Coles customers react to trial of reusable carry box at stores across Australia

Customers at a major supermarket are confused about a new upgrade in dozens of stores.

A Coles shopper has unveiled a major upgrade being trialled in stores across the country, with other customers frustrated they have to wait to try it.

In a post to Reddit last week, the customer said they noticed the red “Swap-A-Box” containers – typically used to pack Click and Collect orders – being used at a check-out in her local store.

The boxes which cost $2 each were trialled in 29 stores across Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia in 2023.

The customer said they couldn’t understand why the reusable boxes weren’t being offered to in-store shoppers.

Coles Swap a Box are being trialled in 29 stores. Picture: Reddit

“Why isn’t Coles using these at stores?” the Reddit user said.

“Perfect size, so much easier to use and no more torn paper bags.”

The shopper compared them to the paper bags sold at check-outs, saying they are far more “reusable and resilient”.

“My point is that they should have these in stores not just for home delivery as checkout is easier than using their useless bags,” they said.

Reddit users rushed to the comments section to share their thoughts on the boxes with most agreeing they should be made available at all Coles stores.

A Coles shopper has unveiled the new upgrade on Reddit. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

“What are these Swap-a-Boxes by Coles and how do I get them?!” one user wrote.

“Anything to avoid using the useless paper bags that can’t be reused and that Coles loves overcharging customers for especially since they’ve made them smaller!,” a second person said.

Another user said they remember the days when supermarkets would leave a wall of empty boxes at check-outs for people to transport their groceries.

“Makes so much sense, boxes get recycled, supermarket doesn’t need to dispose of them,” they said.

A Coles spokesperson said they had received a lot of positive feedback on the boxes so far and looked forward to giving more shoppers the option.

The new trial is sending shopper’s crazy. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

“Our customers who have participated in the trial have said the Swap-a-box is durable and can be used multiple times, has reduce their use of bags and fits well into a car boot,” the spokesperson said.

The Swap-a-box trial is currently on offer for Click & Collect orders at the following stores:

• Victoria: Woodend, Southland, Elsternwick & Caulfield Village
• Tasmania: Burnie, Ulverstone, Devonport, Mowbray, Racecourse, Wellington St, Newstead, Meadow Mews, Charles, Sorell, Glebe Hill, Eastlands, New Town, Sandy Bay, Kingston, Bridgewater and Glenorchy
• Western Australia: Inglewood
• Queensland: Worongary, Mudgeeraba, Robina, Burleigh Waters, Mermaid Waters, Pacific Fair and Benowa Village

Originally published as Coles customers react to trial of reusable carry box at stores across Australia