Baby Boomers VS Millennials: Supermarkets the latest battleground in ‘war on oldies’
Tensions between millennials and baby boomers have spilt into supermarket aisles leading to an “audacious call” on the Mornington Peninsula.
South East
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Frustrated shoppers say ‘boomer hours’ are needed in supermarkets to stop older customers holding up busy parents during peak times.
Mornington Peninsula shoppers say baby boomers are blocking aisles with trolleys and holding up other customers while they chat.
An online poll launched ahead of the Grand Final long weekend called for those aged over 50 to be “more mindful” of other shoppers, especially the “working class and busy parents”.
The controversial post lit up social media with locals fiercely debating the need for baby boomers to mind their manners while filling their trolleys.
Some, including Matthew Bridges, said older shoppers should save their socialising for the cafe or park like “every other normal person”.
“This means not using the entire width of supermarket aisles as a catch-up spot to discuss what cruise Bazza’s on, or how the tenants in Jenny’s 13th investment property are really grinding her gears because they want the aircon fixed before summer. Not at 5pm on a weekday.”
Chris Naumann was more concerned about ‘how’ baby boomers shopped, rather then ‘when’ they shopped.
“Which is usually blocking three freezer doors or a full aisle, or standing at the register telling the 15-year-old girl about her gas bill discount, while people behind me are going insane.”
However, not everyone supported the need to pull baby boomers into line.
Jan Harris said she tried hard to avoid anything but necessary items during school holidays. “Being near a few self righteous self indulgent children and their parents is total pain,” she said.
“But like everything in this world you never know people’s circumstances so I try to be considerate and kind it goes a long way and it’s free.”
Karen Griffiths was less apologetic: “This old chook can’t believe you would have the audacity to post this!”
Others suggested online shopping for those not able to cope with “being part of a community”.
Both Woolworths and Coles introduced special shopping hours for the elderly and disabled during Covid to ensure vulnerable customers could safely fill their trolleys.
However, Woolworths did not want to weigh in on bringing back the initiative.
A Coles spokesman said the supermarket giant was also not considering the move.
“We are always looking at ways we can meet the differing needs of our customers by creating a shopping environment in which our customers and team members feel comfortable,” a spokesman said.
“We currently offer Quiet Hour which is a low-sensory shopping experience that’s easy on the eyes and ears and is offered at participating Coles stores every Tuesday between 10.30am to 11.30am”.
