Coles' 'controversial' buy spotted once again at the checkout

The item first launched last year, but it seems reception hasn't gotten much better with time.

By now, we’ve well and truly gotten into the habit of using reusable bags when we go shopping.

It’s easy enough to bring your own from home, but if you’re like me and forget yours almost every time, it’ll usually set you back no more than a dollar or two to pick up a new one.

Well, unless you’re shopping at Coles.

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Image: Reddit.

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Could a shopping bag get any more expensive?

Last year in May, Coles vowed to stop selling its 15c reusable soft plastic bags in stores across Australia within a matter of months, instead swapping over to a range of different bag options, including the standard paper bags.

But, what really caught shoppers eyes was the introduction of a new "washable" paper bag - with a hefty price tag of $15.

At the time, people were fuming, saying Coles had ‘missed the memo’.

But, Coles stood by the product, with a spokesperson telling Kidspot in July 2023 that it not only had a much longer life span than the other bags, but also held significantly more groceries, with a maximum capacity of 20kgs.

“The $15 price is based on a number of factors, including the materials used and its ability to be machine washable," the spokesperson said of the FSC-certified bag.

“We also continue to offer our customers 100 per cent recycled paper bags for 25 cents, a range of reusable tote bags that retail from $1 and chiller bags which are $2.50 each.

“The leather-like washable paper bag also has a longer life span compared to soft plastic and paper bags and can carry up to 20kgs.”

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“Has to be a mistake!”

Despite this, it seems that reception of the bag hasn’t gotten much better, with one Coles shopper taking to Reddit just this week to share their thoughts.

“Who’s buying these? They’re taking the piss aren’t they?” the poster said of the product.

Commenters on the post couldn’t believe their eyes at the price, taking to Coles’ website to check for themselves.

“Thought it couldn't be true. Ummm...interesting,” one said.

“Has to be a mistake aren't the burlap bags like $1.50?” asked another.

Many shoppers even shared stories of how they’d purchased, or almost purchased, the bags by accident, thinking there was no way it would be as expensive as it is.

“I bought one thinking it was $3 and when they said $15 I must have pulled a face and she went ‘do you want me to put that back’ with a snarky, judgemental face - so I doubled down and said ‘no of course not’ and cursed the cow all the way home, $15 cheaper,” one said.

“It’s the official “storing Christmas gifts” vessel now.”

“Bought one by accident. There are always plenty of these bags when the cheap ones are all gone. They clearly have a really high profit margin,” said another.

“I grabbed one without realising and a worker came up and warned me that I’d picked up a $15 paper bag and was I sure I wanted it (I didn’t),” a third added.

“They are pretty decent!”

But, a few people did come to the party saying they loved the bags, saying the price tag is worth it for the durability.

“Tbh they are pretty decent, can fit a f*ck load in them and they have a shoulder strap. Had one for a year now and it’s still going strong,” one person said.

“I was worried I'd be the only one putting my hand up to confess my sins. I agree, it's nice and roomy and the strap is fantastic. Mine is going strong after a year as well,” a second agreed.

Originally published as Coles' 'controversial' buy spotted once again at the checkout