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ALDI - DON'T DROWN IN ONE-OFF DISCOUNTS!
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ALDI - DON'T DROWN IN ONE-OFF DISCOUNTS!

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BREAKING: The NEW Coles free container WAR that you need to know about

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DIY wreaths using supermarket lamingtons - the Christmas baking hack of the year!

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Even tougher product limits at Coles and Woolworths as Melbourne enters Stage 4 restrictions

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Breaking: Coles & Woolworths announce drastic new policy to limit numbers of customers in stores

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Breaking: Coles slashes price of mince for a limited time

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Breaking: Woolworths & Coles announce huge changes to weekly specials catalogues

Breaking: Coles releases statement on why they didn't close stores after workers test positive for coronavirus

Breaking: Coles releases statement on why they didn't close stores after workers test positive for coronavirus

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‘I don’t get it!’ The BIZARRE Coles Free Container gadget that’s baffling Aussie shoppers

People are scratching their heads ... - by Nikki Black
  • 07 May 2019

It’s the exciting Coles promotion that stopped Australia when it was announced a few weeks ago - the supermarket’s new initiative giving shoppers the chance to earn FREE food storage containers. 

The promotion sees shoppers earn one ‘container credit’ for every $20 they spend in Coles stores, meaning they can save up their credits and earn five different-sized containers.

‘I don’t get it!’ The BIZARRE Coles Free Container gadget that’s baffling Aussie shoppers
Image: Coles

And while the supermarket has faced some criticism over whether the containers are actually free, there’s been a lot of anticipation building amongst other shoppers as they work to earn enough points to get the whole range. 

But there’s one ‘bizarre’ extra item that shoppers are a little baffled over - taking to social media to ask ‘What the hell is it for?!’ 

The item in question is the ‘Vacuum Pump’ which is free once you reach five credits. And while many seasoned food storage collectors may recognise the device, others are confused over the function of the bonus contraption. 

‘I’m so confused - what is the vacuum pump for??? It looks like something I use to blow up my son’s soccer ball.’ says one shopper. Added another: ‘Is the vacuum pump for new mums who are breastfeeding lol?!’ 

Said one more: ‘Free containers are all well and good - BUT WHY DO I NEED A VACUUM PUMP? I don’t get it.’

vacuum pump

The 'bizarre' gadget that's baffled some shoppers!

Image: Coles

Explaining the device, one shopper solved the mystery by saying: ‘It sucks the air out of your container, once you’ve sealed the lid, to keep the food inside fresher for longer.’ Adds another: ‘It’s the best way to get the best use of your free containers.’

Today, more shoppers took to the fabulous Markdown Addicts Australia Facebook page to debate whether the extra gadget actually works.

Says Markdown Addicts follower Angela: ‘Has anyone redeemed their Coles store credits for containers? Is the vacuum pump necessary or can you seal them without it?’

Scores rushed to give their feedback - and reviews are mixed. Some said the pump wasn’t necessary, with one saying: ‘Got my first containers today no vac seal needed.’ Added another: ‘You could probably vaccum seal it with anything that removes air. On its own without the pump it works exactly the same as any plastic container.’

But others loved the pump. ‘I have the vacuum pump, I actually like it,’ said one. Added one more: ‘The pump works awesome 😊’Said one more: ‘I have the containers, it needs the pump! My daughter loves taking her salad to school in it, they work better than I thought they would.’

Nikki Black
Nikki Black
Nikki is obsessed with all things celebrity and dreams she is a long-lost Kardashian. You'll find her binging Netflix's latest 'must-watch' show with a jar of Nutella by her side.

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Breaking: Woolworths & Coles announce huge changes to weekly specials catalogues

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