A grocery store, just like any other public place, has its own etiquette. Perhaps some of the rules are unspoken and not taught in any textbook or at school. Either way, things like not blocking the pathway for other shoppers seem like common sense. Unfortunately, not for everyone.
One man shared a story where another shopper blocked his way in the aisle three times. And all three times, she didn't see (or pretended not to see) a problem with it. That's when he decided it was time for some petty revenge that involved both their carts and their latches. Read on to find out how his plan unfolded.
Bored Panda reached out to The Manners Maven Suzy Lins. She's a certified etiquette expert who kindly agreed to lend us her expertise on this matter. Read her comments below!
People who block your way in a grocery store aisle can be a real nuisance
Image credits: Jack Sparrow / pexels (not the actual photo)
This man shared the unique way he taught another shopper some shopping cart manners
Image credits: drazenphoto / envatoelements (not the actual photo)
Image credits: bouncypinata
Etiquette expert Suzy Lins lists some dos and don'ts when grocery shopping
Image credits: Christian Naccarato / pexels (not the actual photo)
Mishaps with shopping carts usually happen when one or more people forget that there are other people in the store. "Having self-awareness is a core teaching in etiquette and manners," etiquette expert Suzy Lins tells Bored Panda. "Grocery cart etiquette is simply being aware of how our actions are affecting others in the grocery store."
Lins has some tips on how not to inconvenience other shoppers with your cart. "When shopping and looking at items on a shelf, pull your cart to the side of the aisle so you are not blocking other shoppers."
"If you've parked your cart to look at an item on a shelf, and you notice your cart is preventing someone from reaching for an item, kindly move it out of their way so they can get the item."
But misplaced shopping carts aren't the only issue that annoys shoppers. What else shouldn't people do while at the store? "Other things to be aware of when in a grocery store would be to avoid talking on your phone," Suzy Lins notes.
"Making a quick call is one thing; I'm talking about a long conversation. The other shoppers do not want to hear your conversation. Also, when going through the checkout line, put your phone away and greet the checker with a smile."
"Another thing to remember is to honor the 'code' of lines. Avoid cutting the checkout line in front of other shoppers. Go to the back of the line and wait your turn. If someone cuts in front of you, you could politely say (with a smile): 'The line starts over there,' and point to the back of the line."
There's one more thing Lins likes to do herself when shopping, and she recommends others try out as well – just as a polite gesture. "If the person behind you in the checkout line has only a few items, and you have a cartful, ask them if they would like to go ahead of you. You'll probably make their day!"
Breaking the rules of shopping cart etiquette can seriously upset people
Image credits: Marco Verch / flickr (not the actual photo)
Having someone block your way on a grocery store aisle might make many people lose their temper. We've probably all had a similar experience of trying to squeeze past someone between the always-too-narrow shelves. But, interestingly, there is certain grocery cart etiquette.
People often wish everyday operations such as grocery shopping went as smoothly as possible. In fact, Treadmill Reviews did a survey and asked people what makes people the most upset when shopping.
90% of the respondents claimed that they get annoyed by shopping carts blocking the aisles. 60% of women said they have confronted other people for blocking the aisle, while 47% of men said they have done so as well.
Rude and discourteous shoppers also tend to bother people, as 91% of the respondents said they get upset by them. However, people tend not to confront people about rude behavior – only one in four shoppers say they accost those who are being rude.
You might think this is too silly of a problem to even talk about. However, given how often people encounter problems with other shopper's behavior with their shopping carts, it might make perfect sense. Hardly anyone enjoys shopping in general. It's more of a chore than an enjoyable activity.
People praised the shopper for coming up with such a brilliant revenge plan
Others shared their encounters with ill-mannered shoppers
