In the world of online grocery shopping, we’ve come to expect a few quirks here and there. But what if those quirks became a pattern that left us scratching our heads? That’s exactly what’s happening to some Coles customers, who have noticed a peculiar detail in their deliveries that’s causing quite a stir.
Imagine this: you’ve just received your online order from Coles, and as you’re unpacking your fruits, you find that one apple, one banana, or one orange is always bagged separately. It’s not a one-off incident; it’s happening every single time, and it’s got shoppers talking.
One perplexed customer took to social media to share his experience, noting that no matter the quantity of fruit ordered, there’s always one piece that ends up flying solo in its own plastic bag. ‘I’m not upset or anything. It’s just odd. My partner and I have been getting Coles delivery since Covid and every time there’s always one apple bagged by itself, or one banana, or one orange, etc,’ he said, echoing the sentiment of many who have encountered the same situation.
The discussion quickly gathered momentum, with several people chiming in, including those claiming to be Coles employees. Some suggested it might be due to weight limit rules, while others speculated that it could be a quirk of the system used to divide items into crates for delivery. ‘It was always so unsatisfying when I had to bag one bit of fruit separate from the rest purely because the system forced me to,’ one commenter lamented.
But beyond the mystery of the solitary fruit, there’s a larger concern at play: the environmental impact of using so much plastic. Shoppers and environmentalists alike are questioning why Coles, a company that promotes the use of ’50 per cent recycled plastic’ in their bags, would not be more mindful of the plastic waste generated by such practices.
Coles has responded to the confusion, stating that this is not the norm and that their team members are trained to bag products together to minimise waste. ‘This is a rare incident that is not in line with our operating standards,’ a Coles spokesperson assured.
This incident comes on the heels of a more serious matter involving Coles’ decision to remove kitchen knives from their shelves nationwide. The drastic action was taken after a tragic event where a 63-year-old Coles worker was allegedly attacked by a teenager while on the job. In response to growing concerns about safety, Coles has prioritised the well-being of their staff and customers, stating, ‘The safety of our team members and customers is our No. 1 priority across all aspects of our business.’
While the separate bagging of fruit may seem trivial in comparison to safety concerns, it highlights the complexities and challenges of online grocery shopping, from logistical oddities to environmental responsibilities. As Coles continues to adapt and refine their processes, shoppers are left to ponder the peculiarities of their plastic-wrapped produce.
Have you noticed any oddities with your online grocery orders? What do you think about the environmental impact of these practices? How do you feel about the safety measures being implemented by supermarkets? We’d love to hear your thoughts—share them in the comments below!
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