Supermarket employee's response sparks backlash from customers: 'This is egregious'

In an age where technology is supposed to make our lives easier, it seems that not everyone is on board with the digital takeover, especially regarding shopping experiences.

This sentiment was echoed loudly by a disgruntled customer who recently voiced frustration over an encounter at Bunnings Warehouse, Australia's go-to destination for home improvement and outdoor living.


The customer's ordeal began with what should have been a simple shopping trip to their local Bunnings store.

They were on the hunt for three specific items but found themselves lost in the vast aisles of the hardware giant.

After a fruitless search from one end of the store to the other, they approached a staff member at the checkout in the garden centre for assistance.


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Frustration was expressed over downloading the Bunnings app for in-store item searches. Credit: Bunnings


To their dismay, the customer was advised to download the Bunnings app to locate the items.

The employee suggested asking another team member when they inquired about alternative ways to find what they needed without the app.

This response left the customer feeling exasperated and venting their frustration on social media, stating, 'I don't need a different app for every g****** store I visit. I just want to go to a store and find what I need, pay and leave.'


The customer's sentiment struck a chord with many, as they expressed their reluctance to be pushed into downloading yet another app, with the accompanying requests for personal details such as phone numbers and email addresses.

Social media chimed in with their own grievances about the proliferation of apps and the constant barrage of notifications that come with them.

One commenter lamented, 'The notifications are egregious. Every app on your phone will be sending you at least one useless spam every f****** day.'

Others shared their frustration with apps that seem to be nothing more than 'bloated website launchers' and the increasing dependency on smartphones for basic functions.

Bunnings Warehouse, owned by Wesfarmers and boasting 381 stores and over 53,000 employees as of 2022, introduced its Bunnings Product Finder app in 2020.

The app was designed to help customers navigate the large warehouses more efficiently during the COVID-19 pandemic.


While many customers found the app useful, and it has remained in use, it's clear that not everyone is keen on this digital solution.

In response to the outcry, a Bunnings spokesperson stated that customers have various options when searching for products in their stores.

They can speak to team members, use the product locator boards at the end of each aisle, or look up item locations on the Bunnings website or app.

At the Seniors Discount Club, we understand that while technology can be a boon, it's not always the preferred choice for everyone.

Businesses need to cater to all customers, including those who prefer traditional service methods.

We encourage our members to voice their preferences and seek assistance in the way that suits them best.


In other news, BIG W shoppers voiced frustration over removing in-store price scanners, forcing them to rely on the store's app.

One shopper shared their annoyance on social media, highlighting the inconvenience, especially for those less tech-savvy. You can read more about it here.
Key Takeaways
  • A shopper expressed frustration with the expectation of downloading the Bunnings Warehouse app to locate items in-store.
  • The customer's social media post resonated with others who dislike the overreliance on apps and sharing personal details for shopping.
  • Bunnings introduced the Product Finder app in 2020 to help customers during the Covid pandemic. Its utility has led to its continued use.
  • A Bunnings spokesperson highlighted that customers have multiple ways to find products, including asking team members, using location boards, the website, or the app.
Have you had a similar experience where you felt pressured to use technology in a way that didn't suit your needs? Do you miss the days of simple, straightforward customer service? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below. Let's discuss the balance between convenience and comfort in the digital age.
 

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I refuse to have apps on my phone and I also refuse to use QR Codes. I lie, and say that I don't have a smartphone. If necessary, I'll take my business elsewhere!
 
what about woolies.not that i shop on line ,but if i decided to i would have to have a smart phone to say i am here when you arrive to pck up your products,instead of having a button you can push to let them know that you are there in the recieving area ,but no you must have a smart phone
 

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