This Bunnings parking change might cost you more than you think
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A new carpark policy introduced by a major Australian retailer has left customers divided, sparking frustration and debate.
What seemed like a routine change at one store has now stirred up mixed reactions from shoppers across the country.
As the story unfolds, a closer look reveals just how far-reaching this move could be—and how it’s affecting not just daily shoppers but potentially the future of retail parking in Australia.
Bunnings has confirmed that it introduced paid parking at its Caroline Springs store, west of Melbourne, causing a stir among customers.
This change, which has sparked heated debate, comes after a photo of a Secure Parking sign appeared on social media, revealing that parking would be free for the first hour but cost $40 for a full 24-hour stay.
Rod Caust, Bunnings' Director of Stores, shared: ‘Similar to other stores like Hawthorn and Maribyrnong, we have recently introduced paid parking at our Caroline Springs store to ensure there’s enough parking available for our customers at all times of the day.’
He continued: ‘The first hour of parking is free, and Bunnings customers are invited to discuss circumstances requiring extended parking (such as participation in DIY activities) with our friendly team.’
While the paid parking policy is currently limited to specific stores, including Caroline Springs, it has not been rolled out nationwide, and Bunnings confirmed this to news.com.au.
However, many customers were left frustrated by the move, questioning the need for the new policy.
Some claimed it was just another ‘cash grab’, while others noted that an hour didn’t feel like enough time for a typical Bunnings visit.
One person said: ‘I’m guessing people were using it as an all day carpark when it’s supposed to only be for people shopping there. I still think two hours is better.’
Another added: ‘Is it free if you buy something? One hour isn’t very long in Bunnings.’
For others, the costs seemed excessive. ‘$40 day max?! That’s way more expensive than paying for early bird day rates in the CBD,’ one social media user noted.
The reactions were mixed, with some loyal shoppers expressing their disappointment.
One commenter pointed out: ‘I’ve been going here for years and there has never been a time when I couldn’t find parking. Like everything else happening, it’s another cash grab.’
Speculation also circulated that the new parking rules could drive customers away to nearby stores.
‘How would this not just send everybody to shop at Sunshine or Watergardens instead,’ one user questioned.
Others argued that the policy could discourage spontaneous purchases.
Good way to encourage mostly click & collect orders and no impulse purchases?’ one person suggested.
Interestingly, several social media users reported that their local Bunnings stores had also adopted the same paid parking policy.
‘Coburg has the same. Taxi drivers were using the car park as a taxi depot,’ one social media user commented.
Another added: ‘Brunswick and Collingwood do too. Brunswick first 2 hours free. Not sure about Collingwood. Must be a new edict from corporate HQ.’
Bunnings’ paid parking system was even implemented at Doncaster, where boom gates and plate readers were introduced, triggering further discussions about its effectiveness.
‘Doncaster has boom gates, plate readers and paid parking at +2hrs. You don’t have to pay for parking, but you will either be stuck inside, or paying for a new boom gate and vehicle repairs,’ someone else posted.
In a previous story, we explored some surprising discoveries made by Bunnings shoppers, leaving many questioning how they missed these details.
With changes happening at the retailer, it's clear that there’s much more happening than meets the eye.
Click through to find out what other unexpected moments have caught shoppers off guard.
With parking fees now in place, do you think this will change the way you shop at Bunnings? Share your thoughts in the comments!
What seemed like a routine change at one store has now stirred up mixed reactions from shoppers across the country.
As the story unfolds, a closer look reveals just how far-reaching this move could be—and how it’s affecting not just daily shoppers but potentially the future of retail parking in Australia.
Bunnings has confirmed that it introduced paid parking at its Caroline Springs store, west of Melbourne, causing a stir among customers.
This change, which has sparked heated debate, comes after a photo of a Secure Parking sign appeared on social media, revealing that parking would be free for the first hour but cost $40 for a full 24-hour stay.
Rod Caust, Bunnings' Director of Stores, shared: ‘Similar to other stores like Hawthorn and Maribyrnong, we have recently introduced paid parking at our Caroline Springs store to ensure there’s enough parking available for our customers at all times of the day.’
Bunnings introduces paid parking at Caroline Springs store. Image source: Reddit
He continued: ‘The first hour of parking is free, and Bunnings customers are invited to discuss circumstances requiring extended parking (such as participation in DIY activities) with our friendly team.’
While the paid parking policy is currently limited to specific stores, including Caroline Springs, it has not been rolled out nationwide, and Bunnings confirmed this to news.com.au.
However, many customers were left frustrated by the move, questioning the need for the new policy.
Some claimed it was just another ‘cash grab’, while others noted that an hour didn’t feel like enough time for a typical Bunnings visit.
One person said: ‘I’m guessing people were using it as an all day carpark when it’s supposed to only be for people shopping there. I still think two hours is better.’
Another added: ‘Is it free if you buy something? One hour isn’t very long in Bunnings.’
For others, the costs seemed excessive. ‘$40 day max?! That’s way more expensive than paying for early bird day rates in the CBD,’ one social media user noted.
The reactions were mixed, with some loyal shoppers expressing their disappointment.
One commenter pointed out: ‘I’ve been going here for years and there has never been a time when I couldn’t find parking. Like everything else happening, it’s another cash grab.’
Speculation also circulated that the new parking rules could drive customers away to nearby stores.
‘How would this not just send everybody to shop at Sunshine or Watergardens instead,’ one user questioned.
Others argued that the policy could discourage spontaneous purchases.
Good way to encourage mostly click & collect orders and no impulse purchases?’ one person suggested.
Interestingly, several social media users reported that their local Bunnings stores had also adopted the same paid parking policy.
‘Coburg has the same. Taxi drivers were using the car park as a taxi depot,’ one social media user commented.
Another added: ‘Brunswick and Collingwood do too. Brunswick first 2 hours free. Not sure about Collingwood. Must be a new edict from corporate HQ.’
Bunnings’ paid parking system was even implemented at Doncaster, where boom gates and plate readers were introduced, triggering further discussions about its effectiveness.
‘Doncaster has boom gates, plate readers and paid parking at +2hrs. You don’t have to pay for parking, but you will either be stuck inside, or paying for a new boom gate and vehicle repairs,’ someone else posted.
In a previous story, we explored some surprising discoveries made by Bunnings shoppers, leaving many questioning how they missed these details.
With changes happening at the retailer, it's clear that there’s much more happening than meets the eye.
Click through to find out what other unexpected moments have caught shoppers off guard.
With parking fees now in place, do you think this will change the way you shop at Bunnings? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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