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Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
UK supermarkets make major change to trolleys - but shoppers are not impressed
Tesco is testing out the new trolley, which consists of metal legs and a plastic basket, in one store, while Waitrose is also introducing a new shopping device Two UK supermarkets have introduced US-style plastic shopping trolleys in stores. Tesco is testing out the new trolley, which consists of metal legs and a plastic basket, in its Sheffield Infirmary store. Meanwhile, posh rival Waitrose has introduced fully plastic trolleys in its Brent Cross store in London. Hannah Lewis, managing director of trolley supplier Formbar, told The Sun that she believes they will be popular with shoppers. She said: 'Trolleys are important, they are the first thing you see as you go into a supermarket. The plastic ones are more cost-effective to maintain, as well as being fully recyclable. 'We'll be seeing them much more in the future which I think people will like as they are easier to push around than the steel ones, and they are quieter too with no metal rattling sounds.' However, not all shoppers were convinced. Writing in a Reddit thread, one person said: "Cheaper. Less chance it gets nicked and scrapped." Another person said: "They ain't gonna last a week." But another shopper commented: "I don't see what's wrong. Plastic baskets on shopping trolleys have been a think in the US and many other countries for decades. They work just fine. Overall unit weight and price is reduced." Tesco has not revealed whether it will introduce the plastic trolleys to more stores, but a Waitrose spokesperson said: "This is a localised trial involving one shop but we have no plans to roll-out wider." It comes after Tesco confirmed it has made a major change to its delivery and click and collect slots this summer. All customers can now access eight weeks' worth of home delivery and click and collect slots across the UK, instead of the usual four weeks. On top of this, the supermarket has added 15,000 additional click and collect slots. Tesco has also removed the same-day charge from selected stores. According to the Tesco website, standard delivery charges range from £3 and £7 depending on location, while click and collect costs from free to £2, again depending on location. Tesco charges £7.99 a month for a six-month anytime delivery pass, which includes same-day delivery, or £6.99 a month if you sign up for 12 months. An off-peak pass - which is for deliveries after 3pm - costs £4.99 for six months, or £6.99 for 12 months. For click and collect, a six-month package is charged at £2.49 a month. Tesco also recently launched its F&F clothing range online. Shoppers used to be able to purchase Tesco clothing through its non-food Tesco Direct website - but this closed down in 2018. The collection was also once available to buy online through Next, until the retailer stopped selling F&F in January 2024.
Metro
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Metro
Tesco and Waitrose trial US-style trolleys — but shoppers call them 'awful'
You may notice something different on your next big shop, as two UK supermarkets consider introducing a distinctly American new feature. US-style plastic trolleys are now being trialled in Tesco's Sheffield Infirmary Superstore and Waitrose's Brent Cross branch, in an effort to gather feedback from customers. These new designs are said to be lighter and easier to steer, without the clattering noise traditional carts can make as they're wheeled through the aisles. Additionally, they could prove less attractive to thieves, who typically steal the metal models in order to sell on for scrap. Hannah Lewis, managing director of trolley supplier Formbar, believes shops and customers alike will prefer them. 'Trolleys are important, they are the first thing you see as you go into a supermarket,' she tells The Sun. 'The plastic ones are more cost-effective to maintain, as well as being fully recyclable. We'll be seeing them much more in the future.' But not all shoppers are convinced. A Reddit post about the new trolleys – similar to those used by US chains like Target – sparked disapproving replies, with @NoFaithlessness4987 branding them a 'waste of money' and another user predicting they'd 'end up grubby and stinking very quickly'. 'They ain't gonna last a week,' commented @ManufacturerNo4079, while @justhonest1986 added: 'They look awful.' 