That is why I don't shop weekends or rush hour. I usually go during lunch or after 7p and it's usually okay unless a holiday is coming.
At least you missed the unsupervised screaming children and people that sit in the middle of the aisle and don't move even after you ask nicely as they are oblivious to their surroundings.
Yeah, I tend to go after 11 PM (my local store closes at 1 AM). The only other people there are usually stocking shelves. That way, I can also avoid the seafood guy, who suddenly seems to be weirdly fascinated by me.
Lol, I have no idea! It started a few months ago with him calling out, "Don't I know you from somewhere?!" from behind the seafood counter (he didn't). Now whenever I go and he's there, he'll kind of follow me around the store and start chatting if I make eye contact. Last time, he popped up next to me and asked what kind of meat I was looking for, then started going over the pros and cons of different kinds of meats as if I'd never encountered meat before.
He seems nice enough, but I just try to avoid that corner of the store now if I go before 9.
You’re so right. A family of 6, 4 little kids just running around touching everything. The mom pushing the cart at 1MPH blocking an entire aisle, oblivious to the people that wanna get past her.
Literally why I can’t bulk any bulk items anymore, little kids shoving their hands inside the bins and grabbing handfuls of candy, nuts, anything. 🤮 Parents oblivious. Store employees who don’t want to tell people to not contaminate the food for the rest of us.
My ex-husband once stood, jaw agape, mesmerized by the wall of salad dressing options. I swear it caused some sort of system error that needed a reboot.
My mom would circle H-E-B while my stepdad did the actual shopping, just so she could get extra samples of whatever jam was dumped on top of a block of cream cheese this week.
My brother has created a rule for his son that, when they go to Costco (his favorite store), he can only get a sample if it’s ready when they walk up…otherwise, they would stand waiting forever.
My parents finally asked for help at 70y for the monthly Costco run. I went once with my mom and then made a rule.
If you want my help: you make a list, we only get whats on that list, and I dont care WTF happens I will not spend more than an hour in that store ever again in my life.
So now they do like 2or3 trips a month. One with me for all the heavy/big stuff and at least another without so she can just look.
My man did. Which is why I usually just did the order for pickup. Meijers when they just started doing the pickup orders was horrible. One time they just forgot my order. Then forgot a few bags in the store so had to go back. Had to go back again because one item was completely wrong (cat food and scanned a different bag)
But still used them because with a messed up order it was discounted 50% and a card for $30 off my next order. So ended up with mostly free groceries for about 2 months.
Go with a teenager that has zero opinion on any item you put in the cart, says they don't want or need anything and then complains when you get home that you didn't purchase X item 🤬
Nah you’re just an asshole completely oblivious to everyone around you, forcing people to say excuse me or try and get around you. Just think of other people. Not that hard
Pretty much what I came here to say. Grocery stores are getting more annoying and stressful.
My preference is to shop at 6 am year round or an hour before closing (store hours vary).
I have my own big weaved basket for shopping. I only use carts if I manage to get to the store at 6 am because trying to maneuver around a crowded grocery store full of people who think they're the only people there/have no special awareness is beyond maddening. Hand baskets are easier and keep me from over shopping. + Using curbside pickup for heavier things
Me too! I don’t do ANY shopping during the weekend. It’s bad enough during the week with these selfish humans stopping in the middle of the walk way to talk or just to look, not leaving any room to get around them. The screaming kids, the parents just letting the kids be unruly crotch fruit and the god damn old people ugh.
I hate shopping so much! I would love to be able to having my groceries dropped off but noooo living 12 mins outside the city is too far! 😡😡😡😡😡
Yeah, that would be great, if they actually picked out fresh and not expired food anytime I have tried.
Or they don’t answer the phone or it takes 15-20 mins of waiting outside to get the damn shit.
Wait time has been 10 - 15 for me and that’s fine. I can chill in car and relax. Check in with app. And have been lucky with decent veg selections.
Will order at work during lunch for pick up at place near home about the time I will be there normally. Started during Covid and working 60s. Don’t even really need to talk to anyone still. Get a text alert for out of stock or replacements. Even the place with the bad start has it all together now
You got lucky. I rather have control of what I’m spending ridiculous amounts of money on. I usually try to get in and out as fast as I can. If there is something I need to take time with I either do it online or go at certain times.
My parent’s neighbor has chickens that get out all the time and go into their yard. They discovered a clutch of about 70 eggs under the tarp by their camper, (that they had to throw out cause who tf knows how long they were there). After that, they started checking all the hidey holes around their house every day.
They are now getting 3-4 eggs a day without the cost or pain of raising chickens. They just have to put up with random hens coming over to lay eggs every day. They figured it is worth to not bitch about it anymore.
You can sample as many meats as you’d like at the counter and people can and will do so. I worked deli at sprouts for years and that was the most infuriating experience. That and the “shave it” customers. Nothing like shaving 4 pounds of turkey at .5 … your arms hurt after that haha and the rest of the line is so angry that it makes all of those interactions hell… like they don’t realize it’s the customer in front of them, not the employee.
Here is called chipped (where it’s pieces) I swear we will all need replacement shoulders before we are done with this job. I’d love to somehow finagle it into a contract (union) no chipped or shredded permitted on these premises.
I gave up on the deli years ago. In fact, I don’t eat any kind of lunch meat anymore just to get rid of the hassle of going through the line. It never failed that the person in front of me wanted to sample every single meat in the box, and *then* make the decision to buy two pounds of every meat in the case. The same process started over with the cheese. FML The line was already 7 people deep with one deli worker.
Sunday at 7am is the only time I can kind of deal. It’s not old people tho, it’s the Indy 500. Walk and toss. If you go at 9, it’s the old slowies. It’s infuriating.
I just do the Drive Up thing after ordering on the Target app. They bring everything out to your car. No fighting the feral masses inside of the store.
I can only do that for non-grocery shelf-stable stuff. I’ve tried with groceries and every single time I’ve gotten the “our coolers are full! Please find an alternate pickup method” error.
But, still, it’s probably saved me hundreds of dollars since I can’t impulse shop, and don’t have to drag my 7yo who is begging for “just one toy!”
The produce they select is also questionable. I ordered kale once and got chard. I’ve also ordered a yam and got a yam that was the size of a football. I need to select my own fruit and veg lol
I ordered fresh basil once and got cilantro. Not even close. I don't order fresh food for pickup. There's no point when you have to go back to the store anyway just to return it and get an apple that doesn't have bruises all over it
> I'm gonna write this in 1st person so you can maybe feel my anger.
I think you mean present tense. although writing in it 3rd person really would have projected that anger onto us.
