The Truth Behind Alleged ‘New’ Cart Policy at Local Hannafords

A recent Facebook post has much of the Hudson Valley up in arms about a policy regarding carts at a local grocery store... but there is a large gap between the rumors being spread and the actual truth of the matter.

At the center of the perceived controversy is the Highland, NY location of Hannaford, a nearly 150-year-old grocery chain that operates stores in New England and New York.

Rumors began after a local resident took to Facebook to air a grievance they considered serious enough to consider a boycott of the chain altogether.

The Hudson Valley Reacts to Hannaford's Cart Policy

"Was very disappointed at Highland Hannaford last Friday", the post began. "I use the handicapped cart to shop. When I was done shopping... a frantic employee chased me and stopped me. To my surprise she said you can no longer take the carts into the parking lot!"

The comments ranged from nonplussed to outraged.

"That is just wrong of them", agreed one commenter. "There's probably a safety reason why they are enforcing it now... You didn't have to go on Facebook and complain just for the sake of complaining," came a retort. But what is the truth of the matter?

The Truth Behind Hannaford's Cart Policy in the Hudson Valley, NY

A call to the customer service desk at Hannaford in Highland, NY resulted in some helpful information, foremost that the policy was specifically focused on mobility carts, not all shopping carts as many people were led to believe.

Details on Hannaford's Cart Policy

Hannaford says that the mobility carts are allowed to be used throughout the store as well as on the sidewalks outside, however, they are not permitted to be driven into the parking lot. While a representative said this policy has been longstanding, it has only been recently that it has been more strictly enforced. But why now?

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The customer service representative shared that several considerations, including the small size and low height of the mobility carts, led to the decision to keep them out of the parking lot and away from large vehicles that may have trouble seeing them.

The representative also echoed that the policy includes a promise that employees are made available to transfer any groceries from the cart on the sidewalk and into the customer's vehicle.

Other commenters made mention that some other grocery stores in the Hudson Valley did not have a similar policy. "Shoprite by Marist college has the Handicap carts plugged in outside right by the handicap spots", reported one Dutchess County resident.

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While it may be true that ShopRite locations allow mobility carts to leave their stores, there are records of at least one New York lawsuit against the store specifically related to an incident involving a cart after it entered a parking lot.