In a move that has sparked nationwide conversation, Coles announced a significant change to its product lineup. The supermarket giant announced that it will cease the sale of kitchen knives across all its stores nationwide.
This decision came after a harrowing incident at the Coles store in Yamanto Central Shopping Centre, Ipswich, west of Brisbane.
On Monday, a 63-year-old employee, Claudia Campomayor Watt, was allegedly stabbed by a 13-year-old boy in the Yamanto store. She is currently in a critical but stable condition.
‘The safety of our team members and customers is our number one priority across all aspects of our business,’ a Coles spokesperson said in support of their decision following the incident.
The supermarket giant reportedly took this bold step as a precautionary measure while they review their policies.
‘Coles complies with all legislation regarding the sale of kitchen knives, and this withdrawal is being taken out of an abundance of caution as we conduct a review.’
Interestingly, Coles specified that SMEG kitchen knives will still be available for purchase at the supermarket’s service desk until January 21, indicating a controlled approach to selling such items.
In contrast, Woolworths, another supermarket chain, decided not to follow Coles’ lead.
Back in 2021, it previously halted the sale of kitchen knives across the country after a separate incident in Brunswick, Victoria. Following a review, knife sales resumed, with the products sold in ‘specialised high-grade, clamshell packaging’ to enhance safety.
Notably, knives are still not available in 350 Woolworths locations across the country.
‘There is no place for violence like this anywhere in our community, and all retail workers deserve the right to a safe and respectful workplace,’ a Woolworths spokesperson said, echoing a sentiment that is surely shared by all.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli acknowledged that ‘there is more work’ to be done regarding legislation around knife sales.
While the state already banned the sale of controlled items, such as kitchen or steak knives, to individuals under the age of 18, the recent event highlighted a ‘potential loophole’ in the legislation that the Premier vowed to close.
Meanwhile, Justin Power from SDA Queensland, who represents retail, warehouse, and fast food workers, pointed out that the attack was ‘at the extreme end of violence towards retail workers’ and ‘thankfully very rare’.
He also noted that there has been a reduction in police beats and staffing in many shopping centres, which could impact the safety of both employees and shoppers.
‘I know that they have limited resources, so I know there are limits to what can be done, but having more police there, ready, available to react immediately, will also improve things,’ he explained.
The decision by Coles to withdraw kitchen knives from sale is a stark reminder of the risks faced by retail workers and the measures that may be necessary to protect them.
Our YourLifeChoices readers, have you noticed any changes in the way knives or other potentially dangerous items are sold in your local stores?
Do you feel safe when shopping, and what measures do you think could improve safety for everyone? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Also read: Is Australia in the grip of a youth crime crisis? What the data says