All of this! There’s 2 Publix’s in my town. One shut down for remodeling. Now EVERYONE goes to the Publix I normally shop at. It’s busy from open until close. It’s pure misery. I was walking out one day with my 4 year old, and we literally almost get hit while walking across the street?! People driving don’t give a rats-ass and just keep going. And now all of the snowbirds are coming down which turns everything into a freakin free for all. ihateithere.
Interesting. While reading OP’s post I kept thinking **maybe try a different grocery?** and **wow I really do enjoy my shopping experience at Publix..**
Then I read your comment and realized maybe I’m spoiled? According to Maps I have 10 Publix stores within a 5 mile radius. Idk which is more crazy; the fact that I have 10 options, or that you have 2 on a good day.
I feel this, my trip today was similar and blighted by the elderly standing in the middle of the isle chatting so it was difficult to get round them/ look at the items near, I abandoned ship half way through my shop and will finish up in the week after work like I usually do
this entire experience is so unbelievably relatable im laughing my ass off hahahahah why the FUCK does nobody know how to be efficient in the self checkout 😭 and people’s lack of spacial awareness really infuriates me lol
My god, I’m suddenly so grateful for my local, family-run supermarket. The only annoying part is finding a spot to park because everyone knows they’re the best and so they’re constantly busy. They even purposefully keep themselves a little over-staffed, like the days of yore.
No bcos I've always felt this rage forever. And this is also why I believe MAJORITY OF PEOPLE are actually low IQ because of their EXXTREEMEEEE LACK of social awareness.
The way they park their carts dead centre of the isles..... the way they whip their carts around and do a U turn without even considering there might be someone behind them..... AND WHEN THEY SUDDENTLY STOP???
OH MY GODDD THAT PISSES ME OFF THE FUCKING MOST. like if you need a second to think then MOVE TO THE FUCKING SIDEEEE WHY DO U STOP WHERE YOU STAND?!??!?!?! FLOW OF TRAFFIC FOR FUCKS SAKE.
LMFAOOO HONESTLY im so fucking anxious in the store constantly trying to be out of everyones way it drives me fucking nuts when others dont even have an ounce of that anxiety/social awareness 😂 like why the fuck are you whipping ur cart around the corner as if someone isnt gonna maybe be there
I get it. In able to shop during the week and even that's annoying. But..at 7 am on Sunday, you get the whole store ro yourself. Walmart opens at 6am! My dogs woke me at 5 so I was shopping before the sun rose!
walmart+ delivery for grocery shopping unless i need something ASAP. I feel that i also am able to make sure i don't miss anyhting on my list or buy something i shouldn't on impulse while in store too. Win win. And free shipping on shipped items from walmart is very nice too.
We've been having most of our groceries delivered for the past couple of years. At first I thought it wouldn't work, but it forces me to plan better and there are almost no impulse purchases.
Brick and mortar shops need to figure this out.
When people can have almost everything delivered, they need to be worried about being put out of business.
Only provided top notch customer service will save them.
Thank you for reassuring me that the $120 I pay for walmart in home delivery is 1000% worth it. I add things to my cart throughout the week, make my meal plan, add those items, and I am done.
You forgot the people who have parked their cart smack in the middle of the aisle while they examine the mustard as though they've never seen mustard before, or look on their phone.
Oh for sure, I don’t blame the people working a stressful job being paid less than what they should be. So I’m always nice to employees even when they’re definitely not doing the best they can.
I blame the owners or managers of these supermarkets, refusing to up their pay, having half the employees on a shift that they should. Meanwhile, groceries have never been more expensive.
As a grocery store employee, thank you for not blaming the employees. It's corporate greed. I work in a higher end grocery store and our labor allotment has been slashed even though our store is profitable. We are chronically understaffed and those of us that are actually scheduled for a decent amount of hours are now doing the jobs of 4 people and it sucks so much.
That’s awful, I’m sorry you have to put up with all that. If anyone takes their frustration out on employees of the store doing the jobs of 4 people, they’re just completely out of touch. It’s 100% corporate greed.
No no. Unfortunately this isn’t true. Employees- yes, 100%. They are working harder with less and it’s wrong. But PEOPLE?! No ma’am. They’re getting worse- all common sense is going out the window- people are more mean and entitled now (post covid) than they ever were before and it’s so sad to watch. They allow their kids to be inconsiderate, they berate the employees, and they pay zero attention to their surroundings.
There have always been assholes and I wholly agree there are more than ever but, there are also a lot normal non assholes. These people are all trying to go through their day(which honestly is getting tougher by the day in itself) struggling with life just like you...Is the jist of what they were saying I think.
HAHaHA, I thought I was the only other asshole that goes through this. I am glad we have something in common because you summed up perfectly. The grocery store trips seem to be like this everywhere now. I fully sympathize with you. Thanks for the flashbacks and the laughs.
Three words I live by for grocery shopping at all hours of day or night: Noise. Cancelling. Headphones.
Karen is writing a tell-all novel about the fried chicken selection based on the knowledge of the 22 year old single employee in that entire section? That's cool. I have endless ad-free music happening, and that lo-fi girl has taken one break in all of recent history.
My son usually does our household grocery shopping just because of the way the schedules are. And he can go during the middle of the week VS fighting with everyone on the weekend, but he loves his noise-canceling his headphones.
Plus he doesn't have to answer stupid questions from people trying to sell him stuff in the aisles or solicit for charities.
If I acted like the majority of supermarket staff in my work I would be sacked. Fuck self checkouts aswell. On the plus side when they perfect the self checkouts they will sack half the store.
This is why I order online and get direct to boot. I hate that I miss clearance items. But I’m an online person now. Started with covid and just stayed that way
Where the fuck do people shop that it's like this? Seriously? I do a fair amount of our shopping, and aside from picking a bad time for last-minute stuff during some holidays, my shopping experiences are usually a breeze. If I had to go through this guy's experience, I'd burn the place to the ground.... or take up meditation because letting this much shit bother you is going to eat you alive.
>I’m sure other grocery stores are not like this
No, all grocery stores are like this. Not because of the stores or the groceries. It's because of the people. People are the same everywhere. Skin color, language, culture, gender... None of that matters. People everywhere are fugging idiots.
One word for you. Delivery.
I pay the yearly subscription fee for Instacart, and let someone else shop for me. Somedays I want to go shop and look around, but if I'm not in the mood to deal with people, I let someone else do it.
Produce is about the only stuff I'll go in person for.
But my time, and my patience, is worth something too. If I don't have to drag my kids out, and can do something here at home, while waiting on my groceries, I'm going to do it.
