Tesco shoppers notice new charge for item that was free

The British retailer is now charging shoppers more money if they choose to keep hangers when buying new clothes.

Tesco said it was trialling this idea at shops selling F&F clothes in a move that is hoped to help the planet by reducing plastic waste.

However, detractors have branded this move as "pathetic" with many calling for a return to how things used to be.

The move by Tesco is hoped to help the planet by reducing plastic waste (Image: PA)

Tesco shoppers slam 'pathetic' new charge for clothes hangers 

While the new policy does not yet apply to all Tesco locations, employees and shoppers took to the store's Reddit page to call out the "sneaky charge being imposed".

One user said: "So, was in Tesco today, got some swimming clothes for the kids and my wife got a dress.

"Went through the scan as you shop and paid, went to get the tags taken off and was told it’s 10p for a clothes hanger.

"Now I work at this store, and I’ve never heard of this. I’ve also never seen anything around the store or around the clothes section.

"So either someone is trying to earn some extra dosh or it’s a sneaky charge being imposed on customers. Has anyone else had this?"

One person responded: "Tesco charging 10p if you want to keep their hangers now! Next there will be an entrance fee."

Customers are being charged 10p for coat hangers at selected stores (Image: Getty)

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Another said: "What’s next they gonna start charging for the air you breathe? 25p oxygen charge."

However, some agreed with the new rule with one user writing: "It’s a trial. They are trying to discourage people from taking hangers as they usually just get chucked anyway.

"If Tesco can keep them they can reuse them and therefore don’t have to produce more. Little planet-saving steps."

Tesco said only a small number of stores are taking part in the trial with the brand yet to announce how many more locations will implement this idea.

The chain added that by encouraging customers to leave hangers in the store, there has been an increase in the number of hangers being reused.