Do You Grocery Shop?

[Fern Modena]

I do, and I had a recurring problem the other day. I was having a "bad" day and needed to use one of the ride-on shopping carts. It happened to be in good shape, thank heavens.

My rant? The aisles are wide enough for a shopping cart and a ride on, so that wasn't it. What *is* a problem is when somebody is reading labels on things (and I do that myself), and has parked their cart across from where they are reading. In that case, I can't pass. I am usually too far in to turn around, so I wait. And wait. And wait some more. I don't say "excuse me," cause I don't know how long they will be, and I don't think they do it on purpose. I think they are just not thinking.

So if you are in a store, and you see one of those ride-on shopping carts coming your way, please check that you aren't blocking the aisle. It might be me, you know.

Thanks

Fern

 

[Elan]

I'd start by saying "excuse me". It's the commonly accepted course of action when someone is unknowingly in your way. I'd wait a few seconds without saying anything (in case they're just doing a quick peek) and then I'd say "Excuse me. May I please sneak by you?" or something similar.

Alternatively, bring an air horn.

 

[ScoopKona]

So if you are in a store, and you see one of those ride-on shopping carts coming your way, please check that you aren't blocking the aisle. It might be me, you know.

Just do what they do in professional kitchens. Say, "Behind!" in a clear voice. If the shopper doesn't move, run him over. (Obviously, he had it coming. Or he's deaf. That would be embarrassing. "Deaf man killed by woman in ride-on in supermarket.")

Just make sure you're not one of the people in mobile carts sitting diagonally in the aisle, looking at the nutritional content of Cap'n Crunch cereal for three hours. I've become sick of people like that. Next time they interfere with my progress, I'm going to lift the cart and reposition it so it's not taking up the entire aisle.

 

[MommaBear]

I live in a resort community so often have people who are 1) unfamiliar with our store 2) shopping with many more people than usual 3) are buying different foods than usual because they are on vacation, so cannot find things or make any decisions. I agree with the simple wait for several seconds then just say "excuse me", then I repeat it louder if ignored. Most of the time people are apologetic for keeping you waiting and are glad to move. The others? It's the fixed percentage of population who are a donkey's behind and I feel sorry for them, because they will always be a donkey's behind.

 

[1950bing]

What about all the stock that needs to be put up that blocks all movement ?
( They always block the nuts )
How about the "special" dump bin out in the floor ?
And how about someone sitting on the floor reading a book ?
Then there is, " lets get caught up " ( paying no attention to anything ) while the kids are fighting and knocking stuff off the shelves.
Now, you are in, you are NEXT, then " price check price check "
I go outside and guess what has smashed into my car door? You know :annoyed:

 

[BevL]

Yes, I'm the "Excuse me, can I scoot by," with a friendly smile.

Can't imagine anybody being offended - we've all been guilty of it at one time or another.

 

[Karen G]

So if you are in a store, and you see one of those ride-on shopping carts coming your way, please check that you aren't blocking the aisle. It might be me, you know.

Well, if it is you, I'm definitely going to make you stop so we can visit--as long as we aren't blocking anyone!

 

[geekette]

no point in getting steamed when it is a simple effort on your part to effect change. "excuse me" does the trick.

 

[Passepartout]

While we are on the subject, what about the merchandise displays that make the aisles an obstacle course? It's bad enough maneuvering around the handicap scooters and shopping carts that look like Nascar racers so the curtain climbers don't ride in the regular carts.

I do my shopping daily- usually for deeply discounted close-dated stuff that I'm preparing that day. It doesn't take long and I just make a lap of the perimeter of the store. 'Course that's when and where they put pallets of merchandise for stocking. Remember when there was a crew who came in after hours and stocked the shelves? No more. It's done during business hours.

So when I see you riding your scooter, I'll be the one with the mini basket zooming past to get the cheap stuff.

That's how I support my timeshare habit.

Jim

 

[sstug]

I agree with a polite "excuse me, can I sneak by?".

I try to be aware and not block anyone, but sometimes it's crowded so I may need to move to let others by. There is nothing worse than standing on the side of the aisle and suddenly realizing someone is glaring at you because you are in their way...they think they are being polite and patient, but they are actually silently cursing me for daring to be where they want to be and waiting for my ESP to kick in.

So a polite "excuse me" is best. I think if more people did this it would also help to raise awareness.

 

[glypnirsgirl]

Don't those scooters have horns on them? If they don't, they should. And people should be more cognisant of what is going on around them. But they aren't. I consider "excuse me" to be very polite. I think that the person that is blocking the aisle is the rude one.

I don't shop, Ian does. I really dislike shopping and discovered why while talking to Ian earlier this week.

As a teenager, I worked in a grocery store for a small, local chain. I was required, as part of my duties, to know where everything was kept.

I dislike shopping because I still think that everything in every store should be where it was in Minyard's. So, I look for things according to my mental map. And I get frustrated when things aren't where I expect for them to be.

When all I am buying is meat and produce, I am fine. But the times when i have to buy salad dressing or Allegro, I become grumpy quickly. I had not realized that it was being caused by the disconnect between my expectations and reality.

The nice thing about shopping the perimeter of the store is that there are no labels to read, except for the price and weight. Makes life much easier.

elaine

 

[Patri]

I don't understand why you wouldn't say 'excuse me'? And the scooter is irrelevant. I run into this even pushing a cart. People are not intentionally rude. It just happens and they are always happy to move for me.

 

[pjrose]

Definitely "excuse me, please."

And while we're on the subject of ride-ons in grocery stores, if I see someone on one who is peering up at something above his/her reach, I tend to say "may I reach something for you?," but I don't know if that is ok to say - I don't want to offend, just be helpful.

 

[lvhmbh]

Definitely in the "excuse me" boat. Down here in Boca (FL) we have carts that are shaped like cars so the kiddies can ride and pretend they're steering. Between that and the ride on carts it can be difficult to maneuver. I think we all occasionally "zone out" in the grocery trying to remember what we were supposed to get, etc. Linda

 

[Talent312]

Instead of being meek about it, try being assertive.
Remember the annoying horns at soccer matches.
Vuvuzela's are fairly cheap, like ~$8.00.

 

[BevL]

Definitely "excuse me, please."

And while we're on the subject of ride-ons in grocery stores, if I see someone on one who is peering up at something above his/her reach, I tend to say "may I reach something for you?," but I don't know if that is ok to say - I don't want to offend, just be helpful.

Definitely do the same thing and have had shorter (usually older) people ask me to get things off the top shelf.

I knew being the tallest kid (and that's kid, not girl) in grade six would come in handy one day!! Thankfully the boys caught up before long - LOL.

Greg's been using one of those scooters for the last little bit when we go to "The States" to shop - they don't really have them as much in Canada it seems. Amazing how people are complely unaware of their surroundings - just step right in front of him. Good news is he's feeling better to the point he's probably not going to need to use one for much longer - at least for now.