Customers divided over X-rated Coles item at checkout

A customer’s request to have an X-rated item removed from the checkout shelf has backfired after some shoppers came to the retailer’s defence.

A woman’s request for Coles to make its checkouts “G-rated” has backfired after online users came to the supermarket giant’s defence following her complaint.

Taking to the official Coles Facebook page, the customer explained that when shopping at her local store she came across boxes of condoms for sale at the checkout just above the checkout conveyor.

She posted several photos showing the condoms on display on the top shelf next to other health and medical items including painkillers, sunscreen, vitamin tablets and sanitiser.

However, she blurred out the two types of condoms that were on special for $8.45 and $5.50 respectively.

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A woman has suggested Coles keep its checkouts ‘suitable for children’. Picture: Facebook

News.com.au understands the retailer has no plans to change the checkout range and that the mixed selection of products is popular for people who have forgotten to grab items when shopping or those who might be embarrassed to carry personal items around the store.

“Just wondering if you’d consider keeping checkouts suitable for all ages?” the concerned customer wrote in the post.

“I know a lot of people complain these days and I’m not complaining.

“Just suggesting the idea that checkouts stay G-rated for those who don’t want to see these and also for the children who don’t need to know what these are yet. Thanks for considering it.”

It comes after her request to remove condoms from above the conveyor belt at checkouts. Picture: Facebook

The woman’s post sparked a heated discussion with many backing the retailer saying they felt there was nothing wrong with the positioning of the condoms.

“Imagine how many teen pregnancies could be avoided if parents actually spoke to their children about them,” one person wrote.

“Do you stop your children using public bathrooms? Many have vending machines selling these products,” a second person wrote.

Another claimed the woman was “totally wrong”.

“Kids should know what condoms are and they should be accessible,” they said.

One person commented: “Imagine having to explain sexual health to your child like a responsible parent, you poor, poor thing.”

A Coles spokesperson told news.com.au the range has been received “warmly” by customers and the selection of items located at the register is based on customer feedback.

“Coles offers a selection of items conveniently located at the register that includes drinks, snacks and healthcare items. This range is based on customer feedback and sales data that shows proven demand for last-minute medicinal and family planning products,” the spokesperson said.