Shoppers should explore supermarkets freely and without any dangers.

Yet a recent incident led a supermarket giant to implement drastic measures for everyone's safety.

In response to a harrowing incident that occurred last Monday, Coles announced a nationwide ban on kitchen knife sales.

'Coles has decided to withdraw its range of kitchen knives for sale from supermarkets across Australia,' a spokesperson for the retailer confirmed in a statement.

The move to halt sales reflected a precautionary stance as the company reviewed its current policy.

Kitchen knives have been banned in retailers after cases of injury and assault. Image Credit: Pexels/Sternsteiger Stahlwaren

'Coles complies with all legislation regarding the sale of kitchen knives, and this withdrawal is being taken out of an abundance of caution as we conduct a review,' the spokesperson added.

'The safety of our team members and customers is our number one priority across all aspects of our business.'

Despite the ban, kitchen knives from SMEG should still be available for redemption at the supermarket's service desk until Tuesday, 21 January.

This drastic measure came after a distressing event in Queensland, where a 13-year-old boy allegedly stabbed a 63-year-old Coles employee.

The attack took place at a shopping centre near Warwick Road in Yamanto at around 5:25 pm Monday.

The 13-year-old boy involved in the stabbing has been charged with attempted murder.

On the other hand, recent reports stated that the victim is in a critical but stable condition.

This incident sent shockwaves through the local community and prompted Coles to take immediate action.

After the imposed ban, the knives have already been removed from the shelves.

SMEG knives, on the other hand, are only visible for redemption purposes.

This incident has brought to light the broader issue of violence happening in the retail industry.

According to the Australian Retail Association (ARA), approximately 700,000 retail crime incidents impacted staff numbers nationwide last year.

'The ARA and NRA were deeply concerned by this shocking act of violence in Queensland—something no worker should ever have to face,' a spokesperson for both associations stated.

'The ARA and National Retail Association continue to call for strengthened safety measures to protect retail workers amidst a concerning wave of violence in retail settings.'

'We fully support retailers who are taking initiatives to improve safety for staff,' they concluded.

On the other hand, Woolworths also took steps to address a similar issue.

Following an attack on a staff member in Brunswick in 2021, Woolworths revealed that 350 of their stores across the country already stopped selling knives.

The supermarket also implemented packaging protocols to ensure that kitchen knives bought through their online store were secured in high-grade, clamshell packaging.

'We are committed to continue partnering with Government, Police and industry bodies to safeguard our teams and customers from violence and aggression in our stores,' a Woolworths spokesperson emphasised.

Coles' decision should be a stark reminder of the risks retail workers face and the necessary measures to protect workers.

Key Takeaways

• Coles has decided to stop selling kitchen knives nationwide following an incident in Queensland, where a teenager allegedly stabbed a 63-year-old worker.
• Following the attack, Coles announced the withdrawal of kitchen knives for sale from all supermarkets across Australia.
• The Australian Retail Association (ARA) highlighted the prevalence of retail crime incidents and called for strengthened safety measures to protect retail workers.
• Woolworths also shared that 350 of their stores had already stopped selling knives after a separate attack on a staff member in 2021.

We extend our thoughts to the injured Coles worker and their family during this difficult time.

 

[deni67]

This is a bit of a contradiction.
First it says this:
"On the other hand, Woolworths also took steps to address a similar issue.
Following an attack on a staff member in Brunswick in 2021, Woolworths revealed that 350 of their stores across the country already stopped selling knives.

Then it says this:
"The supermarket also implemented packaging protocols to ensure that kitchen knives were secured in high-grade, clamshell packaging."

Which is it, a ban on all knives or not?

 

[Danielle F.]

This is a bit of a contradiction.
First it says this:
"On the other hand, Woolworths also took steps to address a similar issue.
Following an attack on a staff member in Brunswick in 2021, Woolworths revealed that 350 of their stores across the country already stopped selling knives.

Then it says this:
"The supermarket also implemented packaging protocols to ensure that kitchen knives were secured in high-grade, clamshell packaging."

Which is it, a ban on all knives or not?

The clamshell packaging is for kitchen knives bought from their online store. The ban is only implemented on their physical stores.