Something strange is happening inside hardware stores across the world, prompting health experts to weigh in on the bizarre phenomenon.
Shoppers are reporting a sudden and unexplained urge to go to the toilet after nipping into popular hardware store Bunnings.
While it’s not uncommon for humans to receive a call to action without much warning, particularly after a morning coffee or two, the instantaneous need to go for a poo while roaming the aisle of Bunnings is bizarrely shared by others.
One Melbourne man recently took to social media to ask “why?” the Australian hardware chain proved to have a similar effect as “the strongest laxative” on his bowel movements.
While podcast host Froomes, who suffered a “harrowing” accident in 2023 as a result, said it happens every time she’s in the store.
Her experience was shared by comedian Alright Hey who said her story reassured him as he had thought he was the only person it happened to.
What’s behind the Bunnings bathroom urge?
Sydney medical practitioner, Dr. Zac Turner, said the curious occurrence highlights the profound (and occasionally inconvenient) relationship between the brain and the gut.
“The enteric nervous system (ENS), often called the ‘second brain’, governs digestive processes and chats constantly with the brain via the vagus nerve,” he told news.com.au.
“This gut-brain banter can lead to surprising outcomes, including sudden bowel movements triggered by sensory or psychological cues.”
Scientists have discovered in several studies that things such as smells, physical exercise, stress and lighting can trigger the gut into having an immediate reaction – all of which can be activated during a visit to Bunnings.
“Bunnings is a sensory playground: timber, fertilisers, potting mix, and varnishes mingle with the unmistakeable aroma of sausages sizzling outside. These smells can stimulate the vagus nerve, kicking digestion into gear and creating that all-too-familiar urgency,” Dr Zac explained.
“It’s also a place where new projects come to life, containing a maze of choices and decisions. Whether it’s excitement or low-level stress, the gut-brain connection might respond with an urgent ‘time-out’ request.
“Wandering through aisles, bending to pick up bags of mulch, or carrying heavy items engages abdominal muscles, which can stimulate your bowels, especially if your gut is already primed.”
Strange toilet phenomenon when shopping
It doesn’t only happen in Bunnings either, with social media commenters stating it has happened to them in Kmart, Chemist Warehouse and Spotlight too.
“The same thing happens to me every time I go to Kmart,” one wrote on TikTok.
“This happens to my husband every time he goes to Bunnings,” mused someone else.
“OMG this happens to me with Kmart. I’m shocked, I honestly thought it was just me. Proof I’m not a weirdo,” added another.
Employees also got in on the conversation, revealing it happens to them too.
“At the beginning of every shift I feel the need,” one shared.
“Staff feel this way too, it so incredibly real, I can’t really elaborate. There’s just something in the air,” agreed another.
In fact, it’s so common, it has been given a name – the “Mariko Aoki phenomenon” – which refers to instances of it happening inside bookstores in Japan.
“It is just another example of how complex our bodies are and, what happens as it responds to the world around us,” Dr Zac stressed.
“Next time you’re wandering the aisles of Bunnings, armed with a trolley, a big bag of potting mix, and even bigger plans, remember: you’re not alone, and your gut has a mind of its own.”
Thankfully, the experience is relatively “harmless”, he added. But there are steps that can be taken to avoid “awkward moments” if you suffer.
Plan Ahead
Use the bathroom before heading to Bunnings. It’s the simplest solution.
Adjust Your Diet
Eating high-fibre foods and staying hydrated can keep your digestion on an even keel. Avoid heavy meals or trigger foods (looking at you, coffee) before shopping.
Practice Mindfulness
Calm your gut-brain axis with deep breathing or relaxation exercises. Less stress means less urgency.
Stay Active
Regular exercise promotes healthy digestion and reduces gut sensitivity — helpful if hardware-store visits frequently stir things up.
