UNFAIR AND BIASED PRACTISES IN LENASIA

Item: Checkers & Checkers Hypers
Rating: 1
Author: Rakhee G

To: Checkers Management Subject: Concern Regarding Selective Product Removal in Lenasia Stores

Dear Checkers Management,

I am writing to express my deep disappointment and concern regarding the removal of alcohol and pork products from your Lenasia stores. This decision is not only unprofessional but also biased and unfair to many loyal customers who do not consume beef or who rely on your stores for a full range of products.

As a diverse community, we all support Checkers equally. Yet, despite this, many of us are now forced to drive outside of Lenasia to purchase items that should be readily available in our own neighbourhood. This is especially troubling given that Checkers serves a broad national customer base across South Africa—customers who come from various cultural, religious, and dietary backgrounds.

If the intention is to cater exclusively to one demographic in Lenasia, then consistency should apply across the country. Remove pork and alcohol everywhere, not only in selected areas. Anything less is discriminatory and sends a clear message that some customers matter more than others.

As someone who works in marketing, I understand the importance of inclusivity and the responsibility brands have to serve all demographics fairly. What is happening in Lenasia contradicts these principles entirely. Why is our community treated differently? Why are only certain preferences prioritised while others are disregarded?

As a Hindu, I find the continued sale of beef—while other products are removed to accommodate specific groups—particularly offensive and contradictory. If Checkers is willing to remove products based on religious sensitivities, then the same respect should be extended to all communities, not selectively.

We all deserve equal access to the products we choose to purchase with our own money. Selective removal is unfair, biased, and deeply disappointing. If Checkers wishes to uphold fairness, then policies must be app**** consistently across all stores—not only in certain areas.

I urge you to reconsider this decision and demonstrate genuine inclusivity by treating all customers with equal respect.

Helpful (0)

Replies (1)

Rakhee G's updateReviewer Update

13 Dec 2025, 15:05

Feedback received is to go 20 km out of Lenasia to be accommodated - @Checkers my Response to that :

I am extremely disappointed with the response I received regarding product availability at the Lenasia Checkers store.

After only one month, products have been removed from this store. I am now being told to travel 20 km out of my way to purchase items that customers living closer to that other store can easily access. This is unreasonable and unfair to customers in Lenasia.

I live in Lenasia, earn my salary here, and consciously support the businesses in my area, including Checkers. Your suggestion disregards the time, cost, and loyalty of hardworking consumers who have supported your brand long before the Lenasia store even opened — including ordering from other branches and through delivery services.

Checkers is a national brand and should serve a diverse customer base. If products are removed to accommodate certain preferences, where does that stop? By that logic, should beef, pork, alcohol, or cigarettes be removed entirely to cater to select groups? These categories are well-known key revenue drivers in retail, yet Lenasia customers are being restricted and inconvenienced instead.

Why is it acceptable to tell customers in Lenasia to travel 20 km, but unthinkable to ask other demographics to do the same? This approach is neither inclusive nor customer-centric.

This experience has left me questioning Checkers’ commitment to diversity, fairness, and customer loyalty. From this decision alone, I am certain many loyal customers have been lost. I am deeply disappointed in a brand I have used and trusted for many years.

I strongly urge Checkers to reassess how customer feedback, store demographics, and product availability decisions are handled — and to do better.

Rakhee G's update13 Dec 2025, 15:05

Reviewer Update

Feedback received is to go 20 km out of Lenasia to be accommodated - @Checkers my Response to that :

I am extremely disappointed with the response I received regarding product availability at the Lenasia Checkers store.

Why is it acceptable to tell customers in Lenasia to travel 20 km, but unthinkable to ask other demographics to do the same? This approach is neither inclusive nor customer-centric.

I strongly urge Checkers to reassess how customer feedback, store demographics, and product availability decisions are handled — and to do better.