The humble shopping trolley—a staple of the retail experience, is often taken for granted until it becomes the centre of controversy. In a surprising turn of events, Kmart shoppers in Brisbane have found themselves at odds with the store’s latest anti-theft measure: coin-operated trolleys. This new system has sparked a debate among customers, with some threatening to abandon the store altogether.
The introduction of coin-operated trolleys is not a novel concept; it’s been a long-standing practice in various parts of the world, including at ALDI stores across Australia. However, for Kmart, a brand known for its budget-friendly offerings and hassle-free shopping, the move has been met with mixed reactions.
Approximately one-third of Kmart stores in Queensland, including locations such as Capalaba, North Lakes, and Stafford, have implemented this change. To unlock a trolley, customers must insert a $1 or $2 coin, which is refunded once the trolley is returned to the designated bay. This measure aims to reduce trolley theft, damage, and abandonment—issues that have plagued retailers and local councils alike.
Despite the practical intentions behind the coin-operated trolleys, the change has not been universally welcomed. In an increasingly cashless society, where cards and digital payments reign supreme, the requirement for a coin has left many shoppers frustrated. ‘Another reason I won’t go to Kmart again,’ lamented one customer on social media, echoing the sentiment of those who find the new system inconvenient.
Parents with young children and individuals with disabilities have voiced their concerns, highlighting the difficulties they face when navigating escalators or the lack of trolley bays in car parks. These logistical challenges add an extra layer of complexity to what should be a simple shopping trip.
On the flip side, some resourceful shoppers have shared their hacks for bypassing the coin requirement, such as using trolleys from other stores or employing ALDI tokens. These workarounds, while clever, underscore the inconvenience that the new system has introduced for some customers.
Despite the backlash, some defend the change, pointing to the success of similar systems at ALDI. ‘Get over it, ALDI has had them forever! It will make you take the trolley back and not leave it randomly somewhere!’ argued one supporter of the initiative. Indeed, the environmental and community benefits of reducing stray trolleys cannot be overlooked.
Kmart has provided signage to inform customers of the change and there are no current plans to implement coin-operated trolleys nationally. It remains a case-by-case decision, likely influenced by the feedback from both customers and local councils.
Change, no matter how small, can spark big reactions—especially when it affects everyday conveniences like shopping trolleys. While some see coin-operated trolleys as a step toward better accountability, others find them an unnecessary hassle.
What do you think? Have you come across these trolleys at your local Kmart? Do you see them as a helpful measure or an inconvenience? Would this change affect where you shop? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
Also read: Insider alert: This shopping trolley feature could disappear forever
it does prevent trolleys getting dumped in in local streets, nature strips, rivers & creeks!
And trolleys left in parking bays. Also, most older people have the odd loose change in their pockets like I do. So, if one plans to go to K Mart, take the odd dollar in your pocket.
2025, the year of the whingers…….
My daughter bought me a metal piece with a circular end that will fit into the coin groove. It clips onto my keyring. They cost about $4 on Ebay.
Get yourself some tokens that can be used in place of cash.
Some years ago now our local Coles tried coin operated trolleys but gave up after about 6 months.