The truth is out! Surprising claim reveals what Australian supermarkets have been lying about
Australia is known for being a fortunate country in many respects. However, it appears that there is a misconception challenging our nation's reputation for unwavering positivity.
This misconception pertains to the simple task of returning shopping trolleys at our local supermarkets, which is a common responsibility shared by many.
A staggering 75 per cent of Aussies claim they always return their shopping trolleys.
This claim has raised eyebrows among individuals waiting in supermarket lines and navigating crowded car parks.
The reality, however, doesn't align with this claim, as one journalist recently sought to prove.
Mary Madigan of News.com.au looked deeper into the matter, conducting a thorough investigation and adding a touch of detective work to the shopping agenda.
The results of her investigation revealed a surprising revelation. Through an enlightening survey combined with a stakeout at a supermarket, discrepancies were spotted more rapidly than markdowns at a clearance sale.
The investigation took place at Sydney's Woolworths in Alexandria during the early hour of 8 am, where only a few dedicated shoppers were present.
Among the morning tranquillity, two lonely trolleys were spotted, abandoned and not returned to their designated bays. But the culprits were nowhere to be found, which prompted Mary to head elsewhere.
Moving on to Marrickville Metro, one of Sydney's busiest grocery spots, she observed that out of five people observed, only three returned their trolleys to the correct bays, while others seemed unconcerned.
‘One rogue shopper just pretended there was a bay nearby and tucked it discreetly by a concrete slab wall,’ she said. ‘Another just gave up on the whole thing and moved it away so their car wouldn’t run into it when they made their swift exit.’
‘I can’t say this for sure, but it didn’t even look like either of them were considering returning the shopping trolley to its rightful bay.’
This highlighted a noticeable discrepancy. Among the observed sample, only a few individuals returned their trolleys, contradicting the original claim of 75 per cent.
Now before anyone gets on her case about how sound her experiment was, Mary had a caveat: ‘Look, clearly I haven’t done enough research to make some big giant claim,’ she said. ‘But I do think my time loitering around a grocery store did reveal that people are telling trolley fibs, and it needs to be brought to light.’
This raises the question: Why the deception? Surprisingly, even picking up groceries can become a stage for compelling human drama—the fear of being judged.
Clinical psychologist, Dr Aileen Alegado, aptly explains, ‘When there is lying, no matter how big or small the lie may be, it usually comes back down to our own ability to feel shame, guilt, or the fear of being judged.’
Now that may sound serious, but rest easy fellow shoppers! Dr Alegado reassures us that just because you’ve been a ‘naughty trolley non-returner' doesn't make you a ‘bad person’.
So, now that we've shed some light on this amusing supermarket behaviour, here's a light-hearted guide on 'Trolley Etiquette' to remember:
This misconception pertains to the simple task of returning shopping trolleys at our local supermarkets, which is a common responsibility shared by many.
A staggering 75 per cent of Aussies claim they always return their shopping trolleys.
This claim has raised eyebrows among individuals waiting in supermarket lines and navigating crowded car parks.
The reality, however, doesn't align with this claim, as one journalist recently sought to prove.
Mary Madigan of News.com.au looked deeper into the matter, conducting a thorough investigation and adding a touch of detective work to the shopping agenda.
The results of her investigation revealed a surprising revelation. Through an enlightening survey combined with a stakeout at a supermarket, discrepancies were spotted more rapidly than markdowns at a clearance sale.
The investigation took place at Sydney's Woolworths in Alexandria during the early hour of 8 am, where only a few dedicated shoppers were present.
Among the morning tranquillity, two lonely trolleys were spotted, abandoned and not returned to their designated bays. But the culprits were nowhere to be found, which prompted Mary to head elsewhere.
Moving on to Marrickville Metro, one of Sydney's busiest grocery spots, she observed that out of five people observed, only three returned their trolleys to the correct bays, while others seemed unconcerned.
‘One rogue shopper just pretended there was a bay nearby and tucked it discreetly by a concrete slab wall,’ she said. ‘Another just gave up on the whole thing and moved it away so their car wouldn’t run into it when they made their swift exit.’
‘I can’t say this for sure, but it didn’t even look like either of them were considering returning the shopping trolley to its rightful bay.’
This highlighted a noticeable discrepancy. Among the observed sample, only a few individuals returned their trolleys, contradicting the original claim of 75 per cent.
Now before anyone gets on her case about how sound her experiment was, Mary had a caveat: ‘Look, clearly I haven’t done enough research to make some big giant claim,’ she said. ‘But I do think my time loitering around a grocery store did reveal that people are telling trolley fibs, and it needs to be brought to light.’
This raises the question: Why the deception? Surprisingly, even picking up groceries can become a stage for compelling human drama—the fear of being judged.
Clinical psychologist, Dr Aileen Alegado, aptly explains, ‘When there is lying, no matter how big or small the lie may be, it usually comes back down to our own ability to feel shame, guilt, or the fear of being judged.’
Now that may sound serious, but rest easy fellow shoppers! Dr Alegado reassures us that just because you’ve been a ‘naughty trolley non-returner' doesn't make you a ‘bad person’.
Key Takeaways
- A News.com.ausurvey revealed that 75 per cent of Aussies claimed they always return their shopping trolleys.
- A journalist’s personal investigation at local supermarkets found numerous discarded trolleys, contradicting the claim from the survey.
- Psychologist Dr Aileen Alegado explains that people lie about trivial things due to the fear of judgement and feeling shame and guilt.
- Dr Alegado reassures that not returning shopping trolleys doesn't mean one is inherently a bad person.
- Return the trolley to its designated bay.
- If it's broken, let the staff know.
- Avoid blocking foot traffic or car parks with unattended trolleys.
- Remember, a trolley is not a toddler's toy.
- Lastly, do not take them home!