Shoppers demand this Coles checkout change right away: ‘Makes so much sense’
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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.
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.’
Have you tried Coles’ 'Swap-a-box' program? Share them with us in the comments below!
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.
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.’
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