Tesco, the UK's largest supermarket chain, has begun charging customers an additional 10p for something they've never had to pay for before - hangers. The new charge is currently being trialled in a select number of stores that sell F&F clothing.
Customers have the option to purchase a hanger for 10p with their clothing or leave it to be reused. While Tesco confirmed that the trial is taking place in a few stores, they did not disclose which ones or how many are involved. One Reddit user described the new charge as a "sneaky charge being imposed on customers" due to its sudden appearance, according to the Mirror.
The new 10p charge sparked conversation online, with one customer sharing their experience: "So, was in Tesco today, got some swimming clothes for the kids and my wife got a dress. Went through the scan as you shop and paid, went to get the tags taken off and was told it's 10p for a clothes hanger or they could take it for us."
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They added: "Now I work at this store, and I've never heard of this. I've also never seen anything around the store or around the clothes section. So either someone is trying to earn some extra Dosh or it's a sneaky charge being imposed on customers. Has anyone else had this?"
Some Tesco shoppers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the supermarket's recent changes, reports the Manchester Evening News. One disgruntled customer remarked: "Tesco charging 10p if you want to keep their hangers now! Next there will be an entrance fee."
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Another chimed in, criticising the move as "if this is a new thing, that is actually pathetic of Tesco to do that." However, not everyone is against the idea. A Reddit user supported the initiative, saying it was "surely a good thing" because it means only those who really need the hanger would take it, potentially reducing plastic waste.
Echoing this sentiment, another individual pointed out: "It's a trial. They are trying to discourage people from taking hangers as they usually just get chucked anyway. If Tesco can keep them, they can reuse them and therefore don't have to produce more. Little planet-saving steps."
A Tesco spokesperson has confirmed to the Daily Star that the supermarket is aiming to cut down on plastic waste. This follows the expansion of a hanger reuse scheme already being tested by Tesco.
The retail giant is urging customers to leave behind any unwanted hangers, leading to a noticeable uptick in the number of hangers being recycled for further use.
