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Why supermarket shopping is such a chore (From Dorset Echo)
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Why supermarket shopping is such a chore
2:31pm Tuesday 12th January 2010
Shopping is normally actively avoided by me but a recent foray to a local supermarket produced the following observations.
There is invariably a queue of traffic to enter the car park. This is partly due to the eccentric layout of the car park (Asda take note) but principally because of the desire to park as close to the front door as is humanly possible - even if this involves blocking following traffic for some time until such a space becomes vacant.
The acres of empty spaces further away are completely ignored.
Once parked, shoppers walk to the entrance completely oblivious to other traffic.
A trolley is collected and parked in the middle of the doorway while a shopping list is dredged from some inaccessible pocket.
When in the store a walk of minimal speed is adopted (any slower and all forward motion would cease).
If accompanied a full discussion on the merits of each item selected is carried on at great length. A random course up and down the aisles makes no reference to the aforementioned list (if indeed this is being followed at all).
If an acquaintance is spotted a long conversation will be carried out while stationary at a particularly narrow point. Any children are encouraged to go and block up adjacent aisles.
On arrival at the check out, despite having spent the last few hours in a retail establishment, great surprise is expressed on being invited to pay. A purse or wallet is eventually located and a huge pile of pennies is laboriously counted out; “I’m sure I’ve got the right money”. Alternatively a cash card is inserted the wrong way into the machine and the query ‘any cash back’ is pondered long and hard.
Finally a huge wad of money off vouchers is discovered after the total has been rung in which entails a complete re-calculation and a saving of four pence on the total bill.
On the way back to the exit the trolley is brought to a complete stop while purchases are surveyed to ensure nothing has been forgotten.
Eventually the car is located and loaded while the trolley is allowed to run into the next door car.
That completes the fun until the next expedition!
Simon Palmer, St Georges Road, Portland
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Your Say YourEcho
WhatThe..., Weymouth says...
10:25am Thu 14 Jan 10
585 wrote:A tongue in cheek letter about shopping in supermarkets turns into another way to have a go at the Police.
Simon Palmer, St Georges Road Why don't you try shopping off-peak, ASDA is wonderful after 11 pm, very few shoppers, car park is almost empty, checkouts not clogged up. You will be able to get your shopping done without the hassle you describe above. In all probability, should you need to, you will also be able to contact one of the groups of the uniformed local constabulary who are collecting supplies in-store, their vehicles are easily recognised by the tasteful blue and yellow livery with the words POLICE on them. I am not suggesting that they should not be there, just that they are available.(:o))
Police Officers have to eat too and don't have the benefits of a canteen 24/7 (Contrary to popular belief). Meals are often eaten on the go and if they're lucky, might get to finish them too.
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585, Weymouth says...
9:54pm Tue 12 Jan 10
Why don't you try shopping off-peak, ASDA is wonderful after 11 pm, very few shoppers, car park is almost empty, checkouts not clogged up. You will be able to get your shopping done without the hassle you describe above. In all probability, should you need to, you will also be able to contact one of the groups of the uniformed local constabulary who are collecting supplies in-store, their vehicles are easily recognised by the tasteful blue and yellow livery with the words POLICE on them. I am not suggesting that they should not be there, just that they are available.(:o))