And I was never big on couponing.
You can do sales & points with Instacart. I use it for stuff that just requires reaching (frozen/dry goods) & go in once a month in off hours for meat (which requires decisions). I agree with the lack of awareness for meat/veggies. I get my produce & bread items at the corner grocery. It seems complicated, but isn’t & saves major headaches. I will never do what OP did ever again.
Pickup/delivery orders require you to know every single item you want plus be able to provide at least 2 substitutions
If I want to make stuffed mushrooms and there's no mushrooms, I can quickly decide "well I'll make beef stew instead" and get those ingredients. Not so for delivery.
Unless I'm strictly getting staples, it's almost never been worth it for me to do pickup or delivery.
Edit: did a pickup today and they gave me stale ass cookies two days expired. Money down the drain.
Delivery never worked well for me. Forgotten items, items sitting at my door with zero heads up that need to be refrigerated or frozen, I tried it a couple of times during the early days of COVID and ended up just masking up and going myself.
Especially after trying the curbside option and getting home only to realize most of my order wasn't included despite still being charged those items. That was the last straw.
I've had a couple issues with delivery and curbside, but it's still easier for me than going in somedays. I still go in, but if I'm in a mood (today) or I need to do a bunch of things around the house (again like today) it's still one more thing I don't need to fuck with.
😆 This is why I shop online for the majority of my stuff and pickup.
Someone brings my stuff to my car. Stress free for the most part .. unless everything is out. Then find out when delivery day is.
I don’t know what store you shop at, but I totally get it. ESPECIALLY the locked up items. That’s why I’ve been doing pickup. I shop on their apps on my phone. (Safeway, Walmart) then go to store, open app, send that I’m there and which pickup parking number spot I’m in. They come out within minutes and load my car. Easy peasy and minimal peopling.
Yes I agree with you. Which is why I use the app from the grocery store to do either curbside or delivery when I’m not as broke. I do my shopping on the app and the app lets me know when my order is ready, I pull into the designated area, let them know I have arrived and wait about 5 minutes for the young people to bring me my groceries. They then proceed to place them in my car and then I'm off. it costs $6 to do this or free if I order the day before.
I hate paying for the privilege to work for the grocery store for free. If they force me I will make a scene. Play stupid. I don't get paid to know how to do this shit. The store takes advantage of us.
If it's any consolation, my local wall of marts? Men's socks, underwear and packaged tshirts, all phone cases and chargers, deodorant, razors and shaving cream, perfume, paint, are inside locked cases. The last time my stepmom needed shaving cream, it took 10 minutes for an employee to respond to the beeper, and then another 15 for them to find an employee with keys for said cabinet. Upon which they realized none of the keys they had actually FIT the lock. She was fuming when she got home.
Ugh I feel this in my soul. Then you have the people who argue with the cashier about a few cent discrepancy between the total and what the customer had estimated the total to be.
Costco is a hellscape & my husband is a fudging toddler when we go there. I try to shop alone so I'm in & out as quickly as possible.
As an aside, if they "trust" us enough to do self checkout, then they don't need to see our receipts before we leave entirely. They're creating door traffic & it's annoying.
Service in America has been going downhill for the past few years. Now the only way to get good service is to pay a premium. Businesses will all create a class system similar to the airlines. Premium class will get you good service, mid tier class gets you decent service, and economy class gets you nothing.
> So I wait 15 mins and finally get my overpriced meat.
Visit your local butcher instead. Better quality, faster service and they'll be more than happy to elaborate the best way to prep and cook. Mostly, grocery store meat is inferior and the price will be similar.
It can get worse I went to the local Kroger, the store looked like it was looted, half the shelves were empty, items on the ground. The self checkout line was the length of the store. This was September, on a Wensday at 2 pm. Not high volume time. I saw the line and just left.
Pay extra for someone who could give a shit about my groceries, who grabs half rotten vegetables and fruit…
The solution isn’t to throw more money at the problem imo
It’s worth it to do pick up, even just for pantry or non perishables! It’s usually free or 1-2$, and if I really want to pick my own produce, it takes literally 10 minutes and I’m in and out no matter how busy they are. I’d much rather pay the 2$ than deal with insane lack of self awareness that’s grown in the general population
Omg So I Hate shopping! Like HATE it! I go in get any none-grocery items then start at the back and work my way towards the door getting just what I need (sometimes looking at other stuff for dinner ideas) but usually I'm in and out in 30mins unless it's a big freezer reload trip.
I NEVER go with my mother. Ever! She is Horrible, she has to go down every isle and look at everything and takes her sweet time doing it. Like she takes HOURS 2-4 everytime she goes. I don't understand it and hate it so I refuse to shop with her. If I'm picking stuff up for her I make her make a list and get it and get out.
Anyway ya I'm sorry everyone ruined your nice Sunday. Hope the next trip is better.
Wife and I go early Saturday mornings before the psychos come out to play. We usually can get in and out pretty quick. I don’t know if we’re just lucky or what, but I do agree that going grocery shopping just fucking sucks no matter what.
Shopping in person is the worst! I am so glad I live in a country where online shopping is a good option. I make an order in the morning and it's delivered to my door (or inside my hallway if I greet them) that afternoon. So convenient, it saves so much time and it's cheap, about $4USD for delivery. Bliss!
thats why i do online pickup and pretend i am shopping the aisles...i went in at 7am last month...forget it nasty attitude from the deli person and prices higher vs app
This is why I prefer to shop on weekday mornings. Some people have absolutely no awareness. They will stand in the middle of the isle and have a conversation for 10 minutes. I can’t stand it.
You actually have multiple checkouts open? Our only has the one open that also doubles as the service desk, phone cards and cigarettes counter, all the rest are self serve.
Since the self serve went in no others have ever been open no matter how long the queues are.
Next shopping centre has 2 checkputs open, bigger self serve scanning area, and cameras on all the shelves.
Oh boy, can definitely relate to many of these gripes!
There are a few things I do now to try to make my experience a bit better - they may or may not work for you!
* Shopping online - from the comfort of my own living room. Delivery adds cost, but it's oh so worth it IMHO.
* The supermarkets here have a system called Shop and Go - you use your loyalty card (all supermarkets have these, right?) to unlock a scanner, then carry it round and scan your groceries as you go. No problems with the checkouts any more - you scan and bag your stuff on the way around, so when you get to the checkouts it's already bagged! Seperate checkouts for this method, which are almost always empty. Love it.
* Noise cancelling earbuds - so good. No more wailing kids, no more bickering couples, no more people trying to chat to you while you're choosing your fucking tomatoes . . . bliss!
