Woolworths shoppers are up in arms over a politician's social media post alleging that the retailer will be restarting its "cashless" trial in select stores across Sydney and Melbourne.

The trial, which was first announced in July 2020, caused a major uproar among customers, with many accusing Woolworths of discriminating against those who prefer to pay with cash.

Less than 12 months later, Woolworths announced that it was cancelling the trial after receiving customer feedback.

While the supermarket giant had not given a word about the possible return of the scheme, the uproar was reignited after Diane Demetre, who unsuccessfully ran for the Liberal Democrat Party in the federal seat of Moncrieff, posted that Woolworths was poised to re-trial the "cashless" policy in some select stores.

Sharing the "allegation" on her Twitter and Facebook pages, Ms Demetre wrote: “Labor government sworn on Monday. Cashless society begins today (Thursday) with Woolworths stores refusing to accept or give out cash. It won’t be easy under Albanese!”

The politician shared an announcement made by Woolworths in 2020, alleging the retailer for re-imposing its “cashless” scheme. Credit: Facebook/Diane Demetre.​

Aside from the words incriminating the retailer of a serious allegation, the post also featured a photo of a sign from one Woolworths store which read: “We have made some changes to the way you can pay in this store.”

“Payments can now only be made by card. We no longer accept cash payments or offer cash at our facilities.”

It should be noted, however, that the announcement was made in 2020 and is no longer in effect.

The post was quickly shared by social media users — such as Damien Richardson who unsuccessfully ran for the Senate — who erroneously thought that Woolworths was bringing back the cashless scheme and bombarding the company with complaints.

"You have 1800 angry customers ready to jump to Coles," wrote one shopper who was implying that Woolies shoppers were not pleased with the move.

​

One customer asked: “Why are you not accepting legal tender - fiat currency - in your Metro fleet of stores?”

“Not all consumers have card or digital options - there is an elderly portion of humans who have a passbook account."

“This is highly discriminatory and not in line with your values!”

A third added: "Good luck with the cashless thing.”

It should be noted that Woolworths had trialled the “cashless” scheme but decided to axe the transaction less than one year after it was first announced. Credit: Getty Images.​

In a statement shared with 7News, a Woolworths spokesperson confirmed that the company accepts bank notes as payment for their transactions.

The spokesperson said: “Cash remains an important payment option for many of our customers and will continue to be offered as a payment form in our stores.”

"We're always listening to our customers and trialling new ways to make shopping more convenient for them. Our team will continue to review customer feedback on this trial."

It should be noted, however, that Woolworths only announced the halting of the "cashless" scheme on social media. Hence, only shoppers who are active on social media are aware of the change.

One person pointed out: “Woolworths tried to go cashless in 2020 but it backfired and they stopped doing it,” one shopper pointed out.

“I shopped at Woolies three days ago and they happily took my cash!” another said.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you think cashless transactions are discriminatory? Let us know your opinions in the comments below!

 

[Ezzy]

Woolworths in hot water after politician's 'no cash' post sparks fury - see what the retail giant said!​

Woolworths shoppers are up in arms over a politician's social media post alleging that the retailer will be restarting its "cashless" trial in select stores across Sydney and Melbourne.

The trial, which was first announced in July 2020, caused a major uproar among customers, with many accusing Woolworths of discriminating against those who prefer to pay with cash.

Less than 12 months later, Woolworths announced that it was cancelling the trial after receiving customer feedback.

While the supermarket giant had not given a word about the possible return of the scheme, the uproar was reignited after Diane Demetre, who unsuccessfully ran for the Liberal Democrat Party in the federal seat of Moncrieff, posted that Woolworths was poised to re-trial the "cashless" policy in some select stores.

Sharing the "allegation" on her Twitter and Facebook pages, Ms Demetre wrote: “Labor government sworn on Monday. Cashless society begins today (Thursday) with Woolworths stores refusing to accept or give out cash. It won’t be easy under Albanese!”

The politician shared an announcement made by Woolworths in 2020, alleging the retailer for re-imposing its “cashless” scheme. Credit: Facebook/Diane Demetre.​

Aside from the words incriminating the retailer of a serious allegation, the post also featured a photo of a sign from one Woolworths store which read: “We have made some changes to the way you can pay in this store.”

“Payments can now only be made by card. We no longer accept cash payments or offer cash at our facilities.”

It should be noted, however, that the announcement was made in 2020 and is no longer in effect.

The post was quickly shared by social media users — such as Damien Richardson who unsuccessfully ran for the Senate — who erroneously thought that Woolworths was bringing back the cashless scheme and bombarding the company with complaints.

"You have 1800 angry customers ready to jump to Coles," wrote one shopper who was implying that Woolies shoppers were not pleased with the move.

​

One customer asked: “Why are you not accepting legal tender - fiat currency - in your Metro fleet of stores?”

