New Woolworths trolley device causes TikTok sensation: 'Good idea'
A TikTok video showing a new Covid-safe technology being implemented in Woolworths stores, has caused a sensation online.
The 14 second video, posted by TikTok user @shereenchadoud, is captioned: “Thank you Woolworths for looking after us.”
In the video, which has already gotten more than 130,000 likes and thousands of comments and shares, a customer is shown using a new trolley sanitising machine outside a Woolworths store.
“You can now disinfect your trolley at Woolworths Bankstown,” a voiceover says.
The video shows a woman pushing her trolley into a large green unit and pressing a button to begin the disinfection process, which takes five seconds, according to a sign shown on the unit.
In the comments section, some have questioned the effectiveness of the technology.
“But you already touched the dirty trolley to push it in there,” said one person.
“The trolley is safe but not the thousands of products for sale,” commented another.
Some users have commented that the appearance of a light in the disinfecting unit shows UV technology being utilised and have scrutinised its use; however a Woolworths spokesperson has confirmed this is not the case.
“Customers simply push their trolley into the unit at the front of the store, which sprays it with disinfectant spray in under two seconds,” the spokesperson said.
The Bankstown store joins the Oran Park store which first implemented the disinfecting station in April, receiving a positive response from customers.
Other NSW stores in Glenrose, Wetherill Park, Bonnyrigg and Carnes Hill are also trialling the units.
New technology ‘popular’: Woolworths
TikTok users from around the globe have been interacting with the video, with many people in the comments praising this technology.
“I wanna go there and try it,” said one person.
“What a good idea Woolworths,” commented another.
“They should have this everywhere,” wrote a third.
A Woolworths spokesperson confirmed that the units have been popular with customers.
“As a food retailer, we already have very high standards of cleaning and hygiene, including the thorough cleaning of high-touch surfaces, like trolleys and baskets,” the spokesperson said.
“As part of our Covid Safe program, we’re trialling new trolley disinfectant units in six of our stores across Greater Sydney.”
“The units have been very popular with our customers, helping start their Covid-safe shop with extra confidence,” they said.
“We're always looking for ways to make the in-store customer experience more convenient, and will closely monitor customer feedback on the trial over the coming weeks.”
Terminology playfully debated in comments
The comment section of the viral TikTok video has played host to a debate over what a trolley should be called.
Numerous US users have been arguing with the person who shared the video.
“That’s a shopping cart,” posted one user.
“Looks like a cart to me, not a trolley,” wrote another.
“It’s called a cart not a trolley,” said a third.
In response to these comments, many Australians playfully pointed out that different terms are used in different countries.
“Not everyone is American,” several said.
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