Pensioner, 75, banned from Aldi after 'abusive' checkout exchange with staff

A pensioner and his wife claim they have been banned from their local Aldi after accusations of them being "abusive" toward employees, though the pair insist they've done nothing wrong. Anthony and Regina Taylor, aged 75 and 65, respectively, visited the supermarket store on Washington Parade in Bootle, Merseyside, on October 4 to complete their monthly grocery shopping.

The couple, who have been loyal customers at the branch since it launched around a decade ago, say they routinely purchase items in large quantities and typically only place one of each product on the conveyor belt, informing the checkout operative of the total number they intend to buy. However, after being told to unpack their entire trolley on this occasion, Anthony - who says he has osteoarthritis - refused. "The member of staff demanded that we had to empty the trolley," Anthony said. "She said she couldn't see what was in the trolley so I said she needed to go to Specsavers. If she could not see what was in the trolley she needs glasses."

The pensioner said the manager then proceeded to come over, take the trolley from the couple and told them to leave the store.

"I know it doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things but there I had put a pound in the trolley so I went back in and I asked for the pound back."

Anthony acknowledged getting into a row with an employee, but Aldi has maintained that the couple became verbally abusive towards workers. He acknowledged that when security intervened, he shouted "get your f****** hands off me," because he was worried about losing his balance.

A representative of the supermarket acknowledged that store staff were unaware of Anthony's back issue but assured that Aldi is committed to supporting customers with additional assistance where possible.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, an Aldi spokesperson said: "Our colleagues work hard to provide great customer service, and we don't tolerate any form of abusive behaviour in our stores.

"In line with our policy, all products must be scanned through the till at point of sale, however, our colleagues are always happy to assist customers who may need a little extra help."

Anthony stated: "I am very old school. I'm old enough to have been brought up in a very different era, an era where you do not swear in front of women.

"We are embarrassed and we are incensed by it, that is why we came to the ECHO.

"We have shopped there since the store opened and now we are travelling three or four miles to get our shopping.

"We just want an apology and to be able to do our shopping at our local Aldi," they added. However, it is understood that the couple remain barred from the Bootle store.