Anthony and Regina Taylor, 75 and 65 years old respectively, have been told they cannot return to their local Aldi after being ‘abusive’ to staff, although the couple claim they have done nothing wrong
A pensioner and his wife have been banned from their local Aldi for allegedly being ‘abusive’ to staff, a claim the couple vehemently deny. Anthony and Regina Taylor, aged 75 and 65 respectively, were doing their monthly grocery shop on October 4 when they encountered an issue at the checkout.
The Taylors, who have been loyal customers of the Washington Parade store in Bootle for about ten years, say they often buy in bulk. When doing so, they typically unload one item of each bulk purchase onto the conveyor belt and inform the cashier of the quantity.
However, when asked to empty their entire trolley this time, Anthony, who suffers from osteoarthritis, declined.
Anthony, who met his wife in South Africa before relocating to Merseyside, recounted: “The member of staff demanded that we had to empty the trolley. She said she couldn’t see what was in the trolley so I said she needed to go to Specsavers.
“If she could not see what was in the trolley she needs glasses.”, reports the Liverpool Echo.
He continued: “The manager then came over and took the trolley from us and told us to leave the store. I know it doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things but there I had put a pound in the trolley so I went back in and I asked for the pound back.”
While Anthony concedes that he did engage in a dispute with the employee, Aldi maintains that the couple were verbally abusive towards the staff.
A spokesperson for the supermarket chain clarified that it’s standard procedure for all items to be scanned at the till for accuracy, a common practice across most supermarkets.
The spokesperson conceded that store staff were unaware of Anthony’s back issue but assured that Aldi is committed to supporting customers with additional assistance where possible.
Speaking to the ECHO, the spokesperson said: “Our colleagues work hard to provide great customer service, and we don’t tolerate any form of abusive behaviour in our stores.
“In line with our policy, all products must be scanned through the till at point of sale, however, our colleagues are always happy to assist customers who may need a little extra help.”
Anthony stated: “I am very old school. I’m old enough to have been brought up in a very different era, an era where you do not swear in front of women.
“We are embarrassed and we are incensed by it, that is why we came to the ECHO. We have shopped there since the store opened and now we are travelling three or four miles to get our shopping.”
During the heated exchange at the Bootle store, Anthony admitted to telling security to “get your f*****g hands off me”, as he was worried about losing his balance.
The couple expressed: “We just want an apology and to be able to do our shopping at our local Aldi.”
However, it’s understood by the ECHO that the couple remain banned from the store.
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