'A little bit inconvenient': New Kmart trolley feature has shoppers divided

But, it's to stop a common shopping problem.

Stores like ALDI have long had a coin-operated trolley system, wherein shoppers are asked to pop a $1 or $2 coin into the trolley to unlock it as a deposit, which is returned once you’ve finished your shopping.

Now, it’s Kmart’s turn to roll out the scheme - and opinions are mixed.

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Image: The Courier Mail.

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“It’s a little bit inconvenient…”

Kmart shoppers in Queensland specifically have noticed coin-operated trolleys being rolled out in select stores.

The decision was reportedly made in an effort to reduce trolley theft and abandonment.

The Courier Mailposted a video to Instagram sharing the opinions of locals, with a number of people unhappy with the change.

“This is stupid, because a lot of people don’t carry cash, and certainly don’t have coins,” said Hamilton local, Michelle Bates.

However, just as many said that they understood the intention behind it - though it can be a little inconvenient.

“I do see the side of it of trying to stop trolley theft, but also, it’s a little bit inconvenient if you don’t have coins,” Ferny Hills resident Fiona Gerard said.

“I guess I’m in the middle of the road about it.”

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“It’s a great idea!”

However, it seems commenters on the post didn’t feel the same way.

The vast majority of people shared positive thoughts about the shift, praising Kmart for their decision.

“Excellent. Lazy people are too tired to walk a few extra steps to put the trolley where it should be returned,” one commenter said.

“Need to do everywhere we use trolleys then [at least] people won't leave them all over carpark areas,” another agreed.

“It's a great idea to stop dumped trolleys good on you kmart,” a third person praised.

Others agreed that whilst it can be a little inconvenient, the good far outweighs the bad, noting to others disagreeing with the scheme that at the end of the day, it’s really no cost to you.

“All you need is one coin. Not hard. Stops people leaving them everywhere as well. Plus the amount of damage done to cart's left and roll into cars. That would stop too,” said one commenter.

“So many people are missing the point. There is no cost, it is free to use a trolley. You get the $1 back when, like a reasonable shopper, you return the trolley they have provided for you to use. They just don't want trolleys abandoned throughout the community,” another said.

What happens now?

Whilst there’s no confirmation of exactly where Kmart will and won’t be rolling out the new coin-operated trolleys, your best bet would be to bring a coin next time you go shopping - just in case.

Or, follow the lead of these keen shoppers.

“Put a token on your car keys/ keys, easily solved !” one commenter on the post suggested.

“I use my Aldi trolley token,” another agreed.

Kidspot has reached out to Kmart for comment.

Originally published as 'A little bit inconvenient': New Kmart trolley feature has shoppers divided