“Not all consumers have card or digital options - there is an elderly portion of humans who have a passbook account."

“This is highly discriminatory and not in line with your values!”

A third added: "Good luck with the cashless thing.”

It should be noted that Woolworths had trialled the “cashless” scheme but decided to axe the transaction less than one year after it was first announced. Credit: Getty Images.​

In a statement shared with 7News, a Woolworths spokesperson confirmed that the company accepts bank notes as payment for their transactions.

The spokesperson said: “Cash remains an important payment option for many of our customers and will continue to be offered as a payment form in our stores.”

"We're always listening to our customers and trialling new ways to make shopping more convenient for them. Our team will continue to review customer feedback on this trial."

It should be noted, however, that Woolworths only announced the halting of the "cashless" scheme on social media. Hence, only shoppers who are active on social media are aware of the change.

One person pointed out: “Woolworths tried to go cashless in 2020 but it backfired and they stopped doing it,” one shopper pointed out.

“I shopped at Woolies three days ago and they happily took my cash!” another said.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you think cashless transactions are discriminatory? Let us know your opinions in the comments below!

Definitely discriminatory for those who do not have a bank card & l refer to some elderly people who do not know how to use these or do not trust the system & prefer cash for everything. I knew such a person who relied on the old bank book system where everything was in black & white.

I feel we are possibly not quite ready for this type of shopping yet

 

[Thecheesequeen]

I hate paying by card for small amounts. If I rush into the supermarket just to pick up milk I don’t want to be forced to pay by card. I dread the time when that will happen.

 

[Otti]

Woolworths in hot water after politician's 'no cash' post sparks fury - see what the retail giant said!​

Woolworths shoppers are up in arms over a politician's social media post alleging that the retailer will be restarting its "cashless" trial in select stores across Sydney and Melbourne.

The trial, which was first announced in July 2020, caused a major uproar among customers, with many accusing Woolworths of discriminating against those who prefer to pay with cash.

Less than 12 months later, Woolworths announced that it was cancelling the trial after receiving customer feedback.

While the supermarket giant had not given a word about the possible return of the scheme, the uproar was reignited after Diane Demetre, who unsuccessfully ran for the Liberal Democrat Party in the federal seat of Moncrieff, posted that Woolworths was poised to re-trial the "cashless" policy in some select stores.

Sharing the "allegation" on her Twitter and Facebook pages, Ms Demetre wrote: “Labor government sworn on Monday. Cashless society begins today (Thursday) with Woolworths stores refusing to accept or give out cash. It won’t be easy under Albanese!”

The politician shared an announcement made by Woolworths in 2020, alleging the retailer for re-imposing its “cashless” scheme. Credit: Facebook/Diane Demetre.​

Aside from the words incriminating the retailer of a serious allegation, the post also featured a photo of a sign from one Woolworths store which read: “We have made some changes to the way you can pay in this store.”

“Payments can now only be made by card. We no longer accept cash payments or offer cash at our facilities.”

It should be noted, however, that the announcement was made in 2020 and is no longer in effect.

The post was quickly shared by social media users — such as Damien Richardson who unsuccessfully ran for the Senate — who erroneously thought that Woolworths was bringing back the cashless scheme and bombarding the company with complaints.

"You have 1800 angry customers ready to jump to Coles," wrote one shopper who was implying that Woolies shoppers were not pleased with the move.

​

One customer asked: “Why are you not accepting legal tender - fiat currency - in your Metro fleet of stores?”

“Not all consumers have card or digital options - there is an elderly portion of humans who have a passbook account."

“This is highly discriminatory and not in line with your values!”

A third added: "Good luck with the cashless thing.”

It should be noted that Woolworths had trialled the “cashless” scheme but decided to axe the transaction less than one year after it was first announced. Credit: Getty Images.​

In a statement shared with 7News, a Woolworths spokesperson confirmed that the company accepts bank notes as payment for their transactions.

The spokesperson said: “Cash remains an important payment option for many of our customers and will continue to be offered as a payment form in our stores.”

"We're always listening to our customers and trialling new ways to make shopping more convenient for them. Our team will continue to review customer feedback on this trial."

It should be noted, however, that Woolworths only announced the halting of the "cashless" scheme on social media. Hence, only shoppers who are active on social media are aware of the change.

One person pointed out: “Woolworths tried to go cashless in 2020 but it backfired and they stopped doing it,” one shopper pointed out.

“I shopped at Woolies three days ago and they happily took my cash!” another said.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you think cashless transactions are discriminatory? Let us know your opinions in the comments below!

Yes it is absolutely discriminatory. This is just another attempt at governments being a big brother and knowing every penny we have and don’t have. Unfortunately it will eventually happen and we won’t have a choice but for now I won’t be shopping anywhere that forces me to use card.

 

[Ricci]

All of the Supermarkets that I have been in have a choice of cash/card or card only self service options, I see no problems with this, it seems to work there.