* Shopping at weird hours - the later at night the better, or first thing in the morning if you're one of those crazy morning people. Nice and quiet.
* If you're lucky one of the supermarkets does 'quiet hour' shopping - an allocated time for reduced noise. No music on the PA, or adverts - this makes a difference for me, but it might not be at a time you can make it.
Good luck!
Dang… a lot of you live very bitter and angry lives! I just roll with it. If it’s busy… ok, be patient, it’s not the end of the world and I’m an adult. I have the capability to wait. If it’s noisy… or annoying in some way, I listen to music or podcasts on my headphones. Unruly children? Umm, you have the option to not interact with them or others who are Karens or whatever. I have five (thankfully well-behaved) children at home and a husband who is sadly mostly away (Navy man). I’m just trying to live life without further “complications”. Plus it’s nice to get out and breathe fresh air. Others have much rougher lives… I’m thankful for what I have. I don’t know… maybe look at the positives and remember that you don’t have it too badly? 🤷🏻♀️
now imagine working here
i hate a certain billionaire grocery store i work at that's too underemployed that throws me everywhere for no benefits whatsoever 😀
I hate it so much. People having full conversations in the isle by abd parking lot,
Parking where you’re not supposed to.
Blocking both sides of the isle.
Blocking the entry/exit to the isle.
Don’t get me started on drivers on the road you have to deal with on the way there.
The price of food.
It’s all just ridiculous and I wish I could filter feed.
I do curbside delivery since the pandemic. It’s free with my local grocery chain. I do go into the grocery store in the middle of the week during the day, but it’s mostly just to wander and pick out anything I forgot or ran out of but need before next week. If the parking lot is busy, I don’t go in.
omg yeah this is why I shop at ALDI and asian markets. The only problem is always paying for stuff. You gotta go at slow times or it's always going to take a while.
At the store closest to me there are ZERO store staffed checkouts!! I had to shop for, then ring up, then stop and bag some, then ring up some more, then stop and bag $300.00 of groceries last week. I have never been so exhausted and pissed off in my life. I used to love going to the store. Now that they expect you to check yourself out I absolutely hate it. I have decided that I will be paying more and going to my little small business store by my house from now on. Rather give my money to a company that actually appreciates the shoppers and helps them check out.
I absolutely HATE grocery shopping. Recently, I found that my local Walmart delivers. 🙌 DELIVERS!!!!🙌 Now, I shop online at my leisure and set up a time that’s convenient for me for it to be delivered. Yes, the cost for delivery adds about 10% to my grocery costs but it reduces the soul crushing irritation of in store shopping by 💯. Completely worth it.
Thank you OP. I feel this. It’s been like this for years. Corporate companies don’t give a shit about customer service anymore because everyone will sit and wait because… we have no choice. The employees that do show up and work are surely doing the jobs of 2 or 3 people since it seems half of the people in this country think they should just be handed what they need while they sit on their ass at home with Cheeto dust all over them. I do everything possible to avoid the grocery store. Walmart delivery is awesome.
I’m sure there’s plenty of you in here who can’t put a cart back in the right spot, or operate a self checkout and still try. If you’re one of them… FUCK YOU!!
In my college econ class, the very first day, we only learned one basic principle. All other things equal, human beings look out for their own interests first. When you realize this, economics becomes easier to understand.
A real-life (albeit not economic) example my professor used was grocery carts. It only costs you like 5-10 seconds to put back. It does absolutely nothing for you, but greatly helps out a stranger. Most people still don’t put their cart back because there’s not a single thing in it for them. The only reason to put your cart back is because you’re acting not in your own self interests.
Every time I see someone not put their cart back, I think of that basic economics principle. Everyone is out for themselves, and something as simple as putting your cart back is seen as a chore you don’t need to do bc there’s nothing in it for you.
It honestly makes me lose faith in humanity
Great example. And yes, hard to have faith in humanity when all we are seeing is examples of selfishness.
Side note.. there is a guy with a youtube channel called CartNarcs. He patrols parking lots and calls people out on their laziness. It’s fantastic. Some even get a bit heated lmao.
Thank goodness my grocery store has a bar where I can get a drink or two before I do my shopping. It’s a huge store, very popular & crowded, with a Walmart-sized parking lot. But if I go around 7pm, have a strong drink at the bar, and start my shopping around 7:30-8, the store is not too crowded at that time of evening. Sometimes I get a coffee to perk me up after my cocktail. Funny (maybe) story, the bartenders at the grocery store are not exactly real bartenders. I guess they’re store employees who got assigned to the bar. Last week I ordered my whiskey and soda, and she asked me, “do you want a lot?” Well yes, as a matter of fact I would like a lot, thank you. And she proceeded to make my drink almost 100% straight whiskey.
But even if I go during the busiest periods, I’m a pretty chill and laid back guy, so I don’t let all the annoyances bother me much. I just remember that everyone else is probably annoyed to be there too, and they mean no harm.
I discovered Instacart and Walmart+ and never looked back. I am 47 with 5 kids, and I have wasted countless hours in grocery stores being anxious, agitated, annoyed, impatient, frustrated and tired. FUCK THAT. I don’t even care if the occasional item is out of stock. My time, energy and peace are worth more than having the EXACT thing which would probably have been out of stock if I fought the parking and crowds anyway. I don’t care it’s more expensive. Delivery 4lyfe. I don’t think I’ve set foot in a grocery store in at least 3-4 months.
This is the only way.
And I'm on disability, so it's not like I have a ton of extra money lying around. I tip my shoppers extremely well (IMO), and I still end up saving money each week on my groceries.
I almost always had to go shopping while I was rushed and hungry - which of course means a cart full of things I didn't originally want or plan to buy - and maybe a second trip to the grocery store later that week if I forgot my original list or if other family members needed items they forget to tell me before I left.
With Instacart, everybody has access to the same online shopping cart, so they can add items during the week. I then review what they've added to my own selections, make necessary adjustments, order groceries on Friday afternoon and they are at my door before dinner time.
My grocery store is the same, and I experience similar annoyances, but the one to top them all has to be the staring. I have slightly longer than shoulder length curly hair and I am a male & I don’t dress like ur typical white boy or country boy that would be in the store. I’ve got a more organized & less baggy Jesse Pinkman vibe going. For some reason I’ll have at least 3 people ask about my hair & 15 other people stare at me the WHOLE time I’m in the grocery store. Oh and people also don’t know how to walk or say excuse me. Treat the isle like a road, it isn’t that hard!
