Something downright odd is sweeping hardware stores, and it’s got people scratching their heads—and, in some cases, scrambling for the restroom. Shoppers worldwide are reporting a mysterious urge to “go” while roaming the aisles, with many pinpointing a peculiar connection between their bowels and hardware havens. And yes, we’re talking about pooping in hardware stores.
Take Bunnings, for example, the beloved Australian hardware chain. For reasons nobody fully understands, its shoppers are experiencing what feels like an immediate call of nature. One Melbourne man summed it up on social media: “Why does stepping into Bunnings hit harder than the strongest laxative?” His question has struck a nerve—literally—with countless others chiming in to share eerily similar experiences.
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Even podcast host Lucinda Price, a.k.a. Froomes, revealed that her own encounters with pooping in hardware stores have been anything but subtle. A “harrowing” incident in 2023 had her convinced something strange was afoot. “Every single time,” she lamented. Comedian Alright Hey echoed her thoughts, admitting he felt relieved (pun intended) to discover he wasn’t the only one grappling with this bizarre phenomenon.
Why Are Shoppers Pooping in Hardware Stores?
Medical experts have a theory. Sydney-based doctor Zac Turner says this curious urge boils down to the intricate connection between our brain and gut. Known as the enteric nervous system, or ENS, this “second brain” communicates with our main noggin via the vagus nerve. This constant chatter can spark unexpected reactions—like sudden bowel movements triggered by sensory cues.
Let’s be real: Bunnings is a sensory overload. The earthy aroma of timber mingling with the sharp tang of varnish, the damp smell of potting mix, and the unmistakable sizzle of sausage sandwiches wafting outside—it’s a feast for the senses and a potential catalyst for your gut. “These smells alone can stimulate the vagus nerve and send your digestive system into overdrive,” explained Dr. Turner. Toss in the excitement (or low-key stress) of planning a DIY project, and your brain might just send your gut a ‘time-out’ signal.
But there’s more. Wandering through aisles, lugging bags of mulch, bending over for tools—these motions engage your abdominal muscles, which can activate the bowels. If your gut is already on edge (thanks to caffeine, spicy food, or who-knows-what), then you’ve got a recipe for urgency. Before you know it, pooping in hardware stores becomes your new reality.
Not Just Bunnings—This Happens Elsewhere Too
Interestingly, this phenomenon isn’t exclusive to hardware stores. Shoppers report similar issues at Kmart, Spotlight, and Chemist Warehouse. One TikTok user confessed it happens “every time” they hit up Kmart. “I thought I was the only one!” another commenter admitted, relieved to find solidarity in such an odd quirk. Even store employees jumped into the conversation, sharing that they feel the same way. “It’s real,” one worker said flatly. “I can’t explain it, but it happens.”
And if you think this is strictly an Aussie thing, think again. A similar phenomenon called the “Mariko Aoki syndrome” was coined in Japan to describe the same gut-triggering effect in bookstores. As Dr. Turner put it, “Our bodies are complicated. This is just another example of how they react to the world around us.”
Can You Avoid Pooping in Hardware Stores?
If the idea of an untimely bathroom break stresses you out, don’t worry. Experts say this phenomenon is mostly harmless—and there are ways to prepare.
- Plan Ahead
Use the bathroom before your trip. It might sound basic, but it works. - Mind Your Diet
Stay hydrated and eat fibre-rich foods to keep things running smoothly. Also, maybe skip the double-shot espresso before heading out. - Practice Mindfulness
Deep breathing and stress management can calm the gut-brain axis. Less stress = less urgency. - Stay Active
Regular exercise not only improves digestion but can also make your gut less sensitive to sudden triggers.
Ultimately, next time you’re pushing a trolley past the paint section or weighing up mulch options, take comfort in knowing you’re not alone. Whether it’s the sensory cocktail or just some cosmic mystery, pooping in hardware stores is a shared human experience. So embrace it, laugh about it, and maybe pack a mental game plan—because apparently, your gut has a mind of its own.
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