Outrage sparks as Coles supermarket changes shopping bags to half size!

Coles has landed itself in hot water with customers after trialling smaller paper shopping bags.

The move is part of Coles' shift away from single-use plastics, but has many shoppers feeling short-changed.


Earlier this year, Coles announced plans to replace their 15c soft plastic bags with 25c paper bags in all stores. Coles’ online customers are now being charged a flat rate of $1.50 for using the new ones.

More recently, the supermarket giant confirmed that it’s trialling a new paper bag size for home delivery orders, leading to displeasure amongst some shoppers.

An image circulating on social media shows that the new paper bags are about half the height of the original paper bags.

It is understood that if the trial is successful, a national rollout is planned for early 2024.


Screenshot 2023-12-12 105823.png
Coles have trialled a newly-sized paper bag for online shoppers. Image: Facebook


According to a Coles spokesperson, they are testing the new paper bags in select stores after garnering feedback from staff.

'We are currently trialling a new paper bag for online orders in 48 stores across South Australia. The decision follows feedback from our team members who said a shorter bag made packing the orders easier,’ they said.

‘All of our paper bags have undergone rigorous independent testing and found to safely hold up to six kilos of groceries and can be reused multiple times.'


Despite the changes in the size of paper bags in online orders in trial stores, no changes have been made to the bags customers purchase in-store nationally.

However, some shoppers have expressed their dismay over the paper bag’s size change.

'Hey Coles, your new half-sized paper bags are ridiculous, especially for your delivery service. Pull ya heads in,' said one outraged shopper.

'Coles, what is with these smaller bags?' said another.


Meanwhile, Coles said that they’ve been ‘impressed’ with the response from using plastic bags to paper bags.

'Our paper bags are made from 100 per cent recycled paper and unlike soft plastic bags can be recycled kerbside,’ a spokesperson said.

‘Since we announced our decision to phase out soft plastic bags in May, we have been impressed by our customers’ response to the paper bags and thank them for their willingness to adapt and support this important change that will see 230 million plastic bags removed from circulation in 1 year.'

After Coles announced the phase out of soft plastic bags, Coles Group Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer Matt Swindells said: ‘The most sustainable option is to bring your own reusable bag to the supermarket, but for those who forget, we will continue to sell 100 per cent recycled paper bags that can be recycled kerbside, as well as other reusable options.’


If you prefer to shop in-store, don’t worry—paper bags in stores are still the same size as they have been. And, of course, those familiar reusable tote bags are still available for your convenience, retailing for $1.00 for the smaller size and $2.50 for the larger bag. A chiller bag is also available for $2.50.

Key Takeaways
  • Coles supermarket customers have reacted negatively to a change in the store's paper shopping bags, which are now smaller and shorter.
  • The change is being trialled in 48 stores for home delivery orders after feedback from staff claimed shorter bags made packing easier.
  • Despite complaints, a Coles spokesperson defended the switch, stating the bags have been tested to safely hold up to six kilos, can be reused, and fit more easily into crates used for Coles Online orders.
  • It’s understood if the trial is successful, a national rollout is planned for early 2024.

What do you think of this story? Have you acquired some of Coles’ newly-sized paper bags? Let us know in the comments below!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ezzy and PattiB
Sponsored
I always give my own bags to the girl who goes to Aldi or the other stores for me. I am just very grateful that Woolies and Coles deliver to my door. Sometimes you just have to be grateful no matter the size of the bags they use.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Knell
I remember in aged care facilities, a craft with strips of shopping bags. It was knitted and made into coat hanger covers. They were good as your clothes didn't slip off.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ezzy and Liz
Those collapsible crates make wonderful under bed storage. I'm looking at them this very moment!
That's the reason they don't do it.... Maybe if they charged a hefty deposit they could pull it off..... an incentive to return the crates
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ezzy
Coles has landed itself in hot water with customers after trialling smaller paper shopping bags.

The move is part of Coles' shift away from single-use plastics, but has many shoppers feeling short-changed.


Earlier this year, Coles announced plans to replace their 15c soft plastic bags with 25c paper bags in all stores. Coles’ online customers are now being charged a flat rate of $1.50 for using the new ones.

More recently, the supermarket giant confirmed that it’s trialling a new paper bag size for home delivery orders, leading to displeasure amongst some shoppers.

An image circulating on social media shows that the new paper bags are about half the height of the original paper bags.

It is understood that if the trial is successful, a national rollout is planned for early 2024.


View attachment 37408
Coles have trialled a newly-sized paper bag for online shoppers. Image: Facebook


According to a Coles spokesperson, they are testing the new paper bags in select stores after garnering feedback from staff.

'We are currently trialling a new paper bag for online orders in 48 stores across South Australia. The decision follows feedback from our team members who said a shorter bag made packing the orders easier,’ they said.

‘All of our paper bags have undergone rigorous independent testing and found to safely hold up to six kilos of groceries and can be reused multiple times.'


Despite the changes in the size of paper bags in online orders in trial stores, no changes have been made to the bags customers purchase in-store nationally.

However, some shoppers have expressed their dismay over the paper bag’s size change.

'Hey Coles, your new half-sized paper bags are ridiculous, especially for your delivery service. Pull ya heads in,' said one outraged shopper.

'Coles, what is with these smaller bags?' said another.


Meanwhile, Coles said that they’ve been ‘impressed’ with the response from using plastic bags to paper bags.

