Woolworths customers slam 'disappointing' problem with Bricks
The popular Woolworths Bricks promotion is proving to be extremely hard to come by with customers saying they've missed out.
One shopper recently took to the store’s Facebook page, angered about not receiving the promotional item due to low stock levels.
“How disappointing - new bricks promo hasn’t even been running for a week yet all stores seem to have run out of packets I’m being told,” she wrote.
“Placed an online order meant to receive 11 packs got none and online say they are sold out everywhere but Victoria. How is this possible?
“Hopefully, we can get them once in stock!”
The promotion has obviously proved to be a huge hit and despite it only running for one week, a Woolworths spokesperson confirmed to Yahoo News Australia that one highly sought-after item has already sold out.
"Despite ordering more associated merchandise to accompany this collectibles program compared to previous years, we’ve found that demand for some items, including the replica electric powered Woolworths delivery truck has far exceeded our expectations," the spokesperson said.
"We apologise for any disappointment caused if customers find that any of the Woolworths Bricks delivery trucks have already sold out in their store or online."
Fellow disappointed shoppers also pointed out that many stores had also sold out of the Bricks starter kits early on.
The kits include a baseboard and front doors and customers could choose between a Basic kit for $6 or a Deluxe kit for $10.
“Even more disappointing is the fact that the other items related to this promotion (base, trucks and figurines) were sold in the first day, pretty much as usually happens with the Ooshies boxes,” the shopper said.
“Not everybody can go shopping the first day of the promotion at 7am to be among the few people able to buy them.”
Has Brick stock sold out?
A Woolworths spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia that shoppers were embracing the program and that Bricks stock will continue to flow through stores.
"Stock of the Woolworths Bricks and the starter kits that help support the build of the replica sustainable Woolworths supermarket remains strong in all states and territories where the program is currently launched and will continue to flow to stores," the spokesperson said.
Yahoo News Australia understands that the sold out Woolworths Bricks Trucks will be available to New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory customers when the program launches in stores on September 22.
Although, it is expected that demand will once again be high. The terms and conditions of the campaign state the offer is available “while stocks last”, and this includes any associated merchandise.
What to do if your store has no Bricks
Another person wrote on social media that shoppers who miss out on stock can take their receipt to a different store to claim the promotional items.
“Bring your receipt in and I'm sure they'll give it to you. Sucks that you'll have to make another trip though,” they commented about missing out.
Yahoo News Australia understands that it is at the discretion of each individual Woolworths Store as to whether they honour missed Bricks from previous purchases.
The latest “sustainable collectables” offer gives customers the opportunity to collect a range of brick sets.
The offer which launched on September 8 is available to costumers when they spend $30 or more in a single shop in store and online.
Customers can collect the Woolworths Bricks to build their own replica of a sustainable Woolworths Supermarket featuring solar panels, Free Fruit For Kids baskets, checkout registers, car charging stations, trolleys and more.
Woolworths customers aren't happy with Bricks
While the range is sustainable, not everyone is impressed with the supermarket giant offering more collectables.
“I am very disappointed that you are doing more collectibles. They create more plastic in landfill,” one shopper wrote on the Woolworths Facebook page.
“I do most of my shopping at Woolworths but will now change to Coles and IGA because I will not support this environmental irresponsibility. Disappointed!”
Other shoppers quickly pointed out that the range was made from at least 80 per cent recycled materials, but the upset shopper said it didn't matter.
“They will still end up in landfill regardless of whether they are made from 80 per cent recycled plastic,” he said.
The Woolworths Bricks are made from old refrigerators, swimming goggles and luggage handles and have been certified to meet certain environmental criteria.
The best way to earn Woolworths Everyday Rewards and Coles Flybuys deals
Customer shares little-known Woolworths self-serve checkout hack
The approval by Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) means that the Bricks are approved to meet environmental, human health and social impact criteria making them good for customers and the planet.
“As Today’s Fresh Food People we are committed to making changes for a better tomorrow,” Woolworths Chief Marketing Officer, Andrew Hicks said.
"Through our latest collectable we’re taking customers on this journey with us by showcasing in a playful and creative way how we’re growing greener, not only in how we operate our business, but through the programs, we engage with them on.
“Woolworths Bricks is a fun and interactive way of learning at home that can spark conversations within families about sustainability; whether that’s how materials like plastic or refrigerators can be given a second life, or how solar panels and electric car chargers are making a positive impact on the environment at their local Woolies.”
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
