Woolworths is facing backlash over new anti-theft gates being trialled in six stores, with customers raising safety concerns for children and people with disabilities. The gates, which feature low-height bars that can only be pushed in one direction, have reportedly struck children in the arms, legs, and face.
Maria, a shopper at the Bass Hill store in Sydney, told Guardian Australia that the bars are at the level of children in prams, forcing parents to enter backwards to avoid hitting their kids. She expressed worry that children might grab the bars, which could spring back and injure them.
Another customer, Susan, who has lived in Bass Hill for 50 years, said she felt trapped by the new gates, which replaced a sliding door. The first store to introduce the gates was Camberwell in Melbourne, where they have been in place since late last year.
Online backlash has been significant, with Reddit posts garnering thousands of upvotes, criticising the gates for being at toddler face height and making customers feel like livestock. One comment questioned how people with disabilities would navigate the gates.
A Woolworths spokesperson expressed concern after being informed of the incidents and said the company would review feedback as it assesses the trial. The spokesperson noted that theft is a major driver of violence and aggression towards staff, but customers at Bass Hill felt the trade-off in convenience was not worth the added security.
