‘Bad move’: Bunnings confirms controversial carpark rule

The Aussie hardware company has confirmed that it has introduced a change to many of its carparks – leaving customers divided.

A major Aussie retailer has confirmed that it has introduced a controversial carpark rule to many of its locations, leaving customers divided.

Bunnings confirmed to news.com.au that it had brought in paid parking to its Caroline Springs store, west of Melbourne, after a snap of an enormous Secure Parking sign was shared to Reddit.

The sign revealed the first hour was free, but people could park for a total of 24 hours for $40.

Rod Caust, Director of Stores at Bunnings, told news.com.au: “Similar to other stores like Hawthorn and Maribyrnong, we have recently introduced paid parking at our Caroline Springs store to ensure there’s enough parking available for our customers at all times of the day.

“The first hour of parking is free, and Bunnings customers are invited to discuss circumstances requiring extended parking (such as participation in DIY activities) with our friendly team.”

News.com.au understands that this is not a nationwide change at all Bunnings stores, but is the case at select locations around Australia.

Bunnings confirmed to news.com.au that it had introduced parking at its Caroline Springs location, west of Melbourne. Picture: Reddit

Customers have expressed their frustration over the change, demanding to know why it was put into place. Others called it a “cash grab”, while some suggested that an hour wasn’t a very long time to spend at the retailer.

“I’m guessing people were using it as an all day carpark when it’s supposed to only be for people shopping there. I still think two hours is better,” one person commented.

Another added: “Is it free if you buy something? One hour isn’t very long in Bunnings.”

“$40 day max?! That’s way more expensive than paying for early bird day rates in the CBD,” one social media user added.

Fans were divided. Picture: NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

One said: “I’ve been going here for years and there has never been a time when I couldn’t find parking. Like everything else happening, it’s another cash grab.”

“How would this not just send everybody to shop at Sunshine or Watergardens instead,” another speculated.

One added: “One hour? You stand in line for a snag for close to that.”

“Oooh … that’s a bad move,” someone weighed in.

Another commented: “Good way to encourage mostly click & collect orders and no impulse purchases?”

Other Reddit users commented that their local Bunnings also had the same policy.

“Coburg has the same. Taxi drivers were using the car park as a taxi depot,” one said.

“Brunswick and Collingwood do too. Brunswick first 2 hours free. Not sure about Collingwood. Must be a new edict from corporate HQ,” another wrote.

“Doncaster has boom gates, plate readers and paid parking at +2hrs. You don’t have to pay for parking, but you will either be stuck inside, or paying for a new boom gate and vehicle repairs,” someone else posted.

Originally published as ‘Bad move’: Bunnings confirms controversial carpark rule