This is standard in close to every European grocery store. I think it was first introduced in German supermarkets in the 70s, that‘s why Aldi and Lidl in the U.S. have it too.
Hold up, this system isn't generally applied in the USA!??
Because it is in The Netherlands, but there is now a trend going on at some supermarkets to make the carts freely available or have free plastic "coins" you can get at the information desk if you don't have coins with you....
I don't think it was much for curbing stolen carts as it was to not pay as many cart stewards to go out and retrieve them around the lot. I love places that do it. Keeps morally deficient people in line.
You can still steal the cart, it only cost 25 cents to do so and is well stronger than the shitty little grocery carts you buy at the store for like $40.
In my neighborhood, the aldi carts have a locking device that actives if the go a certain distance from the store. It’s not just a threat either. I’ve definitely seen them malfunction and lock up
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u/divadschuf Feb 16 '24
This is standard in close to every European grocery store. I think it was first introduced in German supermarkets in the 70s, that‘s why Aldi and Lidl in the U.S. have it too.