Parents rushing to complete their Christmas shopping at Smyths Toys Superstores have been issued a crucial warning that could make or break the magic of Christmas morning. The popular retailer, a favourite for securing the latest must-have toys, has a policy for its online orders that could accidentally reveal Santa's secrets to curious children.
The Clear Packaging Problem
With December 25 less than a month away and Black Friday deals in full swing, many are turning to Smyths' convenient Click & Collect service. This allows shoppers to pay online and pick up purchases from one of their over 120 stores across the UK and Ireland. However, there's a catch that many parents only discover when it's too late.
All Click & Collect items are handed to customers in clear plastic bags, making the contents completely visible to anyone nearby. This policy is confirmed on the Smyths website FAQ page, which states: "Click & Collect items will be in clear packaging with contents visible." Despite this being official policy, shoppers receive no reminder about it during the digital checkout process.
How to Preserve the Christmas Magic
Fellow parents and former employees are urging shoppers to take simple precautions to avoid disappointing discoveries. The most effective solution is to avoid bringing children to the store when collecting Click & Collect orders whenever possible.
For those who cannot leave children at home, there are practical alternatives. A former employee from the Liverpool store, who worked through the busy Christmas period, suggests planning ahead. Bringing your own bag - such as a tote, backpack, or even carrier bags from other stores - provides an immediate solution for concealing purchases.
Shoppers can also ask staff to place items in standard Smyths carrier bags, which are not transparent. These bags cost 99p due to the Government-imposed carrier bag charge and feature the Smyths Toys logo, but successfully hide the contents. Staff are generally accommodating about such requests, especially during the festive season.
Why the Policy Exists
The clear packaging policy isn't meant to frustrate parents but serves an important operational purpose. During the hectic Christmas shopping period, when stores experience significantly higher footfall, the transparent bags allow staff to quickly and accurately verify orders without needing to open packages or check contents manually.
This efficiency helps manage the Christmas rush more effectively, though it does create the potential for spoiled surprises. Being aware of this policy and planning accordingly can help ensure that the excitement of Christmas morning remains intact for children across the country.
