28 August 2015, Cape Town –
Woolworths has decided to remove all sweets and chocolates from queues, which some have dubbed the ‘walk of temptation’.
“Woolworths has made the decision to remove all sweets and chocolates from our checkout queues, reflecting our commitment to providing alternatives for children and parents,” Woolworths said in a statement.
The move forms part of a broader drive towards “providing customers with better choices”.
Over the course of 2007 and 2008, Woolworths removed the equivalent of 20 million teaspoons (approximately 79 tonnes) of sugar from its chilled 100% juices and nectars, and reduced the sugar content across its yoghurt range by 15%.
The company has also gradually reduced the salt content used in making over 100 of its own-brand products, which has resulted in a dramatic reduction of 35.2 tonnes of salt.
Woolworths will be engaging with customers through panel discussions and focus groups to find out what alternatives they would like to see in the checkout aisles.
The rollout will start with all new Woolworths stores, as well as large format stores.
In mid-2012 UK’s largest retailer Tesco made a similar move after a survey of customers showed overwhelming support for removal.
According to the Guardian research for Tesco found that 65% of shoppers wanted confectionery removed from till points to help them make healthier choices when shopping.
Even more (67%) said it would help them choose healthier options for their children, said the report.
Pick n Pay recently launched Stikeez – a small plastic toy that you get when you spend R150 at one of their stores. These small plastic toys have become a craze among children and parents are almost ‘forced’ by their children these days to shop at Pick n Pay in order to boost their Stikeez collection. Marketing genius.
It will certainly be an interesting battle of wills as to who will win this argument between parent and child. We’re with the parents on this one.
What are your thoughts on this big move from Woolworths?