An online poll has divided supermarket customers about whether there should be a “boomer hour” in grocery stores.
During the pandemic, older people were given a special hour in the morning to shop at supermarkets and now some shoppers want to bring it back – sparking debate on social media.
A Facebook user from the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, took to the social media platform to ask if there should be a “boomer hour” as they move slowly, chat to others, and block aisles and freezer doors with trolleys. They suggest that older people should be mindful of workers, students and busy parents by not shopping at peak times.
Consumer Behaviour Analyst, Barry Urquhart, said the idea was ‘ageism personified’.
“At a time where the cost of living and the cost of doing business is acute, suggestions that businesses should be turning off or marginalising any group of consumers, regardless of their age, is really ill-advised,” he told Yahoo News AU.
One participant 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.
Woolworths didn’t comment on the debate but Coles said it wasn’t considering “boomer hour”.
“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 told Seven News.
“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.”
Do you think there should be a ‘boomer hour’ at supermarkets? Let us know in the comments below
No, I certainly don’t believe that there should be a “boomer hour” to shop. Those of us that are lucky enough to be in this age group are the ones (presumably) with the disposable income that keeps stores afloat. We have gone through those harried years ourselves, and most of us understand the time pressures. I personally don’t dawdle, socialize or waste time shopping. Believe it, or not, our time is equally valuable and important to us! And, you’ll see that the older you get, the more precious time becomes.
What a disgraceful article, if younger people can’t cope with supermarkets they could avail themselves of Coles and Woolworths deliveries
I support an older lady to do her shopping so that she can maintain her independence. I see the looks on the angry, stressed faces of these loonies who run their lives so badly that they have no time to shop.
They are so hyped up they will never live long enough to be an older person in a supermarket actually talking to another human being.
Re the comment from the “63 year old” she might be 83 one day but I doubt it🤭
What a load of absolute political correct wokeness.
As a baby boomer myself – still working full time and also just as busy as the younger folk- I find it is not the “boomers” blocking the aisles – its the shelf stackers and the staff collecting orders for the online shoppers that are the most inconsiderate.
What ever happened to “looking our for each other” and “patience and caring”
I’m patient with the young mums trying to cope with a screaming toddler, and I can tell you, that high pitched scream can burst a persons eardrums. I will always assist anyone that cant reach something on the top shelf, be mindful to whomever may need any assistance. Pay it forward and have even paid for someone’s groceries if I see they are struggling financially and they were not “baby boomers”.
Doesn’t matter if your a boomer Gen X or Y or Z – we should all be caring and supportive of each other.