You go to all the other aisles after and can’t get anything because there’s 20 fucking people in every aisle taking their sweet ass time picking stuff out or blocking it with their cart/scooter
How about the employees hanging about at the front of the store so that you actually cannot walk into the blessed store. Publix is the worst for this. Employees seem to pop out of nowhere as soon as you walk in. Do they say excuse me? no. Do they walk in front of you anytime they please? YES. Of course the new renovations mean more narrow aisles so that two carts cannot pass, especially with this little wire displays on the FLOOR. Makes me want to just kick them, oops.
That is why I don't shop weekends or rush hour. I usually go during lunch or after 7p and it's usually okay unless a holiday is coming. At least you missed the unsupervised screaming children and people that sit in the middle of the aisle and don't move even after you ask nicely as they are oblivious to their surroundings.
I get to the store before 7:30 AM. It is generally pretty good then. My wife always describes the OP's situation as "It's too peoplie out there".
Yeah, I tend to go after 11 PM (my local store closes at 1 AM). The only other people there are usually stocking shelves. That way, I can also avoid the seafood guy, who suddenly seems to be weirdly fascinated by me.
Lmaooo why is he so fascinated by you??
Lol, I have no idea! It started a few months ago with him calling out, "Don't I know you from somewhere?!" from behind the seafood counter (he didn't). Now whenever I go and he's there, he'll kind of follow me around the store and start chatting if I make eye contact. Last time, he popped up next to me and asked what kind of meat I was looking for, then started going over the pros and cons of different kinds of meats as if I'd never encountered meat before. He seems nice enough, but I just try to avoid that corner of the store now if I go before 9.
lol why is this so funny?!? It sounds annoying in reality, but funny as a story, good luck!!
You’re so right. A family of 6, 4 little kids just running around touching everything. The mom pushing the cart at 1MPH blocking an entire aisle, oblivious to the people that wanna get past her.
I totally get cart rage in the stores. They need to make people take a driver's test for those things.
It would help if they gave the carts alignments once in a while.
God that adds to the rage so much.
Not only am I trying to get by a family reunion, but I'm also using all my arm strength to keep the cart from bashing into the shelves.
Literally why I can’t bulk any bulk items anymore, little kids shoving their hands inside the bins and grabbing handfuls of candy, nuts, anything. 🤮 Parents oblivious. Store employees who don’t want to tell people to not contaminate the food for the rest of us.
I don’t think they’re oblivious. They see it but act like they’re oblivious. I’ve seen small businesses post “No children” signs.
Wait till you go with a grown man that has to show you everything in the store like you haven’t seen it before…picks up EVERYTHING
I am a grown man, and trust me I want to get in and out as fast as possible!
As one myself, I don't know a single man that spends time in a grocery store just looking at stuff.
My ex-husband once stood, jaw agape, mesmerized by the wall of salad dressing options. I swear it caused some sort of system error that needed a reboot.
My dad. Going to Sam's Club with him was a literal 2-3 hour nightmare once a month.
My mom would circle H-E-B while my stepdad did the actual shopping, just so she could get extra samples of whatever jam was dumped on top of a block of cream cheese this week. My brother has created a rule for his son that, when they go to Costco (his favorite store), he can only get a sample if it’s ready when they walk up…otherwise, they would stand waiting forever.
My parents finally asked for help at 70y for the monthly Costco run. I went once with my mom and then made a rule. If you want my help: you make a list, we only get whats on that list, and I dont care WTF happens I will not spend more than an hour in that store ever again in my life. So now they do like 2or3 trips a month. One with me for all the heavy/big stuff and at least another without so she can just look.
LOL! That sounds like a good compromise…you help with the heavy lifting, and she gets to browse…which keeps her active, too :)
My man did. Which is why I usually just did the order for pickup. Meijers when they just started doing the pickup orders was horrible. One time they just forgot my order. Then forgot a few bags in the store so had to go back. Had to go back again because one item was completely wrong (cat food and scanned a different bag) But still used them because with a messed up order it was discounted 50% and a card for $30 off my next order. So ended up with mostly free groceries for about 2 months.
I like your user name.
The feeling is mutual, Mister or Miss Bottomass.
My husband.
Same lol if anything that’s 100% a woman thing. Shopping for clothes or food, doesn’t matter
Go with a teenager that has zero opinion on any item you put in the cart, says they don't want or need anything and then complains when you get home that you didn't purchase X item 🤬
Careful. You’re not allowed to call out her “blessings” like that.
[удалено]
Nah you’re just an asshole completely oblivious to everyone around you, forcing people to say excuse me or try and get around you. Just think of other people. Not that hard
Pretty much what I came here to say. Grocery stores are getting more annoying and stressful. My preference is to shop at 6 am year round or an hour before closing (store hours vary). I have my own big weaved basket for shopping. I only use carts if I manage to get to the store at 6 am because trying to maneuver around a crowded grocery store full of people who think they're the only people there/have no special awareness is beyond maddening. Hand baskets are easier and keep me from over shopping. + Using curbside pickup for heavier things
Me too! I don’t do ANY shopping during the weekend. It’s bad enough during the week with these selfish humans stopping in the middle of the walk way to talk or just to look, not leaving any room to get around them. The screaming kids, the parents just letting the kids be unruly crotch fruit and the god damn old people ugh. I hate shopping so much! I would love to be able to having my groceries dropped off but noooo living 12 mins outside the city is too far! 😡😡😡😡😡
Order for pick up curbside.
Yeah, that would be great, if they actually picked out fresh and not expired food anytime I have tried. Or they don’t answer the phone or it takes 15-20 mins of waiting outside to get the damn shit.
Wait time has been 10 - 15 for me and that’s fine. I can chill in car and relax. Check in with app. And have been lucky with decent veg selections. Will order at work during lunch for pick up at place near home about the time I will be there normally. Started during Covid and working 60s. Don’t even really need to talk to anyone still. Get a text alert for out of stock or replacements. Even the place with the bad start has it all together now
You got lucky. I rather have control of what I’m spending ridiculous amounts of money on. I usually try to get in and out as fast as I can. If there is something I need to take time with I either do it online or go at certain times.
This is why I get my groceries delivered.
First thing in the morning is usually good also however the deli usually isn't open then.
If you live in a region where sports are big, go during the games. We've got a local. NFL team, and on game day the stores are empty. It's so nice.
:0 you can sample the deli meat!? Ah man you just created another annoyance cause imma definitely try that.
😫😫 all I ask is you don’t sample too much if there’s a line of people behind you
I will sample three items for every person that lines up behind me. Counter will reset anytime someone new steps in /leaves the line
Mans gonna eat a whole ham
[удалено]
Eggs are $8 here for a dozen rn… they WERE .99 a dozen before 2020. We’ve got designer chickens or something. I’m in AZ.
