An online poll has divided supermarket customers after one social media declared there should be a “boomer hour” in grocery stores.
A Facebook user from the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, took to the social media platform to ask if there should be a “boomer hour” as too many over 50s were taking up space in the aisle and spending too long to cashiers.
The poll suggested those in retirement age should be mindful of time-poor workers, students and busy parents — and not shop at peak times.
Woolworths said it was steering clear of the debate while news.com.au understands Coles said it wasn’t considering creating an initiative like this.
“We are always looking at ways we can meet the differing needs of our customers by creating a shopping environment in which our customers and team members feel comfortable,” a Coles spokesperson said.
“We currently offer Quiet Hour which is a low-sensory shopping experience that’s easy on the eyes and ears and is offered at participating Coles stores every Tuesday between 10.30am to 11.30am.”
The debate, which featured 300 participants, sparked outrage on social media.
“What a load of crap! I’m a worker and a parent but I definitely do not agree with this at all,” one angry shopper lashed out.
“Older people have just as much right if not more to go to the supermarket when it suits them, they’ve earned the right after paying taxes all their lives. What is wrong with people nowadays? Entitled much?”
Another said: “How ridiculous… maybe those whinging shoppers need a life and should online shop?”
“Should take a leaf from their book and learn to slow down,” another said.
One added: “I’m 63, the number of times I have told ‘middle aged’ and ‘younger people’ that this is a supermarket not a coffee shop.”
Barry Urquhart, a consumer behaviour analyst, told Seven News that the idea was “ageism personified”.
“At a time where the cost-of-living and the cost of doing business is acute, you can’t turn and marginalise any consumer group,” he said.