It’s
time once again to ponder supermarket etiquette.
I’m afraid it has been a while since I last
touched on this subject and I regret to
report that the general public’s marketing
manners have not improved one bit over the
last year. If anything, they’ve worsened.
The
parking lot
I
don’t care how new or fancy your giant,
gas‑hogging urban assault vehicle
is, or how shiny and convertible your over‑priced
sports car is. Do not, under any circumstances,
occupy two parking spaces. Your car is just
not that special.
If
you are able bodied, leaving the shopping
cart anywhere but a designated “cart corral”
is rude, self‑important behavior.
While it may save you a little time and
energy, it really demonstrates what a lazy,
egotistical human you are.
Children
The
supermarket is not a playground and kids
should never be left unattended while you
are shopping. I’ve seen boys and girls as
old as ten running rampant through the store
and nearly knocking down elderly shoppers
and clerks in the process.
Do
not let your children fondle the merchandise.
I’m not just talking about produce here.
I have witnessed mothers allow their babies
and toddlers to grab, from the cart seat,
items off the shelves, only for them to
slobber all over the packaging. This might
be all right if the item was going into
the cart and eventually home with the shopper.
But to then put the merchandise back on
the shelf? It’s revolting.
Bulk
food items
Bin‑stored
food such as nuts, granola and dried fruit,
meant for scooping and bagging, is also
known as bulk food. It is there for you
to measure out the desired quantity for
purchase. The bins are not your personal
snack tray. One reason I’m hesitant to purchase
bulk food is that I’ve seen the types who
stick their filthy paws into the bin for
a little supermarket snack. Also—it’s stealing.
The
checkout line
If
you are waiting for your bill to be totaled,
don’t just stand around twiddling your thumbs.
Get your checkbook or debit card out. If
you’re paying cash and there is a line of
people behind you, don’t dig through your
purse for exact change. If you are purchasing
many items and the cashier doesn’t have
the assistance of a grocery bagger, start
bagging the groceries yourself. After all,
who will be more considerate of your carefully
chosen tomatoes and apples than you?
Under
no set of circumstances should you carry
on a phone conversation while conducting
a transaction of any type in the store.
It is rude and gives the appearance that
the hard‑working people at the market
are not people at all, but merely the mechanism
through which you obtain your weekly groceries.
Smile.
Say please and thank you. And if you’re
a regular at the market, you can be sure
that the stockers, clerks, managers, butchers,
bakers and the like, will look forward to
your repeat business and treat you like
a welcome friend upon your return.
