Shoppers demand this Coles checkout change right away: ‘Makes so much sense’

As we navigate the aisles of our local supermarkets, many are on the lookout for ways to make their shopping experience more efficient and environmentally friendly.

It's no surprise that Coles' 'Swap-a-box' initiative has caught the attention of eco-conscious shoppers, sparking a conversation about the future of grocery shopping.



Introduced as a trial a year ago, the 'Swap-a-box' program offered a sustainable alternative to the dreaded pile-up of plastic bags in our homes.

For a $2 fee, customers could purchase a sturdy Coles carry box to transport their groceries, with the option to return and reuse it on subsequent shopping trips.


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Shoppers call for the expansion of the ‘Swap-a-box’ initiative. Credit: @Negative_Let_7606 / Reddit


This initiative was not only a nod to environmental responsibility but also a practical solution for those who have faced the frustration of paper bags tearing under the weight of their shopping.

The trial, which began in Tasmanian stores and a select few in Victoria and Western Australia, was met with enthusiasm from customers using the Click&Collect service.

A Coles spokesperson highlighted the positive feedback and the company's zero waste ambitions.

‘The response from customers has been very positive, and we look forward to rolling out the Swap-a-box option nationally,’ the spokesperson said.



However, a full year has passed, and many shoppers wonder why the initiative hasn't seen wider implementation.

‘Why isn't Coles utilising these at stores? Perfect size, so much easier to use and no more torn paper bags,’ one shopper wrote, sharing a photo of their box of groceries.

The conversation has extended beyond Coles, with shoppers pointing out that independent grocers and stores like Foodworks, Foodland, IGA, and Bunnings have long offered boxes to customers.

‘I remember back in the dying days of the last century, my local supermarket had a wall of empty boxes by the checkouts for people to put their groceries into,’ another said.

‘Makes so much sense, boxes get recycled, and the supermarket doesn’t need to dispose of them.’

Despite these advantages, some shoppers have expressed scepticism about the 'Swap-a-box' program on a larger scale.

‘People won’t consistently return them. It’s not like a fruit shop or Bunnings reusing their old stock boxes. These boxes look purposely made for the scheme and rely on being returned,’ a shopper said.



In response to the growing demand for expansion, a Coles spokesperson has stated that the supermarket is 'encouraged by the response' to the trial.

‘We're encouraged by the response we've received from our reusable box trial, which is currently underway at 29 stores across Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania and Queensland,’ the spokesperson said.

‘We look forward to providing more of our customers with the option of a Swap-a-box soon.’

‘Our customers who have participated in the trial have said the Swap-a-box is durable and can be used multiple times, has reduced their use of bags and fits well into a car boot.’
Key Takeaways

  • Coles supermarket's 'Swap-a-box' initiative has received positive feedback, designed to reduce plastic bag use and contribute to zero waste goals.
  • Despite a successful trial, calls for a national rollout of the 'Swap-a-box' scheme have emerged as shoppers find the service convenient and eco-friendly.
  • The initiative is currently available at 29 stores for Click&Collect orders in Victoria, Tasmania, Western Australia, and Queensland.
  • A Coles spokesperson has expressed encouragement over the trial's success but did not confirm an imminent service expansion.
Have you tried Coles’ 'Swap-a-box' program? Share them with us in the comments below!
 
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What a great idea…
Obviously there are No Coles stores in South Australia…..
This Swap a box is Not available anywhere in our state…..
My question to Coles is Why???
 
Well first ive not heard about swap a box, part of the hassle is people are lazy and wont return for reuse, living in the Mallee, when a european chain arrived you put a coin into the trolley and took all to the car returned trolley to store and received your coin back, shoppers at the store very seldom leave trolleys in the car park, and if they do , someone will return to trolley area and get the reward; i still take some recycled plastic bags and continue to use.
 
Why don't Coles and Woolies do the same as Aldi and MAKE people return their trolleys to the store to get their gold coin back. Would save having to collect trolleys from the streets etc. These days some people are too lazy to get out of their own way 🤬🤬
 
What a great idea…
Obviously there are No Coles stores in South Australia…..
This Swap a box is Not available anywhere in our state…..
My question to Coles is Why???
so you read the article? 'The trial, which began in Tasmanian stores and a select few in Victoria and Western Australia' strangely, I don't see anywhere that SA was EVERY mentioned. Also, why ask a question of Coles on here? GO TO THEIR WEBSITE.
 
Why don't Coles and Woolies do the same as Aldi and MAKE people return their trolleys to the store to get their gold coin back. Would save having to collect trolleys from the streets etc. These days some people are too lazy to get out of their own way 🤬🤬
Many do, but it's not exactly fool proof, people know how to get the trolley (including Aldi) without a coin. Then abandon where they choose, often in the street that they reside in. The wheel lock combined with the coin would be a more sensible option, can't take outside the boundary of the carpark and those that think it's worth $1 will then return to appropriate spot(s).
 
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When I lived in England I bought a supermaket trolley from Aldi for only one pound!
It should have been great for me as I only lived down the road and I could wheel it home.
The very first time I used it, it broke down as I was leaving the car park and it wouldn't move another inch. Grrrrr. You get what you pay for I suppose :-(
 
I
I am very happy with my colourful Temu bags.
I have been using the same bags for 20 odd years, even before it became trendy.
My sister is a genius with the sewing machine. She decided to make up her own soft, durable totes specifically for groceries. Of course I had my nose pressed to her sewing room door begging for a few of her amazing creations. Best thing ever.
I have no time for plastics, supermarket offerings or boxes. DIY has always been my choice.
 
so you read the article? 'The trial, which began in Tasmanian stores and a select few in Victoria and Western Australia' strangely, I don't see anywhere that SA was EVERY mentioned. Also, why ask a question of Coles on here? GO TO THEIR WEBSITE.
Maybe I should have worded my sentence differently….if it is a trial then roll it out at stores in every state…..feedback is invaluable..
Just a light hearted “joke” about my question to Coles as to why not….🙄🙄🙄too serious for a Tuesday!!
 
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Reactions: PattiB
This seems like a good idea for people who can manage a box. I wonder if you have to pay $2 every time you want to swap a box, or does one $2 payment entitle you to swap for another box next trip. Why not just keep the one you already paid for? Or is it an ongoing cost to the customer. How long does a box last? If it breaks while you are using it does that mean you have to pay for a new one? So many questions, so few answers.
 
Reusable cloth bags aren’t hard to sew. I’ve made heaps over the years for various uses & as long as you sew the handles on securely all is well. I know that lots of members have also made them. I’ve also picked up quite a few calico ones from various stores. I like to have a supply of paper bags as I use them for my food scraps etc that go in the green bin, (FOGO bin). Don’t have a lot of use for cardboard boxes.
 
Why are supermarkets not utilizing the boxes the products come in, for customers to use, once unpacked instead of throwing them away. Many supermarkets in country towns recycle these boxes why not everywhere else?
 
Why are supermarkets not utilizing the boxes the products come in, for customers to use, once unpacked instead of throwing them away. Many supermarkets in country towns recycle these boxes why not everywhere else?
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