Anthony and Regina Taylor, who have been married for 40 years, were doing their monthly shop at their local Aldi when they found themselves at odds with the rules
Ben Haslam and Liam Doyle
16:08, 02 Nov 2025
An Aldi store(Image: Liverpool Echo)
A pensioner and his wife have been barred from their local Aldi following a dispute over unloading their shopping trolley.
Anthony and Regina Taylor, aged 75 and 65 respectively, were conducting their monthly shop at the Bootle store in Washington Parade when they were instructed to unload their entire trolley at the checkout. The couple, who have been loyal customers of the store since its opening approximately a decade ago, typically only unload one item of any goods they are purchasing in bulk, informing the cashier of the quantity.
However, Anthony, who suffers from osteoarthritis, declined when asked to empty their trolley. For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter here
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, he said: “The member of staff demanded that we had to empty the trolley. She said she couldn’t see what was in the trolley so I said she needed to go to Specsavers.”
He further commented: “If she could not see what was in the trolley she needs glasses.”, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The situation escalated when the manager stepped in and requested them to exit the store.
Anthony Taylor outside Aldi on Washington Parade in Bootle(Image: Liverpool Echo)
“The manager then came over and took the trolley from us and told us 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.”
While Anthony concedes he argued with the staff member, Aldi alleges the couple became verbally abusive towards staff. A spokesperson for the supermarket chain clarified that its standard procedure was for all items to be scanned at the till for accuracy.
The spokesperson acknowledged that store staff were unaware of Anthony’s back condition but emphasised that Aldi remained dedicated to providing additional support to customers who required it.
The 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.”
During the confrontation at the Bootle branch, when security staff became involved, Anthony admitted he said “get your f*****g hands off me” as he was concerned about losing his balance.
The couple said: “We just want an apology and to be able to do our shopping at our local Aldi.”
However, the Liverpool Echo reports the pair continue to be barred from the shop.
