Coles follows Woolworths to offer free reusable bags until Sunday
Coles has backtracked on its plans to charge for reusable plastic bags and will instead offer customers free bags until Sunday night as they transition away from single-use plastic bags.
In a move similar to competitor Woolworths, Coles will offer customers complimentary 15 cent reusable Better Bags in Victoria, NSW, Queensland and Western Australia up until Sunday night.
Coles chief operating officer Greg Davis said the supermarkets want to do everything it can to help its customers.
“For some, it can be difficult to get into the routine of bringing your own bags to the supermarket or know exactly how many you may need for your entire shop,” Mr Davis said.
“To help our customers during this transition period, we’re pleased to help out by offering our customers complimentary reusable plastic bags in those states where single-use plastic bags have been removed for the first time.”
“We’re really grateful for the way our customers have responded and this is a small way we can say ‘thank you’ and help them with the transition.”
“We’ve invested in extra customer service during this period and our team members have provided terrific support.”
Despite roughly three-quarters of shoppers supporting the ban, the move has sparked a customer backlash with shop assistants verbally abused by irate shoppers.
The retail workers’ union described the phenomenon as “plastic bag rage”.
Coles phased out single-use plastic bags on July 1, a week after Woolworths ditched the bag.