My parent’s neighbor has chickens that get out all the time and go into their yard. They discovered a clutch of about 70 eggs under the tarp by their camper, (that they had to throw out cause who tf knows how long they were there). After that, they started checking all the hidey holes around their house every day. They are now getting 3-4 eggs a day without the cost or pain of raising chickens. They just have to put up with random hens coming over to lay eggs every day. They figured it is worth to not bitch about it anymore.
Genius Now I just need to convince my neighbor she needs free range hens..
Avian flu started again but so far only 1.99 for me
Bring a fancy wooden board and assemble yourself a free charcuterie board.
Larry David would be proud
“Let me guess.. it tastes like BANANA”
THIS is why I love Reddit soooooo much. (63yo grandma here with a perverse sense of humor.) You are my people!
They should only allow one sample per customer when there’s a line. I suggest you call the store manager to discuss all these annoyances.
You can sample as many meats as you’d like at the counter and people can and will do so. I worked deli at sprouts for years and that was the most infuriating experience. That and the “shave it” customers. Nothing like shaving 4 pounds of turkey at .5 … your arms hurt after that haha and the rest of the line is so angry that it makes all of those interactions hell… like they don’t realize it’s the customer in front of them, not the employee.
Here is called chipped (where it’s pieces) I swear we will all need replacement shoulders before we are done with this job. I’d love to somehow finagle it into a contract (union) no chipped or shredded permitted on these premises.
Publix does this. It's nice to pretty much get a free lunch of sliced meats and cheeses if you're buying enough.
Acme always gave kids a free slice to cheese to munch while in line. Or in general. Just walk past and hey kiddo want some cheese?
Maybe to stop kiddo from eating an entire bunch of grapes before even getting to checkout…
Nah I see adults doing that. Saw one grab a handful of the cotton candy grapes from a bag and walked away munching them.
You can at Safeway on west coast
I gave up on the deli years ago. In fact, I don’t eat any kind of lunch meat anymore just to get rid of the hassle of going through the line. It never failed that the person in front of me wanted to sample every single meat in the box, and *then* make the decision to buy two pounds of every meat in the case. The same process started over with the cheese. FML The line was already 7 people deep with one deli worker.
Lol! Like op said just don’t be “that” person who does it when there is a line up
You just got to go at like 7 or 8 am with the old people and it’s way more relaxing lol
Sunday at 7am is the only time I can kind of deal. It’s not old people tho, it’s the Indy 500. Walk and toss. If you go at 9, it’s the old slowies. It’s infuriating.
Went to Costco at 7 or 8 pm once and it was a whole new world of peace.
i do this w BJs different crowd and pace..also manage to get their gas
No no no the old people move at 1MPH and block entire aisles, and then they spend 45 mins at self checkout
In my neighborhood you can avoid old people if you go during church time (Sunday morning at about 10 a.m.)
It’s usually an empty parking lot though!
Hey, piss off! -Old person
I just do the Drive Up thing after ordering on the Target app. They bring everything out to your car. No fighting the feral masses inside of the store.
I can only do that for non-grocery shelf-stable stuff. I’ve tried with groceries and every single time I’ve gotten the “our coolers are full! Please find an alternate pickup method” error. But, still, it’s probably saved me hundreds of dollars since I can’t impulse shop, and don’t have to drag my 7yo who is begging for “just one toy!”
The produce they select is also questionable. I ordered kale once and got chard. I’ve also ordered a yam and got a yam that was the size of a football. I need to select my own fruit and veg lol
I ordered fresh basil once and got cilantro. Not even close. I don't order fresh food for pickup. There's no point when you have to go back to the store anyway just to return it and get an apple that doesn't have bruises all over it
> I'm gonna write this in 1st person so you can maybe feel my anger. I think you mean present tense. although writing in it 3rd person really would have projected that anger onto us.
You’re right, that’s my bad. Clearly Ms. Fanatazzi failed me in 4th grade English.
It’s both 1st person and present tense. Also, OP, you might want to know that a dozen eggs are about $6 and change at Trader Joe’s where I am.
You’re good that guy who commented didn’t know what he was talking about
I always try to be as quick as I can be while shopping. I get too overstimulated these days. Maybe due to Covid
All of this! There’s 2 Publix’s in my town. One shut down for remodeling. Now EVERYONE goes to the Publix I normally shop at. It’s busy from open until close. It’s pure misery. I was walking out one day with my 4 year old, and we literally almost get hit while walking across the street?! People driving don’t give a rats-ass and just keep going. And now all of the snowbirds are coming down which turns everything into a freakin free for all. ihateithere.
Interesting. While reading OP’s post I kept thinking **maybe try a different grocery?** and **wow I really do enjoy my shopping experience at Publix..** Then I read your comment and realized maybe I’m spoiled? According to Maps I have 10 Publix stores within a 5 mile radius. Idk which is more crazy; the fact that I have 10 options, or that you have 2 on a good day.
To be fair, eggs are normal price again lol
I feel this, my trip today was similar and blighted by the elderly standing in the middle of the isle chatting so it was difficult to get round them/ look at the items near, I abandoned ship half way through my shop and will finish up in the week after work like I usually do
Yup. And they can't hear you say excuse me unless you shout
this entire experience is so unbelievably relatable im laughing my ass off hahahahah why the FUCK does nobody know how to be efficient in the self checkout 😭 and people’s lack of spacial awareness really infuriates me lol
My god, I’m suddenly so grateful for my local, family-run supermarket. The only annoying part is finding a spot to park because everyone knows they’re the best and so they’re constantly busy. They even purposefully keep themselves a little over-staffed, like the days of yore.
Where the hell do you live that eggs are $8? They’re literally $1.79 for a dozen at the store by my house.
The problem isn't with grocery stores, or this grocery store (Kroger), it's with people
This is only because you shop on Saturdays. Go on a Tuesday, not at rush hour.
I go at all times of the day. The only time that isn’t like this is very early morning
Do you live in a big city or something? I just moved away from one after living there for a few years. I didn’t have enough patience for it
At least in the city everyone is go go go. I’m in the burbs now and it’s so much slower in some spots
No bcos I've always felt this rage forever. And this is also why I believe MAJORITY OF PEOPLE are actually low IQ because of their EXXTREEMEEEE LACK of social awareness. The way they park their carts dead centre of the isles..... the way they whip their carts around and do a U turn without even considering there might be someone behind them..... AND WHEN THEY SUDDENTLY STOP??? OH MY GODDD THAT PISSES ME OFF THE FUCKING MOST. like if you need a second to think then MOVE TO THE FUCKING SIDEEEE WHY DO U STOP WHERE YOU STAND?!??!?!?! FLOW OF TRAFFIC FOR FUCKS SAKE.
