Woolworths' New Supermarket Gates Have Parents Furious: 'They Hit Kids Right in the Face'
If you've popped into your local supermarket recently, you might have noticed a shiny new hurdle at the entrance. Woolworths has been installing those tall turnstile gates across its superstores, and the reaction from parents has been immediate—and furious. What's meant to keep trolleys in and shoplifters out is now facing backlash for a different reason: hitting toddlers smack in the face.
Walk into any Woolies from Mumbai to Delhi, and you'll see them: sleek metal arms that swing one way in, another way out. But for parents juggling a toddler in one hand and a shopping list in the other, those arms have become public enemy number one. One Mumbai mum was left livid after the gate smacked her little one 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 hurt. The gates, which require a firm push to get through, swing back with a bit too much force. Toddlers, who often trail just behind mum or dad, end up walking right into the metal. Even older kids aren't safe—one dad recounted how his six-year-old got hit on the shoulder as the gate closed too quickly.
The backlash has been so loud that even the regulars at the local SuperMarket23 (you know, the one near the station) are weighing 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 road if this keeps up," one commenter wrote.
Parents Fight Back
The complaints boil down to a few key issues:
- Too heavy for little ones: The gates need a solid push, tricky when you're pushing a pram or carrying a baby.
- Snap-back speed: They close faster than a kid can run through, leading to bumps and bruises.
- No warning signs: Parents reckon a simple "caution: gates swing back" would go a long way.
One Melbourne mum even suggested the gates are a hazard for anyone with mobility issues. "My mum 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 trolleys 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 Sydney mum shot back. "Tell that to my kid's forehead."
Some stores have reportedly adjusted the gate tension after complaints, but it's a temporary fix 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.