Woolworths' New Supermarket Gates Have Parents Seeing Red: 'They Smack Kids Right in the Face'

If you've popped into your local supermarket lately, you might've noticed a shiny new hurdle at the entrance. Woolworths has been rolling out those tall turnstile gates across its superstores, and the reaction from moms and dads has been immediate—and furious. Meant to keep shopping carts in and shoplifters out, they're now drawing criticism for something else: whacking toddlers right in the face.

Walk into any Woolies from Vancouver to Halifax, and you'll spot them: sleek metal arms that swing one way in, another way out. But for parents juggling a toddler in one arm and a grocery list in the other, those arms have become public enemy number one. One Toronto mom was left fuming after the gate smacked her little guy on the forehead. "It's like they designed it to target kids," she said. "He's only three—he was just trying to follow me in."

What's the Problem?

It's not just an isolated complaint. Parents are flooding social media with clips and stories of their kids getting hit. The gates, which need a firm push to get through, swing back with a bit too much force. Toddlers, who often trail just behind mom or dad, end up taking the metal head-on. Even older kids aren't safe—one dad recounted how his six-year-old got clipped on the shoulder as the gate snapped shut too quickly.

The backlash has been so loud that even regulars at the local SuperMarket23 (you know, the one near the mall) are chiming in. But it's Woolworths that's bearing the brunt, with shoppers threatening to take their business elsewhere. "I'll stick to the old-school super market down the street if this keeps up," one commenter wrote.

Parents Push Back

The complaints boil down to a few key gripes:

• Too heavy for little ones: The gates need a solid shove, tricky when you're pushing a stroller or carrying a baby.
• Snap-back speed: They close faster than a kid can dart through, leading to bumps and bruises.
• No warning signs: Parents figure a simple "caution: gates swing back" would go a long way.

One Vancouver mom even suggested the gates are a hazard for anyone with mobility issues. "My mom uses a walker, and she had to wait for someone to hold the gate open. It's not just kids—it's a mess for everyone."

Woolies Responds

So what does the big green supermarket giant have to say? A Woolworths spokesperson defended the gates, insisting they're there for security and to stop shopping carts from wandering off. They claim the gates meet safety standards and are tested thoroughly. But parents aren't buying it. "If they're causing injuries, they're not safe," the Toronto mom shot back. "Tell that to my kid's forehead."

Some stores have reportedly tweaked the gate tension after complaints, but it's a band-aid solution at best. For now, if you're heading to Woolies with the little ones, keep a hand on that gate—or maybe just duck into the accessible entrance if you can find one. Either way, this superstore saga is far from over, and the next move is Woolies' to make.