Chaos was sparked in Sainsbury’s after a discount voucher glitch allowed customers to get all their shopping for free.
The coupon – which appeared in Sainsbury’s app on Monday – led to customers flocking to the supermarket to pile their baskets and trolleys high with produce before the voucher was swiftly removed.
Video footage from a number of branches showed people trying to take advantage of the coupon before the retail giant clocked on, some stockpiling basics such as toilet paper while others nabbed more luxury goods.
A clip from the Sainsbury’s branch in Gants Hill, East London showed an argument break out between two shoppers trying their luck, and store staff who attempted to deny them using the voucher.
The unnamed man and his friend attempt to pay for their goods at the self-checkout using the faulty voucher on one of their phones.
Chaos was sparked in Sainsbury’s after a discount voucher glitched allowing customers to get all their shopping for free. Pictured: A customer showing off his use of the app
Lines of trollies were seen lined up in White Rose Shopping Centre in Leeds full of shopping
Among the items are cartons of fresh soup and a box of Ferrero Rocher, and the bloke behind the camera argues with staff as his pal repeatedly scans the voucher, with cash flying off the total amount every time.
The member of staff tries to argue that the code has been cancelled but the customer insists: ‘It’s allowed, Sainsbury’s is allowing coupons.’
The staff member denies it again, but the customer refuses to back down, adding: ‘Take it off the system. If it’s not allowed, why is it still on the system? It’s allowed, it’s a coupon.’
A security guard then appears, questioning why the customer is filming.
The shopper starts to get agitated and says: ‘I’m recording for my safety and your safety, because if you touch me, I’m going to knock you out
‘I am using a coupon. Disconnect it from the system and I won’t use the coupon. The system allows me to use it so I’m using it. If it’s a frauded coupon, how is it on the Sainsbury’s app?’
A second video, taken in Sainsbury’s in the White Rose Shopping Centre in Leeds, Yorkshire, shows a long line of trolleys piled high with groceries.
A woman’s voice can be heard saying: ‘This is ridiculous, look at this. This is why it stopped. Look at this, they don’t buy so much in real life.’
An example of the voucher in use – saving the customer £55.84
Lines of trollies filled with goods after shopper’s used a faulty voucher
Countless trollies are packed full of food and necessities as well as some luxury items as carefree shoppers take advantage of the legitimate code.
The woman continues to commentate in disbelief as the line of trolleys continues to rumble on. It’s not clear whether these were seized before or after the glitch within the code was discovered by Sainsbury’s.
The clips were shared to social media yesterday with the caption: ‘A glitched Sainsbury’s coupon was released on the app yesterday where it allowed customers to get all their items for free.
‘Those who found it before Sainsbury’s did made sure to take the p***.’
The post has since received over 7,400 likes and more than 40 comments from amused members of the public.
One said: ‘Serves them right for overcharging.’
A second commented: ‘I mean, at least they were buying food because I’d be in there clearing the alcohol aisle.’
Another said: ‘Second video was playing Supermarket Sweep in real life.’
A fourth wrote: ‘Ahh man, why did I have to find out about this late?’
Another said: ‘Did you load up on Yorkshire Tea?’
A spokesperson for Sainsbury’s said: ‘We have seen an increase in fraudulent coupons in our stores and we have processes in place to detect and block them.
‘We also have in-store detectives monitoring for fraudulent attempts and we are working closely with the police on this issue. We continue to accept genuine coupons and vouchers.’
