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Going to the supermarket dressed down has become an Aussie tradition – with some even taking it so far as to shop in dressing gown and slippers. But the internet has gone crazy this morning over bizarre reports that Woolworths has instituted a news dress policy for shoppers, which has allegedly seen some asked to leave or refused entry.
According to New Idea Food, which first broke the story, one patron claims he was recently ejected from the store for wearing thongs, an incident which has been echoed by several other shoppers who have claimed similar experiences.
Writing on the Markdown Addicts Facebook group, one disgruntled shopper wrote: ‘Has anyone heard of Woolworths not allowing customers to shop in thongs now because of OH&S policy introduced?
‘My hubby went to grab a pavlova and was told he couldn’t shop in store because he was wearing thongs and they have introduced a new OH&S policy.
‘I have contacted Woolworths head office for confirmation of this as they wouldn’t let him speak to a manager.’
The posting has created a huge stir from disbelieving Aussies, with one asking, ‘Is this Woolworths Australia? LOL. I’m pretty sure this is the shoe of our people! Lol!’
Added another: ‘They will have no customers! Everyone wears thongs shopping!’
Said a third: ‘Very un-Australian! I wore thong in Woolies today and shopped without incident!’
The matter continues to be a source of debate, with the original poster reporting the below correspondence from Woolies.
‘Just a follow up to the shoe issue in Woolworths,’ she wrote: ‘Confirming head office and store in question have no OH&S policy in place in regards to wearing thongs.
‘They are reviewing the CCTV cameras to determine who this individual was that stopped my husband and told him this. Ladies and gents, continue to wear your thongs or go barefoot and seek those markdowns!’
While Woolworths head office insists there has been no policy change, other shoppers suggest the footwear stipulation is in fact in place at some stores, despite a lack of formal policy. But it seems enforcement is spotty at best.
Said one poster: ‘Lol this is Straya. There’s a sign at our woolworths but no one enforces it.’
Good to hear! For more shopping news, make sure you’re following Markdown Addicts Australia – click here for more!
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