‘WTF Woolies?': Aussies confused after receiving unexpected email
Thousands of Australians have been left confused after receiving an unexpected email from Woolworths – prompting the supermarket to respond.
The retail giant is currently running a promotion which sees Everyday Rewards customers automatically entered into a competition to win 100 million Robux by purchasing 3 participating products at Woolworths and Woolworths Metro stores or on the MILKRUN app.
But herein lies the problem. Most Aussies have 'no idea' what Robux is.
Robux is actually currency within an online game platform called Roblox that has exploded in popularity in the last few years.
Its content is mostly user-generated, allowing users to create and play a wide variety of games that are often free to access.
There are also social hangouts and free-form user creation experiences where you can text, voice chat and create with other people in real time.
While the platform is used by a wide range of age groups, recent statistics show that 56 per cent of Roblox users are under 16.
Just 25 per cent of the platform's 380 million monthly active users are aged between 17-24 and just 19 per cent are 25 and older.
Experts have said part of the platform's appeal to kids is that it is 'a world parents do not easily understand' as there are constantly new games emerging.
But Roblox has also attracted criticism for exposing children to harmful content after it was revealed the platform had a 'pedophile problem' in a jaw-dropping report by Bloomberg.
Hindenburg Research later conducted a through analysis of Roblox and described it as an 'X-rated pedophile hellscape' that exposed children to 'grooming, pornography, violent content and extremely abusive speech'.
When Woolworths first announced its partnership with the platform it was widely scrutinised, with parents and critics claiming it was 'inappropriate' and a 'huge red flag for child safety'.
Despite the backlash at the end of last year, the promotion kicked off again on April 23, with over 800,000 Australians winning a share of 100 million Robux.
Robux has no real-world cash value, but it does hold value within the Roblox ecosystem and can be used to 'buy cool stuff for your avatar, like hats, shirts and accessories,' Woolworths states.
But considering most users are not buying groceries, the majority of winners have been left scratching their heads over the unusual prize.
'WTF Woolworths!?! What is this rubbish you are sending out now? What is Robux?' one wrote on Facebook.
'I'm not telling my 9yo and 11yo about this, because Woolworths are counting on them, and thousands of other kids, to nag their parents into shopping at the supermarket,' another said.
As one asked: 'How do I give this shitty prize back?'
'Woolworths this is so random,' said another, while one wrote: 'I've got no idea what Robux or Roblox is.'
Many defended the giveaway, including Woolies, who suggested those who 'don't know what to do with their Robux dollars can gift the voucher to friends and family'.
'There is one more week left for customers to win Robux in the Win with Everyday Rewards promotion,' the spokesperson added.
In November, a video the supermarket shared on TikTok explaining the promotion was flooded with mixed reviews.
'No way, a Woolies x Roblox promo. Man, that's cool,' said one.
'This is a worthless prize,' claimed another.
As one declared: 'I'M RUNNING TO WOOLWORTHS NOW. I DON'T CARE IF IM BARE FOOT.'
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