'At least these won't rust when they end up in the local river, canal, or duck pond,' wrote @Big_Dave990, to which @humblesunbro jokingly responded: 'Nope they'll float merrily on by instead.' Some felt the move was a positive one though, including @ImissTBBT who said: 'I don't see what's wrong. Plastic baskets on shopping trolleys have been a thing in the US and many other countries for decades. They work just fine. Overall unit weight and price is reduced.' Another, @Childhood-Crazy, praised the 'modern' design, while @DeezWuts noted that the potential cost savings when it comes to replacing them, adding: 'Probably a decent overall savings in stores that are constantly having the metal ones robbed.' More Trending Although Tesco declined to comment on its use of plastic trolleys going forward, a Waitrose spokesperson told Metro: 'This is a localised trial involving one shop but we have no plans to roll-out wider.' According to Wanzl, trolley theft and abandonment costs British businesses £35m every year (more than £95,000 a day), with each stolen cart coming in at £100 to replace. However, Spanish supermarket Mercadona reduced its replacement needs by 80% after switching to plastic hybrid models, improving the company's bottom line and its environmental impact. Still, customers can be particular about supermarket trolleys, as Tesco found out last year. When the supermarket moved self-scanner holders from the left to the right-hand side of its cart handles, shoppers took to social media begging for the change to be reversed. Following some surprisingly strong reactions – including one person claiming they were driven 'nuts' having to reach over and put the machine back in its slot – a spokesperson for Tesco told Metro: 'Our new trolleys are designed to be practical for all customers. We value feedback and will pass this on to the relevant teams.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Tu Clothing is set to bring back its designer-inspired belted bag for £20 MORE: Horrified Tesco shopper 'bit into live cockroach' in meal deal sandwich MORE: Forget about Prosecco — drink this £6.97 sparkling wine from Asda instead
Daily Record
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Tesco and Waitrose launch new 'trial' that makes major change to trolleys
The leading supermarkets are trialling the transformation Two of the UK's biggest supermarket's have introduced a major change to their trolley systems. The trial aims at making the shopping experience "easier" for customers. Reports have suggested that Tesco and Waitrose are now trialling new American-style plastic shopping trolleys at select stores across the UK. These trolleys boast a lighter design and easier manoeuvrability, and they come without the rattling noises synonymous with the old metal versions. A Tesco pilot scheme at its Sheffield Infirmary Superstore is experimenting with hybrid trolleys that feature a metallic frame topped with a plastic basket. Over at the Waitrose spot in Brent Cross, all-plastic models are on trial, reports Birmingham Live. Hannah Lewis, managing director of trolley provider Formbar, is convinced both consumers and stores will take to them as they are "easier to push around", while also being "more cost-effective." "Trolleys are important, they are the first thing you see as you go into a supermarket. The plastic ones are more cost-effective to maintain, as well as being fully recyclable. "We'll be seeing them much more in the future which I think people will like as they are easier to push around than the steel ones, and they are quieter too with no metal rattling sounds." Reddit users have been deep in discussion about the Tesco trolley tests, with one user pointing out: "At least these won't rust when they end up in the local river, canal, duck pond, etc." Another person joked: "Nope they'll float merrily on by instead." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Reports from shoppers also suggest that the new trolley model might be smaller, causing another user to speculate: "Are they trying to make it less obvious how much less we can get for a £100. 'I filled a whole trolley.'" It comes just as Tesco enticed its customers by announcing it would be giving away Clubcard points for free as part of a huge summer day out deal. The UK's largest supermarket chain is giving loyalty members the chance to snag 1,000 points for free when they exchange at least £5 of Clubcard vouchers with one of Tesco's Days Out Reward Partners. The offer means that Clubcard members can accrue an extra £10 worth of points at no additional cost, simply by using their vouchers. Shama Wilson, Tesco's Group Membership and Loyalty Director, commented: "We know our customers are always looking for things to do across the summer, especially during school holidays, and so this is always a popular time for Clubcard members to exchange their vouchers for double their value with Reward Partners. "To make that even more rewarding, and to celebrate 30 years of Clubcard rewards, we are offering an amazing £10 of points back when you spend on days out. "It means you can exchange your vouchers and get great savings while getting £10 of points in return to go towards your weekly shop or even another great day out later in the year."
