To think the Co op should not allow this?

[KimberleyClark]

Just been to my small local Co op for a few things and chuggers just inside the door. It was so intimidating. Right there in my face as I walked in. Ignored them as they tried to engage with me as I waked in, they tried again as I walked out and called have a nice day as I left. I do give to various charities but I do hate this.

We had save the children in Waitrose recently. I made my best manic face and said that I hate children.

That’s awful! I’m really shocked that they were allowed to do this.

I also hate that Co-op allow this. They block the entrance at my nearest one. I just carry on walking now and go to the Tesco Express which is further along. You're not getting my custom on the days you use chuggers! As PP said I also never give to charities who use chuggers. Despise them.

Brilliant 😂

We had chuggers in the doorway of the shop I work in for a while. Not every day thank god, and I think people complained to head office as they haven’t been around for a while. The homeless who set up just outside the door and to the side are much better behaved, never seen any of them actively beg or anything and they’re far less fake sounding and annoying when they engage you in conversation.

I give them my best glower and say 'only if you're campaigning to bring back the death penalty ' and I keep walking fast.

I don't mind if charities are collecting with their tins outside the store entrance (Lifeboats, British Legion etc) or if a charity has a small table inside the store, but I would not be happy with chuggers accosting me like that while I'm actually inside a supermarket. I would be pissed off. Very pissed off indeed.

I agree, it shouldn’t be allowed, I expect the only people they get to sign up are those who are vulnerable in some way and can’t say no/don’t know what they’re signing up for. If people wanted to give £10 month to charity they would without the need for chuggers.

I have answered well I’m not to that one too. They are just so obtrusive.

This is what I do and it seems to work.

I've said this!

Last time I did this, the chugger shouted after me about how he didn't want a chat anyway. Twat.

It is preying on the vulnerable isn’t it? That’s not a way I’ve thought of it before but I think it’s true in a way. I keep on walking and if costed say no thanks. I don’t find this remotely difficult. But those who are vulnerable might 😟

Complain to the manager/ shift supervisor every time.
Or if you see them in the doorway go elsewhere if lots of people did this it would soon stop as it would affect the footfall & therefore profits

I avoid my local coop during the day now because of this. I only go either early morning before work or in the evening. Saturdays are the worst. One Saturday when I had no choice but to go in. I had the big issue woman who has been there for years and stands right in the middle of the door way, a local group bag packing for god knows what and then on the way out a table for some charity or other trying to get a donation and sell me raffle tickets. I just want to do my shop in peace.

It bugs me too. I just smile brightly and say “No, thank you” as soon as the opening gambit starts. And keep walking.

My DH has a great solution for dealing with chuggers... just yell "You can't speak to me, I'm under 18". DH is very much NOT under 18 but for some reason they're always struck dumb by this 😂

Is there a list somewhere that you can check this ?

Not that I know of - I just mean it puts me off when I see them.

Id imagine they might think he has learning difficulties and possibly aren't sure how best to deal with that

I hate it too. Should be banned full stop. If people want to give, they will.

No - it's obvious he's joking but they can't think of a comeback

Oh, I was hoping you had a website or something , so for charities that you do give to do you check first? I guess smaller local charities might be a safe bet

I dont go to city centres often enough to know all the charities that do it

I’d be tempted to call a few friends who live near the Co-Op and ask them to walk in the door, shopping bag in hand, and if they get stopped by chuggers, get them to turn on their heel and leave. Extra points if they say “I’ll do my shopping elsewhere” loud enough for the Co-Op staff to hear.

Maybe if the shop staff see the chuggers are putting people off coming in, the shop will reconsider.

I wish. I did have a look but there doesn’t seem to be one, sorry! Local charities definitely likely to be a safer bet