Coles warn checkouts may go cash-free this Easter – but supermarket bosses insist it’s not their fault

Coles supermarket could potentially be cash-free over the Easter long weekend in a ‘temporary’ measure amid industry-wide issues with cash flow.

A ‘cash process update’ memo was sent to Coles staff across the country warning the supermarket’s liquor stores would temporarily be ‘card only’ from March 27 to April 5. 

Daily Mail Australia understands the measure will only be instituted at stores if cash reserves were to become low during the 10-day period. 

Coles reaffirmed it was not going cashless and cash transactions will continue to be available to customers at all Coles supermarkets over the long weekend. 

The memo, shared on social media by a Coles liquor worker, advised staff to print and display ‘card only’ notices at open registers if cash reserves become low. 

Employees were also advised to consolidate the use of cash to one register as cash collections from Armaguard would be paused. 

According to the memo, customers should be reminded prior to starting their transaction that cash may not be used. 

Workers were also given a response to use if a customer questions why cash is not being accepted. 

Staff should reply: ‘Our change reserves have been impacted by a decline in cash transactions, along with industry wide challenges with cash movement services. All card purchases are still accepted.’ 

The temporary measure applies to Coles Liquor stores including Liquorland, Vintage Cellars and First Choice.

The memo advised staff that stores which share services with Coles Supermarket should continue to source change through Coles whilst available. 

It comes amid claims Armaguard, which is the nation’s biggest banknote delivery company, is at risk of insolvency as the use of cash across the country has declined.

An emergency funding package deal was lobbed last week by Australia’s major banks and largest retailers including Coles, Woolworths, Wesfarmers and Australia Post.  

If accepted by Armaguard, the last-minute lifeline would give the cash delivery service financial support in the tens of millions of dollars – enough until the second half of the year.

Coles told Daily Mail Australia the temporary measure was due to ‘industry wide challenges’ with cash movements across the country. 

‘We are not transitioning to cashless transactions,’ Coles said.

‘Due to industry wide challenges with cash movements, we are taking some temporary steps to prepare for disruption to Armaguard services.

‘Cash transactions continue to be available in all Coles supermarkets and Coles Liquor stores.’