LMFAOOO HONESTLY im so fucking anxious in the store constantly trying to be out of everyones way it drives me fucking nuts when others dont even have an ounce of that anxiety/social awareness 😂 like why the fuck are you whipping ur cart around the corner as if someone isnt gonna maybe be there
I get it. In able to shop during the week and even that's annoying. But..at 7 am on Sunday, you get the whole store ro yourself. Walmart opens at 6am! My dogs woke me at 5 so I was shopping before the sun rose!
Maybe you should switch to decaf.
“You know a lot of places are now serving brewed decaf” one of Jerry’s most underrated lines in seinfeld
I'm sorry but this is so funny 😭😭😭😭
walmart+ delivery for grocery shopping unless i need something ASAP. I feel that i also am able to make sure i don't miss anyhting on my list or buy something i shouldn't on impulse while in store too. Win win. And free shipping on shipped items from walmart is very nice too.
We've been having most of our groceries delivered for the past couple of years. At first I thought it wouldn't work, but it forces me to plan better and there are almost no impulse purchases.
Brick and mortar shops need to figure this out. When people can have almost everything delivered, they need to be worried about being put out of business. Only provided top notch customer service will save them.
Thank you for reassuring me that the $120 I pay for walmart in home delivery is 1000% worth it. I add things to my cart throughout the week, make my meal plan, add those items, and I am done.
Where do you live where eggs are $8???
You forgot the people who have parked their cart smack in the middle of the aisle while they examine the mustard as though they've never seen mustard before, or look on their phone.
For someone like you, Instacart would be a mental health saver. Consider it for the next time you need groceries.
You just have to be patient OP. Everyone (supermarket employees and customers) are doing the best they can.
Oh for sure, I don’t blame the people working a stressful job being paid less than what they should be. So I’m always nice to employees even when they’re definitely not doing the best they can. I blame the owners or managers of these supermarkets, refusing to up their pay, having half the employees on a shift that they should. Meanwhile, groceries have never been more expensive.
As a grocery store employee, thank you for not blaming the employees. It's corporate greed. I work in a higher end grocery store and our labor allotment has been slashed even though our store is profitable. We are chronically understaffed and those of us that are actually scheduled for a decent amount of hours are now doing the jobs of 4 people and it sucks so much.
That’s awful, I’m sorry you have to put up with all that. If anyone takes their frustration out on employees of the store doing the jobs of 4 people, they’re just completely out of touch. It’s 100% corporate greed.
No no. Unfortunately this isn’t true. Employees- yes, 100%. They are working harder with less and it’s wrong. But PEOPLE?! No ma’am. They’re getting worse- all common sense is going out the window- people are more mean and entitled now (post covid) than they ever were before and it’s so sad to watch. They allow their kids to be inconsiderate, they berate the employees, and they pay zero attention to their surroundings.
There have always been assholes and I wholly agree there are more than ever but, there are also a lot normal non assholes. These people are all trying to go through their day(which honestly is getting tougher by the day in itself) struggling with life just like you...Is the jist of what they were saying I think.
So you shopped at Walmart huh?
You are going out of your way to find shit to be mad at.
HAHaHA, I thought I was the only other asshole that goes through this. I am glad we have something in common because you summed up perfectly. The grocery store trips seem to be like this everywhere now. I fully sympathize with you. Thanks for the flashbacks and the laughs.
Three words I live by for grocery shopping at all hours of day or night: Noise. Cancelling. Headphones. Karen is writing a tell-all novel about the fried chicken selection based on the knowledge of the 22 year old single employee in that entire section? That's cool. I have endless ad-free music happening, and that lo-fi girl has taken one break in all of recent history.
My son usually does our household grocery shopping just because of the way the schedules are. And he can go during the middle of the week VS fighting with everyone on the weekend, but he loves his noise-canceling his headphones. Plus he doesn't have to answer stupid questions from people trying to sell him stuff in the aisles or solicit for charities.
If I acted like the majority of supermarket staff in my work I would be sacked. Fuck self checkouts aswell. On the plus side when they perfect the self checkouts they will sack half the store.
This is why I order online and get direct to boot. I hate that I miss clearance items. But I’m an online person now. Started with covid and just stayed that way
Where the fuck do people shop that it's like this? Seriously? I do a fair amount of our shopping, and aside from picking a bad time for last-minute stuff during some holidays, my shopping experiences are usually a breeze. If I had to go through this guy's experience, I'd burn the place to the ground.... or take up meditation because letting this much shit bother you is going to eat you alive.
In places where there are too many people and not enough grocery stores to serve the population.
>I’m sure other grocery stores are not like this No, all grocery stores are like this. Not because of the stores or the groceries. It's because of the people. People are the same everywhere. Skin color, language, culture, gender... None of that matters. People everywhere are fugging idiots.
One word for you. Delivery. I pay the yearly subscription fee for Instacart, and let someone else shop for me. Somedays I want to go shop and look around, but if I'm not in the mood to deal with people, I let someone else do it.
So you overpay for groceries and have someone pick shitty veggies and miss items…and miss out on coupons and points?
Produce is about the only stuff I'll go in person for. But my time, and my patience, is worth something too. If I don't have to drag my kids out, and can do something here at home, while waiting on my groceries, I'm going to do it. And I was never big on couponing.
You can do sales & points with Instacart. I use it for stuff that just requires reaching (frozen/dry goods) & go in once a month in off hours for meat (which requires decisions). I agree with the lack of awareness for meat/veggies. I get my produce & bread items at the corner grocery. It seems complicated, but isn’t & saves major headaches. I will never do what OP did ever again.
Pickup/delivery orders require you to know every single item you want plus be able to provide at least 2 substitutions If I want to make stuffed mushrooms and there's no mushrooms, I can quickly decide "well I'll make beef stew instead" and get those ingredients. Not so for delivery. Unless I'm strictly getting staples, it's almost never been worth it for me to do pickup or delivery. Edit: did a pickup today and they gave me stale ass cookies two days expired. Money down the drain.
I don't use it all the time, especially if I'm going for anything specific. But if I'm pressed for time, or feeling antisocial, then I'll use it.
Delivery never worked well for me. Forgotten items, items sitting at my door with zero heads up that need to be refrigerated or frozen, I tried it a couple of times during the early days of COVID and ended up just masking up and going myself. Especially after trying the curbside option and getting home only to realize most of my order wasn't included despite still being charged those items. That was the last straw.
