Going to the grocery store is something we all do regularly, but not everyone behaves the same way once they’re there. Some habits can be annoying or downright disruptive to other shoppers. To make your next grocery run smoother, you’ll want to avoid these 17 things.
Blocking the Aisles
Reader’s Digest reveals that “Nine out of 10 shoppers surveyed find it rude when your cart gets in the way of their own trip down an aisle.” Whether it’s your cart, you, or both, other shoppers hate trying to get around someone who is standing in the middle of the aisle, oblivious to everyone else. It’s important to be mindful of where you are, especially in narrow or busy sections.
Leaving Perishables in Random Places
It might be tempting to change your mind about that frozen pizza and just leave it on a shelf, but this can lead to wasted food and mess. If you decide you don’t want something perishable, try to put it back where it belongs or give it to an employee to return to its proper place.
Ignoring the Express Lane Limits
Express lanes are designed for shoppers with a few items, making the checkout process quicker for everyone. Ignoring the item limit slows things down and can frustrate those who are trying to get in and out quickly; remember, if you have more items than the limit, it’s better to use a regular checkout lane.
Shopping with Loud Conversations
Talking on the phone or having a loud conversation with a companion can be very distracting to other shoppers. It’s best to keep your voice down and save longer conversations for later. If you need to take a call, try to step to a less crowded area or outside to avoid disturbing others.
Sampling Products Without Permission
While it’s common to be curious about how something tastes, sampling products without permission is a big no-no; stores usually have designated sampling stations, after all, so it’s best to stick to those. Taking a sample without asking can be seen as stealing.
Not Returning Carts
Leaving your cart in the middle of the parking lot can create hazards for cars and pedestrians—and it also says a lot about the type of person you are. After unloading your groceries, make the extra effort to return your cart to the designated area. This small act helps keep the parking lot safe for everyone.
Letting Kids Run Wild
Children can find grocery stores exciting, but letting them run wild can be dangerous and disruptive, so make sure to keep an eye on your kids and teach them to stay close and behave appropriately. This helps prevent accidents and makes the shopping experience more pleasant for all shoppers.
Handling Produce Carelessly
Squeezing, poking, or roughly handling produce can damage it, making it less appealing or even inedible for others. Treat fruits and vegetables gently and only pick up items you intend to buy: this keeps the produce section in good condition and ensures everyone gets the quality items they’re paying for.
Cutting in Line
Nobody likes a line-cutter; you should respect the order of the line, whether you’re at the deli counter or the checkout. Cutting in line is unfair to others who have been waiting and can create unnecessary tension—so be patient and wait your turn.
Leaving Trash in Carts
Finding someone else’s trash in your cart is never fun, so be sure to dispose of any waste properly and avoid leaving it in the cart or on shelves, even if it’s just scrunched-up paper. Keeping the store clean is a collective effort that benefits everyone.
Holding Up the Line with Coupons
Using coupons can save money, but holding up the line while you search for them or argue over discounts can be frustrating for others. Organize your coupons before reaching the checkout and be prepared to use them efficiently, as everyone will thank you for keeping the line moving smoothly.
Being Rude to Employees
Grocery store employees work hard and deserve respect; being rude or demanding doesn’t help and can make their job even harder. If you need assistance, ask politely and be patient. A little kindness goes a long way in creating a positive shopping environment.
Ignoring Social Distancing
Even as things return to normal, it’s still important to be mindful of personal space in crowded grocery stores, and near food especially. Crowding others in line or at the checkout can make people uncomfortable; keep a respectful distance so everyone feels safe and comfortable.
Bringing Pets Inside
Unless your pet is a service animal, it’s best to leave them at home. Pets can cause distractions, messes, and even allergies for other shoppers. Worse: you shouldn’t be leaving them in hot cars to wait for you. Stores have health and safety regulations for a reason, so it’s important to respect them.
Abandoning Your Cart in Aisles
Sometimes you need to step away from your cart, but abandoning it for long periods, especially in a busy area, can be a nuisance if it’s right in the middle of the aisle. If you need to leave your cart, try to move it to a less congested spot where it won’t be in the way, or at least push it to the side.
Grabbing Items from Shelves Recklessly
Yanking items off shelves or knocking things over can create a mess and potentially damage products, which is why it’s good shopping etiquette to take your time and be careful when selecting items. This avoids accidents, ensures the store stays tidy, and doesn’t risk ruining products.
Wearing Anything Inappropriate
And finally: we know it can be tempting to wear very casual clothes for a quick grocery shopping trip, but you should be mindful of anything too revealing, inappropriate, or even offensive, as it’s likely there will be children around during a very busy day.
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