Woolworths uses nonstop jingle at Darwin store to curb loitering

Woolworths introduced a speaker system at its Darwin city outlet that continuously broadcasts the chain’s ‘Fresh Food People’ jingle in an effort to discourage loitering and reduce aggression toward employees and patrons. The move follows 24 reported incidents of violent or hostile behaviour at the location this year. The music, audible from the adjacent bus interchange, university precinct and nearby apartments, has drawn criticism from shoppers who describe it as “very irritating” and “constant.”

A Woolworths spokesperson said the initiative addresses safety concerns caused by individuals lingering in the car park and bus stop area. The City of Darwin clarified that the speakers are on private property and it cannot regulate the audio, though it will cooperate where possible. Academic Mark Olweny labeled the tactic as a form of “aggressive architecture,” cautioning that it may only provide a short-term fix and could affect legitimate users of the space.