‘Woke’ Woolworths store sign irks shoppers

A sign addressed to shoppers at various Woolworths stores around the country has upset several social media users.

The retailer has previously come under fact for running a Pride campaign in stores and online.

WOOLWORTHS ADDRESSES RUDE CUSTOMERS WITH SIGN

In a tweet posted by consumer journalist Wendy Knowler, Woolworths urged shoppers to treat their staff with dignity and respect.

The sign – first implemented during the festive season – read: “Respect makes all the difference. Our team members work tirelessly to deliver the Woolies difference. We are grateful that our customers know and appreciate this.

It continued: “In line with our values, anyone acting disrespectfully towards our team members will be asked to leave the store.”

Knowler added that Woolworths would continue to stay up in their stores.

“Play nice,” she cautioned shoppers.

These signs appeared in Woolies’ stores over Christmas when, as a spokesperson put it, “customer abuse is known to increase due to increased stress & crowds”.
“It’s important to us that our people feel protected.”The signs are apparently staying “for the time being”.
Play nice. pic.twitter.com/DAHnVZOfc7

— Wendy Knowler (@wendyknowler) January 16, 2025

MIXED REACTIONS FROM SHOPPERS

Meanwhile, various social media users are sharing their opinions about the Woolworths sign.

Many agreed that there was no place for customers to mistreat employees in any retail environment. Others supported the company’s decision to respect and protect their staff.

However, a few were irked that Woolworths had gone “woke” with their stance.

X user @PolyannaBrey posted: “I saw this sign for the first time at the entrance to a Woolworths store this morning. I trust it works both ways. I am high on treating people with respect at all times, but IMO, this sign has a WOKE smell to it.”

Saw this sign for the first time at the entrance to a Woolworths store this morning.😳
I trust it works BOTH ways?🤔
I am high on treating people with respect at all times, but IMO this sign has a WOKE smell to it. pic.twitter.com/B2WpH7dYu5

— Paula Breytenbach🇿🇦 (@PolyannaBrey) January 15, 2025

A few others agreed…

@WhiteLionII1: “Why put up 1000’s of (contentious) signs for the 1% of rude customers? Rather deal with those on an exception basis?”

@1_more_zephyr: “That’s a bit woke, isn’t it?”

@Ollieisuroxygen: “Customer is not always right at this business, it seems.”

@JacomieP: “Everyone should treat retail workers with respect. But the woke Woolworths staff are essentially saying their customer are pieces of s**t who abuse staff unless told otherwise. They have been getting more woke, and it’s sad”.

@BHarkonen: “Entitle,d unresponsive tellers that look like they would rather be elsewhere and the act same can just f**k right off. You won’t have to ask me to leave the store because I’ll leave the trolley where I stand and leave for life.”

OFFICIAL RESPONSE

Meanwhile, Woolworths posted an official response to the social media backlash of the sign.

Motivating the decision to display it at stores around the country, it said: “Across the globe, abuse towards retail workers increases during busy periods. As a responsible retailer, it’s important that we create a safe workplace where all Woolies staff are protected and valued.

“Of course, we are equally passionate about the service we provide to our customers, and we hold ourselves to an incredibly high standard in this regard.

Woolworths added: “If you receive service that is below par, please speak to a store manager or reach out to us immediately.”

Of course, we are equally passionate about the service we provide to our customers, and we hold oursleves to an incredibly high standard in this regard.

If you receive service that is below par, please speak to a store manager or reach out to us immediately.

— Woolworths SA (@WOOLWORTHS_SA) January 15, 2025

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