 

[Alexander]

All of the Supermarkets that I have been in have a choice of cash/card or card only self service options, I see no problems with this, it seems to work there.

That is correct. The operative word here being OPTIONS. Have as many card only checkouts as you want but while cash is still LEGAL tender nobody should be allowed to refuse it

 

[margie]

if you have cash and you own a credit card how are you supposed to pay for your groceries stupid idea especially for the elderly customers it's shit marg

 

[Joyce]

Cash IS legal tender

 

[gollywog]

Cashless transactions are definitely discriminatory, not everyone has or wants credit cards or has or wants a mobile phone, let alone with data on it!!
You know where you stand with cash but just plonking everything on a plastic card can get away with you and that is when you over spend on your budget, if you have one that is! Just shove it on the plastic and worry about what you have spent when the bill comes in!
Sorry guys, my rant is over, I am a 'cash' kinda gal

 

[george.duff@bigpond]

Woolworths in hot water after politician's 'no cash' post sparks fury - see what the retail giant said!​

Woolworths shoppers are up in arms over a politician's social media post alleging that the retailer will be restarting its "cashless" trial in select stores across Sydney and Melbourne.

The trial, which was first announced in July 2020, caused a major uproar among customers, with many accusing Woolworths of discriminating against those who prefer to pay with cash.

Less than 12 months later, Woolworths announced that it was cancelling the trial after receiving customer feedback.

While the supermarket giant had not given a word about the possible return of the scheme, the uproar was reignited after Diane Demetre, who unsuccessfully ran for the Liberal Democrat Party in the federal seat of Moncrieff, posted that Woolworths was poised to re-trial the "cashless" policy in some select stores.

Sharing the "allegation" on her Twitter and Facebook pages, Ms Demetre wrote: “Labor government sworn on Monday. Cashless society begins today (Thursday) with Woolworths stores refusing to accept or give out cash. It won’t be easy under Albanese!”

The politician shared an announcement made by Woolworths in 2020, alleging the retailer for re-imposing its “cashless” scheme. Credit: Facebook/Diane Demetre.​

Aside from the words incriminating the retailer of a serious allegation, the post also featured a photo of a sign from one Woolworths store which read: “We have made some changes to the way you can pay in this store.”

“Payments can now only be made by card. We no longer accept cash payments or offer cash at our facilities.”

It should be noted, however, that the announcement was made in 2020 and is no longer in effect.

The post was quickly shared by social media users — such as Damien Richardson who unsuccessfully ran for the Senate — who erroneously thought that Woolworths was bringing back the cashless scheme and bombarding the company with complaints.

"You have 1800 angry customers ready to jump to Coles," wrote one shopper who was implying that Woolies shoppers were not pleased with the move.

​

One customer asked: “Why are you not accepting legal tender - fiat currency - in your Metro fleet of stores?”

“Not all consumers have card or digital options - there is an elderly portion of humans who have a passbook account."

“This is highly discriminatory and not in line with your values!”

A third added: "Good luck with the cashless thing.”

It should be noted that Woolworths had trialled the “cashless” scheme but decided to axe the transaction less than one year after it was first announced. Credit: Getty Images.​

In a statement shared with 7News, a Woolworths spokesperson confirmed that the company accepts bank notes as payment for their transactions.

The spokesperson said: “Cash remains an important payment option for many of our customers and will continue to be offered as a payment form in our stores.”

"We're always listening to our customers and trialling new ways to make shopping more convenient for them. Our team will continue to review customer feedback on this trial."

It should be noted, however, that Woolworths only announced the halting of the "cashless" scheme on social media. Hence, only shoppers who are active on social media are aware of the change.

One person pointed out: “Woolworths tried to go cashless in 2020 but it backfired and they stopped doing it,” one shopper pointed out.

“I shopped at Woolies three days ago and they happily took my cash!” another said.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you think cashless transactions are discriminatory? Let us know your opinions in the comments below!

In this day age, we should not be bullied into not being a be able to use cash, a sample to note, we had a power outage in Tasmania with people still after 3 days
with no power, with no signals to our computers etc,at our local Doctors with no computer in use, on Saturday unless you had cash you were unable to buy food. So so much for modern technology, as the old saying goes don't put all your eggs in one basket.

 

[gordon1940]

Ultimately, a "Cashless" Society will prevail simply because of the Economics of producing "Cash". I Trust it will NOT be without proper consultation with ALL levels of Society and full explanation.

 

[JustPat]

They can legally refuse cash but it must be well sign posted to let you know this is their policy but I think any retailer would be a fool to go down this way especially when consumers only wish to purchase something for a small amount and could cost them more in transaction fees to do this.

 

[Ezzy]

They can legally refuse cash but it must be well sign posted to let you know this is their policy but I think any retailer would be a fool to go down this way especially when consumers only wish to purchase something for a small amount and could cost them more in transaction fees to do this.