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
Aldi (stock)(Image: Aldi)
A pensioner and his wife have been banned from their local Aldi after allegedly being ‘abusive’ to staff, though the pair insist they’ve done nothing wrong.
Anthony and Regina Taylor, aged 75 and 65 respectively, popped in for their monthly grocery haul on October 4 when trouble kicked off at the checkout.
The duo, who’ve been loyal customers at the Washington Parade branch in Bootle since it launched roughly ten years ago, say they routinely do big shops and typically only unpack one item from their bulk purchases, informing checkout staff of the quantities they’re buying.
But when instructed to empty their entire trolley, Anthony – who suffers from osteoarthritis – refused.
Anthony, who met his wife whilst working in South Africa before relocating to Merseyside, explained: “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.
(Image: Liverpool Echo)
“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.”
Anthony admitted to getting into a row with the staff member, whilst Aldi claims the couple became verbally abusive towards staff, reports the Liverpool Echo.
A spokesperson for the supermarket chain revealed that standard company policy requires all items to be scanned at the checkout for accuracy, which is standard procedure across most retailers.
The spokesperson acknowledged that shop workers were unaware of Anthony’s back condition but confirmed Aldi would offer support to customers requiring extra help where possible.
Anthony Taylor outside Aldi on Washington Parade in Bootle(Image: Liverpool Echo)
The spokesperson informed the ECHO: “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 remarked: “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.”
Anthony confessed that when security intervened during the heated row at the Bootle branch, he exclaimed “get your f*****g hands off me” as he maintains he was worried about losing his footing.
The pair stated: “We just want an apology and to be able to do our shopping at our local Aldi.”
Nevertheless, the ECHO understands the couple continue to be banned from the shop.
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