A Melbourne grocer has sparked a fiery debate after leaving a blunt note for customers, calling out a common supermarket habit that many find frustrating.
The handwritten sign, posted prominently in the store, reads: "Please stop squeezing our avocados! If they're ripe, they're ready. If not, leave them be." The message has divided shoppers, with some applauding the store's stance while others argue it's an overreaction.
The Great Avocado Debate
Social media erupted after a customer shared a photo of the note online. Comments ranged from "Finally, someone said it!" to "This is why I shop online." The discussion highlights the unspoken tensions between retailers and customers over produce handling.
Why Do People Squeeze Fruit?
Experts suggest several reasons for this common behaviour:
- Checking for ripeness without knowing proper techniques
- Habit passed down from older generations
- Lack of trust in supermarket quality control
- The satisfying tactile feedback of ripe fruit
However, grocers argue that excessive handling damages produce and leads to unnecessary waste. "When 20 people squeeze the same avocado, it bruises and we have to throw it out," explained one retailer.
Alternative Solutions
Some supermarkets have implemented creative solutions to this ongoing issue:
- Ripeness guides with colour charts
- "Ready to eat" labelling systems
- Sample bowls allowing customers to feel one designated fruit
- Digital scanners that detect ripeness
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the humble avocado has become an unlikely battleground for retail etiquette. Will this note change customer behaviour, or is it destined to become just another ignored sign in the produce aisle?
