Coles rolls out special needs trolleys in Toowoomba

A NEW specially designed supermarket trolley means Toowoomba residents who have children with a disability can now shop at Coles with greater convenience and support.

Charlie Wickham doesn't need a special trolley when shopping but demonstrates use of the new trolley. His mother, Theresa Wickham and brother Sam discuss with Jason Wieden the benefits of the trolley. Picture: Bev Lacey

A NEW specially designed supermarket trolley means Toowoomba residents who have children with a disability can now shop at Coles with greater convenience and support.

It has taken two years to research, design and manufacture the additional needs trolley which can assist parents with children who have a disability.

The trolley supports a child up to 70kg, has padding on the sides, a harness and additional support in its structure.

The Coles stores at Grand Central, Toowoomba Plaza, Toowoomba North and Clifford Gardens are now four of 372 stores around Australia that have the special trolley.

Grand Central Coles store manager Jason Wieden said the grocery chain invested in the trolleys due to customer requests and he hoped it would make shopping easier for those parents.

"It is important to have them in store so that parents with children who have special needs aren't disadvantaged," Mr Wieden said

"Parents can still get what they need at the supermarket with the use of these trolleys.

"They have been in store only a couple of weeks so hopefully parents can start benefiting from them when word gets out.

"If any parents would like to make use of the new trolleys they just have to approach a staff member and they will only be too happy to get it," he said.

Originally published as Coles rolls out special needs trolleys in Toowoomba