The shoppers have spoken: Woolies scraps a controversial shopping feature

Woolworths has axed its controversial single-handle shopping baskets after receiving negative customer feedback, replacing them with a new two-handle design.

The now-defunct single-handle baskets were first introduced in stores across the country in 2025, offered alongside the original, smaller two-handle versions.

Nine.com.au spoke to shoppers to find out which basket they preferred after the single-handle baskets were slammed online.

“They strain my shoulders and aren’t great for walking balanced,” one said.

“Hate hate hate the big one-handle ones. Too awkward and I keep hitting myself in the hip,” added another.

“One handle, you get no support,” said another.

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“If you have something heavy like a jar of pasta sauce, it’s just rolling around while I fight with the one handle.”

Responses to the new two-handle baskets, however, are mixed, as they are larger than the original two-handle basket designs. We were told:

“I like the two-handle ones, but the smaller ones, not the [new] bulky ones.”

“I go for the older two-handle basket. Easier for my hands with arthritis.”

“Two handles for me! The ones with one handle are really lopsided!”

“One [handle]. I don’t know why loads of them have two. One will suffice and two is just annoying on the arm.

“I always go in for one thing but come out with 20 items, so the two handles feel better on my arm, more secure, and holds the 3L milks on my arm. It’s better for balancing.”

“Two handles are much better than the ridiculously cumbersome one-handle basket that feels nearly impossible to carry when holding a handbag too,” another shopper said.

“At least the shape of these two-handle baskets are more comfortable – only slightly – than the strangely shaped one-handle ones!”

A Woolworths spokesperson told nine.com.au: “We are constantly looking at ways to provide a better experience in-store for our customer.

“In response to customer feedback, we are currently rolling out a new shopping basket with an enhanced ergonomic, twin handle design. 

“The new baskets have been designed with customer comfort and sustainability in mind, with each of the new baskets made from recycled materials, including at least 18 milk bottles.

“It is expected these new baskets will be made available in all Woolworths stores by September.”

It isn’t known if the new two-handle baskets are replacing the original two-handle design; however, one shopper told nine.com.au: “It was the only one at my Woolies in the pile I could see.”

Coles has also introduced a single-handle shopping basket, with mixed responses from customers.

Nine.com.au has contacted the supermarket for comment regarding the future of the basket design.