Leader Live
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Leader Live
Tesco shoppers slam awful new US-style trolleys amid trial
The new designs, which some customers have said 'look awful' aim to be lighter and easier to move around stores, with less noise too. It comes as Tesco has been trialling hybrid trolleys, which are made of a metal chassis with a black plastic basket, at its Sheffield Infirmary Superstore. The trolleys might look familiar to shoppers as the design is similar to those being used at big US chains such as Target, known for its famous bright red carts. Hannah Lewis, managing director of trolley supplier Formbar, told The Sun that shops and customers will prefer them. Hannah explained: 'Trolleys are important, they are the first thing you see as you go into a supermarket. 'The plastic ones are more cost-effective to maintain, as well as being fully recyclable. 'We'll be seeing them much more in the future which I think people will like as they are easier to push around than the steel ones, and they are quieter too with no metal rattling sounds.' However, after one customer posted a picture of the new plastic Tesco trolleys on Reddit, which they had seen during a recent visit, some aren't fans of the improved look. One commented: 'Like plastic baskets, these will end up grubby and stinking very quickly.' Another shared: 'They ain't gonna last a week.' While this person wrote: 'What a waste of money.' Someone else slammed: 'They look awful.' Recommended reading: Tesco launches toy sale for the summer holidays with extra Clubcard savings How to get £20 in Clubcard vouchers by using £5 worth of vouchers this month Tesco scraps '5-star' Clubcard offer leaving customers 'disappointed' But many shoppers were pleased with the latest trolley invention by the supermarket, as this member of the subreddit r/Tesco said: 'They look very modern.' A second chimed: 'I don't see what's wrong. Plastic baskets on shopping trolleys have been a think [thing] in the U.S. and many other countries for decades. They work just fine. Overall unit weight and price is reduced.' Following the "small-scale" trial, it's not known if the plastic trolleys will be rolled out widely across the UK, but it's understood that feedback is being taken from customers.
Powys County Times
14-07-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Tesco shoppers slam awful new US-style trolleys amid trial
Tesco shoppers have slammed the supermarket's new American-style trolleys as a 'waste of money' after being spotted in the UK. The new designs, which some customers have said 'look awful' aim to be lighter and easier to move around stores, with less noise too. It comes as Tesco has been trialling hybrid trolleys, which are made of a metal chassis with a black plastic basket, at its Sheffield Infirmary Superstore. The trolleys might look familiar to shoppers as the design is similar to those being used at big US chains such as Target, known for its famous bright red carts. @depopdrama there's no way 🤯 #tesco #supermarket #shopping ♬ Mysterious and sad BGM(1120058) - S and N Hannah Lewis, managing director of trolley supplier Formbar, told The Sun that shops and customers will prefer them. Hannah explained: 'Trolleys are important, they are the first thing you see as you go into a supermarket. 'The plastic ones are more cost-effective to maintain, as well as being fully recyclable. 'We'll be seeing them much more in the future which I think people will like as they are easier to push around than the steel ones, and they are quieter too with no metal rattling sounds.' Tesco shoppers slam supermarket's new plastic hybrid trolleys 'a waste' However, after one customer posted a picture of the new plastic Tesco trolleys on Reddit, which they had seen during a recent visit, some aren't fans of the improved look. Simple Ways to Shop Sustainably and Save Money One commented: 'Like plastic baskets, these will end up grubby and stinking very quickly.' Another shared: 'They ain't gonna last a week.' While this person wrote: 'What a waste of money.' Someone else slammed: 'They look awful.' But many shoppers were pleased with the latest trolley invention by the supermarket, as this member of the subreddit r/Tesco said: 'They look very modern.' A second chimed: 'I don't see what's wrong. Plastic baskets on shopping trolleys have been a think [thing] in the U.S. and many other countries for decades. They work just fine. Overall unit weight and price is reduced.'
