do not get paid enough to care as long as you pay at the end you’re good!'
Another said: ‘I'd say no for adults but I tell you now, if my child is screaming while I'm grocery shopping and I've run out of snacks–I'm opening that chip packet!’
You can watch Lauren’s video below:
Key Takeaways
- A shopper named Lauren 'Loz' Curtis asked online whether it's acceptable to eat a bag of chips in a supermarket before you've paid for them.
- The simple question sparked varying responses, with many advising to wait until the items have been paid for at the checkout.
- Some stated they regularly do this with items like water, while others believed it was perfectly fine as long as the items would be paid for.
Last edited by a moderator: