Supermarket Shenanigans

On a scale of 1-10, how was your recent supermarket experience this week? Were you fortunate enough to leave the store with a general feeling of goodwill to all men (and women), or was it instead a minefield of trolley rage, smash and grab tactics and a total lack of consideration for fellow shoppers that had you flee the store prematurely? If it was the latter, then here are a few helpful hints to ensure that the next shop you make is a pleasant experience for all concerned.

1. We understand that trolleys may well be the most exciting draw card for children (apart from the lolly aisle of course) when they have to accompany you on your shopping trip, but leave the pushing of them to the adult rather than the child if you want to avoid the disapproving looks as your child hammers into the heels of an unsuspecting shopper. Instead, pop your child into the trolley for the ride to ensure they and other shoppers stay safe!
2. Be mindful of shoppers who may be looking at a shelf of tinned tuna despairingly as they try to decide which brand to place in their basket. They will no doubt be looking for inspiration and someone walking past in front of them breaks that concentration! If you have to walk past them, excuse yourself politely.
3. Even if there’s no queue at the deli counter, still grab a ticket because it is highly likely that someone will turn up just as you think you have pole position and get served first which could leave you feeling irritated that you were waiting patiently – life really isn’t fair!
4. Be patient and tolerant when others can’t see their favourite packet of tea. It may well be that they are holding you up from grabbing your own adored brand but give them space and try not to adopt the ‘smash and grab’ tactic as it will inevitably have you invading their personal space. If you really have to reach in front of them, perhaps because you are already running late for the school run, then excuse yourself.
5. Have you ever had someone allow you to go before them in the checkout line because you have just two items in hand and they have a whole trolley groaning with groceries? We have likely all been recipients of this kind gesture so why not pay it forward and do the same for someone else next time you are on the weekly shop.
6. Try not to make a last minute dash for something you have forgotten when you are being served and others are waiting behind you. It can not be done as quickly as you would like to think and you will have some pretty irritated shoppers waiting for you by the time you get back to the cashier.
7. Be mindful of how you park in the supermarket car park. Getting too close to the boot of the car in front might mean that the shopper won’t easily be able to load up their own car. Also, parking too close to the cars next to you can make it hard for mothers with babies or young children to strap them into their capsules/child seats safely. It’s hard enough shopping alone let alone with children in tow so have a thought for those mums particularly. The same goes with thinking that it’s ok to park in a parking spot reserved for disabled drivers – it is not.

As with all matters that involve social interaction, it’s not so much the problem but how it is handled that counts, and in our opinion, manners count a long way in tackling those problems.