Matalan shoppers fuming over ‘surprise’ new charge in all 230 stores
MATALAN shoppers have been left fuming over a "surprise" new charge in all of its stores.
Angry customers have taken to social media to voice their shock after being told they must pay 10p for clothes hangers.
The charge has been introduced in a bid to encourage people to reuse the plastic hangers to reduce waste.
Many have been left annoyed at the charge, with some calling it "crazy" while others have complained of being hit with the "surprise" charge at the till with no warning.
One said on social media: “Since when does Matalan charge 10p each for hangers?
"Nowhere in store or outside the store does it inform customers that they now charge for hangers, when did this become a thing?
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"If this is the case surly they should store all items in store without hangers?!”
Other shoppers branded the move "bl***y crazy" and "ridiculous".
Another shopper warned that the charge even applies to bras and pants.
"To say I'm speechless is an understatement," they fumed.
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One shopper complained of being told by a sales assistant at the self-checkout that they could not take the hangers with them without paying.
Matalan told The Sun that there are signs in and around the stores announcing the change, which was introduced in February.
A spokesperson for Matalan said: “We keep hangers in store so they can be reused.
"We recognise our responsibility to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment.
"As part of our efforts to reduce plastic wastage, we now charge 10p for each one you take home.”
Matalan isn't the only chain making changes to in-store in a bid to reduce plastic waste.
M&S introduced its "bring your own bag" initiative earlier this year.
Shoppers will now need to bring their own bags when they come to collect certain orders at 251 stores, with the intention of it being rolled out more widely later on this year.
Last year M&S also began trialling paper bags at 10 select stores too.
Most recently supermarkets including Sainsbury's have made alterations to their packaging too.
in February Sainsbury's revealed that it will be vacuum packing all of its beef mince products.
It replaced a sturdier plastic tray and film lid where the meat could move around inside.
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The change means the supermarket is using a minimum of 55% less plastic, making it more eco-friendly as a result.
But, shoppers weren't impressed and slammed the change complaining that now the meat sticks together in a lump.
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