'Our paper bags are made from 100 per cent recycled paper and unlike soft plastic bags can be recycled kerbside,’ a spokesperson said.

‘Since we announced our decision to phase out soft plastic bags in May, we have been impressed by our customers’ response to the paper bags and thank them for their willingness to adapt and support this important change that will see 230 million plastic bags removed from circulation in 1 year.'

After Coles announced the phase out of soft plastic bags, Coles Group Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer Matt Swindells said: ‘The most sustainable option is to bring your own reusable bag to the supermarket, but for those who forget, we will continue to sell 100 per cent recycled paper bags that can be recycled kerbside, as well as other reusable options.’


If you prefer to shop in-store, don’t worry—paper bags in stores are still the same size as they have been. And, of course, those familiar reusable tote bags are still available for your convenience, retailing for $1.00 for the smaller size and $2.50 for the larger bag. A chiller bag is also available for $2.50.

Key Takeaways

  • Coles supermarket customers have reacted negatively to a change in the store's paper shopping bags, which are now smaller and shorter.
  • The change is being trialled in 48 stores for home delivery orders after feedback from staff claimed shorter bags made packing easier.
  • Despite complaints, a Coles spokesperson defended the switch, stating the bags have been tested to safely hold up to six kilos, can be reused, and fit more easily into crates used for Coles Online orders.
  • It’s understood if the trial is successful, a national rollout is planned for early 2024.

What do you think of this story? Have you acquired some of Coles’ newly-sized paper bags? Let us know in the comments below!
Smaller bags for the home delivery. Good idea if you have a small order but…you wouldn’t want to be ordering a big list. How many extra bags would you need to pack the groceries in. Extra $$$ added to the weekly budget Will the staff be able to use the bags big or small accordingly to the size of the order???
Hope so 🤞
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ezzy and IAN3005
Smaller bags for the home delivery. Good idea if you have a small order but…you wouldn’t want to be ordering a big list. How many extra bags would you need to pack the groceries in. Extra $$$ added to the weekly budget Will the staff be able to use the bags big or small accordingly to the size of the order???
Hope so 🤞
Have NEVER purchased a bag since they started charging for them ... never bought anything that attracts a deposit.... intend to keep it that way....
 
Coles has landed itself in hot water with customers after trialling smaller paper shopping bags.

The move is part of Coles' shift away from single-use plastics, but has many shoppers feeling short-changed.


Earlier this year, Coles announced plans to replace their 15c soft plastic bags with 25c paper bags in all stores. Coles’ online customers are now being charged a flat rate of $1.50 for using the new ones.

More recently, the supermarket giant confirmed that it’s trialling a new paper bag size for home delivery orders, leading to displeasure amongst some shoppers.

An image circulating on social media shows that the new paper bags are about half the height of the original paper bags.

It is understood that if the trial is successful, a national rollout is planned for early 2024.


View attachment 37408
Coles have trialled a newly-sized paper bag for online shoppers. Image: Facebook


According to a Coles spokesperson, they are testing the new paper bags in select stores after garnering feedback from staff.

'We are currently trialling a new paper bag for online orders in 48 stores across South Australia. The decision follows feedback from our team members who said a shorter bag made packing the orders easier,’ they said.

‘All of our paper bags have undergone rigorous independent testing and found to safely hold up to six kilos of groceries and can be reused multiple times.'


Despite the changes in the size of paper bags in online orders in trial stores, no changes have been made to the bags customers purchase in-store nationally.

However, some shoppers have expressed their dismay over the paper bag’s size change.

'Hey Coles, your new half-sized paper bags are ridiculous, especially for your delivery service. Pull ya heads in,' said one outraged shopper.

'Coles, what is with these smaller bags?' said another.


Meanwhile, Coles said that they’ve been ‘impressed’ with the response from using plastic bags to paper bags.

'Our paper bags are made from 100 per cent recycled paper and unlike soft plastic bags can be recycled kerbside,’ a spokesperson said.

‘Since we announced our decision to phase out soft plastic bags in May, we have been impressed by our customers’ response to the paper bags and thank them for their willingness to adapt and support this important change that will see 230 million plastic bags removed from circulation in 1 year.'

After Coles announced the phase out of soft plastic bags, Coles Group Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer Matt Swindells said: ‘The most sustainable option is to bring your own reusable bag to the supermarket, but for those who forget, we will continue to sell 100 per cent recycled paper bags that can be recycled kerbside, as well as other reusable options.’


If you prefer to shop in-store, don’t worry—paper bags in stores are still the same size as they have been. And, of course, those familiar reusable tote bags are still available for your convenience, retailing for $1.00 for the smaller size and $2.50 for the larger bag. A chiller bag is also available for $2.50.

Key Takeaways

  • Coles supermarket customers have reacted negatively to a change in the store's paper shopping bags, which are now smaller and shorter.
  • The change is being trialled in 48 stores for home delivery orders after feedback from staff claimed shorter bags made packing easier.
  • Despite complaints, a Coles spokesperson defended the switch, stating the bags have been tested to safely hold up to six kilos, can be reused, and fit more easily into crates used for Coles Online orders.
  • It’s understood if the trial is successful, a national rollout is planned for early 2024.

What do you think of this story? Have you acquired some of Coles’ newly-sized paper bags? Let us know in the comments below!
 
I have repeatedly informed them that they are welcome to pack my delivery order in empty boxes. They haven't yet.
 

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×