Shoppers in North Lakes and other South East Queensland locations experienced a shift in their shopping routine with Kmart’s introduction of coin-operated trolleys, requiring a $1 or $2 deposit for access.
This measure, now in place at a third of Queensland’s 67 Kmart stores, aims to address trolley theft and abandonment.
Reasoning Behind the Change
The implementation of the coin-operated system stems from council requirements for trolley containment and shopping centre initiatives. Kmart intends to reduce the issues of trolleys being stolen, damaged, or left in inappropriate locations, a problem recently highlighted by a trolley found atop a store sign.
Locations such as Capalaba and Stafford also feature the new system. A Kmart representative indicated that such changes were not planned for widespread application but implemented on a case-by-case basis.
Customer Reactions and Challenges
The new system caught many shoppers unprepared, especially in a society increasingly reliant on cashless transactions. Some customers, like Michelle Bates of Hamilton, expressed frustration at needing to retrieve coins, a task that forced her to return to the store after an initial attempt without change. She complained, suggesting token systems as a more practical alternative.
Other shoppers, such as Fiona Gerard from Ferny Hills, utilised Aldi tokens to bypass the coin requirement, highlighting the potential inconvenience for those without change or tokens. Kate D from the Sunshine Coast shared her surprise at the chained trolleys, arguing that large corporations should provide trolleys without cost.
Operational Details and Alternatives
Kmart staff at affected locations have informed customers of the new system and explained the refundable deposit. Some shoppers used Woolworths trolleys, which do not require payment, while others chose to “pay it forward” by leaving their deposit for the next customer.
Signage is posted to notify customers of the change. Kmart provides a hotline (1800 876 553) for reporting abandoned trolleys, promising collection within 24 hours.
Published Date 27-Feb-2025
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