Woolworths, Coles Blacktown early opening: pensioners left disappointed
It was supposed to help older stock up on their groceries as the Coronavirus crisis continues. But pensioners in Blacktown turned up at Coles and Woolworths only to be met with empty shelves and people fighting over what little was available
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Pensioners have slammed the major supermarkets’ first dedicated shopping hour for the elderly in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, with many shoppers leaving stores empty handed.
Hundreds of seniors and people with a disability began queueing at Westpoint Blacktown before 6.30 on Tuesday morning as part of Woolworths and Coles’ new initiative to combat panic buying in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
Concession cardholders were granted exclusive access to the store today from 7am-8am as part of special arrangements which will remain in place until at least Friday.
Frustrations boiled over in the aisles at Woolworths when shoppers walked into a store with empty shelves and limited supplies of toilet paper and other hygiene items.
Quakers Hill resident Chris braved the early morning rush but said the initiative was a “waste of time”.
“The shelves are almost empty,” he said.
“There was a fight between a couple of fellas and some people shoving each other out of the way.
“People mostly came for toilet paper but they only had a small amount.
“There was no hand sanitiser and essentials that we need.”
Blacktown resident Carmel also expressed her frustrations at stock levels.
“As soon as I walked in, anything I asked for had already sold out,” she said.
“I was looking for toilet paper and hand sanitiser. I brought a big trolley bag with me and I’ve got nothing.
“It was a waste of time getting up in the morning.”
Shop staff were heard apologising to annoyed shoppers but could not guarantee when supplies would be restocked.
On Monday, Woolworths said it was working hard to keep up with the unprecedented demand.
"While we'll continue to do our very best to restock our stores during this period of unprecedented demand, we know many of our elderly customers have been missing out on essential items when they shop," Woolworths Supermarkets managing director Claire Peters said.
"This temporary measure will give them, and those with a disability, the opportunity to shop before our stores officially open — helping them obtain the essential items they need most in a less crowded environment."