'Don't expect logic': Supermarket's packaging strategy confuses shoppers

When shopping online, sometimes we have to expect the unexpected.

Yet, some digital purchases could leave us scratching our heads in bewilderment.

This was the case for a number of Coles customers who have noticed an odd detail in their online grocery deliveries.


An anonymous shopper recently shared his odd online shopping experience at Coles.

According to the shopper, he received one piece of fruit bagged separately in their Coles online delivery.

'My partner and I have been getting Coles delivery since COVID-19, and every time, there's always one apple bagged by itself, or one banana, or one orange,' he wrote in a post.


compressed-coles fruit.jpeg
The shopper shared an image of separately packaged fruit they received from Coles. Image Credit: Reddit/Isaac129


The shopper then wondered about the reason behind Coles' peculiar packing practice.

'I'm not upset or anything. It's just odd,' he added.

'Is there an accountability practice in their bagging or something? I just don't get it.'


The post quickly garnered the attention of other Coles shoppers and even those claiming to be staff members in the supermarket chain.

'It's Coles. Don't expect logic,' a comment read.

'It happens quite a bit. Not every single order, but at least a few per shift.'

'Big orders are split between different crates. For some reason, whatever program divides items and separates them into crates will separate things like fruit,' a third added.

'It was always so unsatisfying when I had to bag one bit of fruit separate from the rest purely because the system forced me to.'

'I notice this too,' another chimed in.

'No complaints, though, as we reuse the plastics as bin liners. Just very odd when double-checking items.'


In response to the growing curiosity and concern, a Coles spokesperson addressed the issue.

'Coles is committed to reducing unnecessary plastics in our stores and online,' the spokesperson stated.

'This is a rare incident that is not in line with our operating standards.'

'Our team members receive specific training directed to bag each product together in a single fresh-produce bag,' the spokesperson concluded.

However, the packaging issue remained prevalent among multiple customers.


This issue was not the only recent development that has put Coles in the spotlight.

Earlier this week, a 63-year-old Coles worker was allegedly stabbed by a teenager.

This incident pushed Coles to remove kitchen knives from the shelves across all Australian stores.

They described the move as a precautionary measure as they conducted a review of their safety standards.

As we enjoy the convenience of online shopping, supermarkets like Coles continue to adopt measures ensuring customer satisfaction and safety.
Key Takeaways

  • A supermarket shopper noticed their online orders from Coles often bagged a separate fruit.
  • This phenomenon sparked confusion and discussion among customers and Coles employees.
  • The supermarket assured customers that the single bag of produce was an anomaly that did not reflect their usual operating standards.
  • The supermarket chain recently decided to remove kitchen knives from their shelves nationwide, citing concerns over safety and violence.
Have you experienced any peculiar packing in your online grocery orders? Have you noticed other online shopping oddities that left you puzzled? Share your stories with us in the comments below!
 

Seniors Discount Club

Sponsored content

Info
Loading data . . .
How come Coles packers tell us 1 thing and the Coles bosses tell us another. I would believe the workers before I believe the bosses. However if it was me and I was collecting the items to be packed I would use commonsense and pack the fruit together.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Liz
How come Coles packers tell us 1 thing and the Coles bosses tell us another. I would believe the workers before I believe the bosses. However if it was me and I was collecting the items to be packed I would use commonsense and pack the fruit together.
I think that's what the Coles bosses are saying, but the workers don't over-rule the computerised system.
 
This is not unusual. I was the person who, along with IGA Manager, Rodney, in Bundaberg got home deliveries going. That's how you order fruit and vegetables ...by number of items not Kilos. Oh the brilliance of the head office brains. It was great to get home deliveries anyway until the Paris Olympics when some total idiot took over and now I can't do it because the brains trust decided that we need a mobile phone so they can "send you a SMS". What the hell for? Especially since many hundreds of people in the Telstra Bundaberg area HAVE NO INTERNET OR MOBILE PHONES,
 
As an 84 year old online shopping is a godsend. But I get annoyed when I get goods that can be put in a bag together without damage and I get one each in separate bags.
I do use the bags, they make good liners for the kitty litter boxes. Lol
 
I sometimes do order online for pickup otherwise hubby goes and gets the necessities but because both of us have health problems I took out online home delivery. I don't get any fruit or veg in plastic from my Coles - they simply put it into the paper bags -last 2 orders I ordered onion (loose) broccoli, zucchini and all came just placed neatly in the paper bags. I do use their plastic produce bags again though.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Isis

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else

Latest Articles

  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×