Woolworths shoppers have vented their frustration at the supermarket chain over the release of the limited edition $2 Vegemite coins.
Customers have been rushing to get their hands on the collectors’ item coins which are given out randomly as change to those who pay cash at the register, with a limit of five per shopper per day.
However some collectors have managed to nab bags full of the limited-edition coins and then selling them online at inflated prices, infuriating those who have so far missed out.
Three million limited-edition coins are available to collect to celebrate 100 years of Vegemite, with a new design released into cash tills each week over a three-week period.
The release sparked a frenzy among shoppers and coin collectors so much so, sellers are now slinging the change for up to five times their value.
The release of the limited-edition Vegemite coins available from Woolworths has caused a frenzy among shoppers
Some collectors have managed to nab bags full of the limited-edition coins and many are being sold online at an inflated price infuriating those who have so far missed out
One person got a hold of a whole sealed bag of each design and has listed them on Facebook Marketplace for $650 while on eBay a pack of three $2 coins are going for up to $30.
Another woman claimed a Woolworths worker sold her a $50 bag of the coins after she asked if they had any available.
‘It was very nice of him to offer but you could’ve taken 10 or 20 dollars worth and left the rest for others to collect,’ someone replied.
‘Sharing is caring. Some people aren’t getting any. Please don’t take this the wrong way. If offered, what would others do?’
Customers have been eager rushing to get their hands on the new coins which are given out as change at random to those who pay cash at the register with a limit of five per shopper per day
One person got a hold of a whole sealed bag of each design and has listed them on Facebook Marketplace for $650 while on eBay a pack of three $2 coins are going for up to $30
Some said they had also been offered more than five coins and another reported they had been given five bags.
‘The people who are getting these coins in bulk are NOT being responsible to the public,’ one man said on Facebook and another called the coin hoarders ‘greedy’.
The posts have left many wondering how some shoppers are able to score bulk quantities of the Vegemite coins despite the supposed limit.
‘I’m curious what your instructions are for dispensing the new Vegemite coins as I’ve seen on Facebook where some people have obtained bags and bags of them from your stores whilst some people like me can’t get even one from our local Brassall Woolworths,’ one man asked in a message to the retailer.
A Woolworths spokesperson said the reselling of the coins is ‘clearly unacceptable and does not meet our expectations, and those of the wider community’
Another woman complained to Woolworths about the availability of the coins accusing staff of taking them and reselling them.
A Woolworths spokesperson told FEMAIL reselling of the coins is ‘clearly unacceptable’.
‘The coins are a celebration of Vegemite’s centenary and we do not encourage the resale of these items. It is clearly unacceptable and does not meet our expectations, and those of the wider community,’ they said.
‘We would also like customers to be respectful to our team members as the coins are handed out in change only and distributed at random.’
The coins were released in mid-May by Woolworths and the Royal Australian Mint to celebrate 100 years of Vegemite.
They were designed by Royal Australian Mint designer Aaron Baggio, with each featuring a unique illustration celebrating Vegemite.
The coins were released in mid-May by Woolworths and the Royal Australian Mint to celebrate 100 years of Vegemite
Each of the three designs has a different coloured circle – yellow, red and black.
The first coin depicts a jar of Vegemite with the words ‘100 Mitey Years’ at the bottom.
Another coin features a slice of Vegemite toast with the words ‘Tastes Like Australia’, while the third depicts a child eating a slice of Vegemite toast with the words ‘Happy Little Vegemites’.
Woolworths brand and marketing director Jane Saleh said the supermarket has supported Vegemite for decades and is delighted to be part of the centenary celebrations.
They were designed by Royal Australian Mint designer Aaron Baggio, with each featuring a unique illustration celebrating Vegemite
‘It’s been a staple in the shopping baskets of Australians for years; we’re delighted to be a part of the celebrations for this iconic brand’s centenary,’ she said.
As part of the celebrations, there will also be a $2 coin featuring the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Obverse.
The portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by British engraver Jody Clark, the Memorial Obverse also includes the Queen’s years of reign – reading ‘Elizabeth II 1952-2022’.
Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, Andrew Leigh, said Vegemite is one of the most loved brands across Australia.
‘It is fitting the Royal Australian Mint has partnered with Vegemite and Woolworths to celebrate 100 Mitey years of an Australian icon,’ he said.
Vegemite as a brand will be turning 100 on October 25, with Bega’s marketing manager for spreads, Jess Hoare, thanking Aussies for loving the product.
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