Coles shoppers angry over why new packing option is not available to all: ‘So much easier to use’

A Coles shopper has unveiled a major upgrade that is being trialled in stores across the country, while other customers are frustrated at having to wait to try it out.

In a post on Reddit last week, the customer said she noticed the red ‘Swap-A-Box’ containers, typically used to pack Click and Collect orders, at checkout at her local store.

The boxes, which cost $2 each, were trialled in 29 stores in Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia in 2023.

The customer said they could not understand why the reusable boxes were not offered to shoppers in the store.

‘Why doesn’t Coles use these in stores?’ said the Reddit user.

‘Perfect size, much easier to use and no more torn paper bags.’

The customer compared them to the paper bags sold at the checkout and said they are much “more reusable and resilient.”

“My point is that they shouldn’t just have these in stores for home delivery because checkout is easier than using their useless bags,” they said.

Reddit users rushed to the comments section to share their thoughts on the boxes, with most agreeing that they should be made available in all Coles stores.

The boxes, which cost $2 each, were trialled in 29 stores in Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia in 2023.

‘What are these Swap-a-Boxes from Coles and how do I get them?!’ wrote one user.

‘All to avoid using useless paper bags that can’t be reused and which Coles likes to overcharge customers for, especially as they’ve made them smaller!’ said a second person.

Another user said they remember a time when supermarkets left a wall of empty boxes at the checkout for people to carry their groceries.

“It makes so much sense: boxes are recycled and the supermarket doesn’t have to throw them away,” they said.

A spokesperson for Coles said they had received a lot of positive feedback on the boxes so far and were looking forward to giving more customers the option.

A spokesperson for Coles said they had received a lot of positive feedback on the boxes so far and were looking forward to giving more customers the option

“Our customers who participated in the trial say the Swap-a-box is durable and can be used multiple times, requires fewer bags and fits well in the trunk,” the spokesperson said.

The Swap-a-box trial is currently offered for Click & Collect orders at the following stores:

• Victoria: Woodend, Southland, Elsternwick and Caulfield Village
• Tasmania: Burnie, Ulverstone, Devonport, Mowbray, Racecourse, Wellington St, Newstead, Meadow Mews, Charles, Sorell, Glebe Hill, Eastlands, New Town, Sandy Bay, Kingston, Bridgewater and Glenorchy
• Western Australia: Inglewood
• Queensland: Worongary, Mudgeeraba, Robina, Burleigh Waters, Mermaid Waters, Pacific Fair and Benowa Village