News

FairPrice recently implemented a new policy that lets shoppers use their personal shopping bags and trolleys only after they have paid for their groceries at the cashier. The aim of this move appears to be to prevent theft. Ever since plastic bag charges were imposed at all major supermarkets, many shoppers have been using their own reusable bags and trolleys to hold groceries before they head to the cashier. For instance, I bulk-buy heavy items such as dairy products and rice, and using a personal trolley was often the most convenient way to hold my purchases before payment. FairPrice’s new policy means that shoppers will now have to use the supermarket’s green baskets or metal trolleys, while lugging their personal bags or trolleys as they shop. Many neighbourhood FairPrice outlets have narrow aisles which make handling more than one trolley challenging and unsafe for shoppers. My mother, who is in her 70s, has to resort to kicking the green basket along the floor because she has no strength to carry the heavy basket once it is filled with groceries. At the same time, she has to pull her own empty shopping trolley along. If she uses the supermarket’s trolley, there isn’t much space to put her personal trolley inside too. She was advised by a FairPrice staff member to buy its house-brand metal trolley costing around $47. I presume that a metal trolley like this lets staff see clearly that shoppers are not hiding any item during payment, unlike when they use their own bags. FairPrice should prioritise its customers’ safety and convenience and make it easier for them to shop using their own reusable bags and trolleys while doing their bit for the environment.