Woolworths staff member filmed ‘looking for’ Marvel Hero discs

A WOOLWORTHS checkout operator has been filmed looking for rare Marvel Hero discs so sought after by Aussie kids.

AN investigation has been launched into claims a Woolworths checkout operator tampered with the sale of Marvel Hero Super discs.

Australian children are going crazy over the discs that can be collected with certain items when shopping at Woolworths. There had already been angst over a shortage of some discs and a possible early end to the promotion.

Now footage has emerged that appears to show a staff member in Tasmania looking through stock and appearing to study the discs, holding them up to the light to see what they could be.

The footage was shown last night on 7 News.

The discs are only available to shoppers who spend more than $20 and some are much harder to come across than others.

Woolworths is reportedly investigating the claims.

While the current catalogue is promoting the giveaway as finishing on May 30, one Sydney mum has discovered stocks were already running out.

Jess, from Sydney’s inner west, has been collecting the discs for her two young kids.

“They’ve loved playing with the disks, and although they’re too young to really understand wanting the whole collection, they’ve enjoyed connecting them together”, she told news.com.au.

The frustrated mum, who shops online, said she was disappointed to receive an email after placing her order, informing her the discs were out of stock.

Woolies sent this email to Jess after she ordered her groceries, letting her know her kids wouldn’t be getting the discs.

“I thought I would do one last big shop and try and get as many discs as possible. I deliberately purchased items with the ‘bonus disc’ symbol, and was promised 19 disks at the end of my shop”.

“I know it’s just a bit of fun, and really, there are bigger problems in the world, but if you’ve ever tried using logic to negotiate with toddlers, you would know it’s bloody hard to explain why they aren’t getting the thing they want.”

The promotion is ending next Tuesday.

A Woolworths spokesman said “The Marvel Heroes promotion has proved incredibly popular with customers since its launch on 19 April. With only six days to go and while stocks last, we encourage customers to visit local stores to complete their collection.

“For any customers with concerns about online purchases in relation to the Marvel Heroes campaign please contact our consumer care line on 1800 000 610 where we will be able to investigate further.”

Earlier in the week, it was reported that some of the more rare disks were going for huge amounts on eBay, as desperate parents try and complete the set.

But for those that want to count on the freebies with their shopping, they might be left without.

Looks like kids are going to have to go back to playing with Lego then.

Twitter: @KateCalacouras