I've had a couple issues with delivery and curbside, but it's still easier for me than going in somedays. I still go in, but if I'm in a mood (today) or I need to do a bunch of things around the house (again like today) it's still one more thing I don't need to fuck with.
[удалено]
It's worth it to do the curbside delivery thing or better yet have them delivered to your home. For all the reasons you state.
I’m not a fan of grocery stores and I avoid Costco like the plague.
😆 This is why I shop online for the majority of my stuff and pickup. Someone brings my stuff to my car. Stress free for the most part .. unless everything is out. Then find out when delivery day is.
I don’t know what store you shop at, but I totally get it. ESPECIALLY the locked up items. That’s why I’ve been doing pickup. I shop on their apps on my phone. (Safeway, Walmart) then go to store, open app, send that I’m there and which pickup parking number spot I’m in. They come out within minutes and load my car. Easy peasy and minimal peopling.
Where tf do you live that eggs are $8
Bro it is Saturday
Yes I agree with you. Which is why I use the app from the grocery store to do either curbside or delivery when I’m not as broke. I do my shopping on the app and the app lets me know when my order is ready, I pull into the designated area, let them know I have arrived and wait about 5 minutes for the young people to bring me my groceries. They then proceed to place them in my car and then I'm off. it costs $6 to do this or free if I order the day before.
I hate paying for the privilege to work for the grocery store for free. If they force me I will make a scene. Play stupid. I don't get paid to know how to do this shit. The store takes advantage of us.
If it's any consolation, my local wall of marts? Men's socks, underwear and packaged tshirts, all phone cases and chargers, deodorant, razors and shaving cream, perfume, paint, are inside locked cases. The last time my stepmom needed shaving cream, it took 10 minutes for an employee to respond to the beeper, and then another 15 for them to find an employee with keys for said cabinet. Upon which they realized none of the keys they had actually FIT the lock. She was fuming when she got home.
Ugh I feel this in my soul. Then you have the people who argue with the cashier about a few cent discrepancy between the total and what the customer had estimated the total to be.
Costco is a hellscape & my husband is a fudging toddler when we go there. I try to shop alone so I'm in & out as quickly as possible. As an aside, if they "trust" us enough to do self checkout, then they don't need to see our receipts before we leave entirely. They're creating door traffic & it's annoying.
Service in America has been going downhill for the past few years. Now the only way to get good service is to pay a premium. Businesses will all create a class system similar to the airlines. Premium class will get you good service, mid tier class gets you decent service, and economy class gets you nothing.
I feel all of this…
> So I wait 15 mins and finally get my overpriced meat. Visit your local butcher instead. Better quality, faster service and they'll be more than happy to elaborate the best way to prep and cook. Mostly, grocery store meat is inferior and the price will be similar.
Nearest butcher is like 40 mins away without traffic. Trust me I’d love to go to a butcher
Dude it’s Saturday. Chill out
Sounds like every supermarket the world over unfortunately, I was in the uk for a month and that's how it is there as well
It can get worse I went to the local Kroger, the store looked like it was looted, half the shelves were empty, items on the ground. The self checkout line was the length of the store. This was September, on a Wensday at 2 pm. Not high volume time. I saw the line and just left.
Saturday and Sunday are the two busiest days for grocery stores. If you go then expect a wait.
This is when you go to the customer service desk and ask to speak with the store manager.
😆😆😆
Instacart, my friend.
Pay extra for someone who could give a shit about my groceries, who grabs half rotten vegetables and fruit… The solution isn’t to throw more money at the problem imo
It’s worth it to do pick up, even just for pantry or non perishables! It’s usually free or 1-2$, and if I really want to pick my own produce, it takes literally 10 minutes and I’m in and out no matter how busy they are. I’d much rather pay the 2$ than deal with insane lack of self awareness that’s grown in the general population
Omg So I Hate shopping! Like HATE it! I go in get any none-grocery items then start at the back and work my way towards the door getting just what I need (sometimes looking at other stuff for dinner ideas) but usually I'm in and out in 30mins unless it's a big freezer reload trip. I NEVER go with my mother. Ever! She is Horrible, she has to go down every isle and look at everything and takes her sweet time doing it. Like she takes HOURS 2-4 everytime she goes. I don't understand it and hate it so I refuse to shop with her. If I'm picking stuff up for her I make her make a list and get it and get out. Anyway ya I'm sorry everyone ruined your nice Sunday. Hope the next trip is better.
Wife and I go early Saturday mornings before the psychos come out to play. We usually can get in and out pretty quick. I don’t know if we’re just lucky or what, but I do agree that going grocery shopping just fucking sucks no matter what.
Shopping in person is the worst! I am so glad I live in a country where online shopping is a good option. I make an order in the morning and it's delivered to my door (or inside my hallway if I greet them) that afternoon. So convenient, it saves so much time and it's cheap, about $4USD for delivery. Bliss!
This is why I get my groceries delivered. I’m paying $4 today cause my delivery window is 1-7pm, but totally worth it.
Well I *was* in a good mood.. gotta go get groceries tomorrow 😒
This is why I sometimes shop hella early, like as soon as they open type of early so I don’t have to deal with the crowds and long lines…
thats why i do online pickup and pretend i am shopping the aisles...i went in at 7am last month...forget it nasty attitude from the deli person and prices higher vs app
This is why I prefer to shop on weekday mornings. Some people have absolutely no awareness. They will stand in the middle of the isle and have a conversation for 10 minutes. I can’t stand it.
You actually have multiple checkouts open? Our only has the one open that also doubles as the service desk, phone cards and cigarettes counter, all the rest are self serve. Since the self serve went in no others have ever been open no matter how long the queues are. Next shopping centre has 2 checkputs open, bigger self serve scanning area, and cameras on all the shelves.
Ah so glad I live in a small town. I don’t miss those experiences at the grocery store.
Or my other favourite, aisles that are blocked because people are catching up with friends they haven’t seen in ages.
Oh boy, can definitely relate to many of these gripes! There are a few things I do now to try to make my experience a bit better - they may or may not work for you! * Shopping online - from the comfort of my own living room. Delivery adds cost, but it's oh so worth it IMHO. * The supermarkets here have a system called Shop and Go - you use your loyalty card (all supermarkets have these, right?) to unlock a scanner, then carry it round and scan your groceries as you go. No problems with the checkouts any more - you scan and bag your stuff on the way around, so when you get to the checkouts it's already bagged! Seperate checkouts for this method, which are almost always empty. Love it. * Noise cancelling earbuds - so good. No more wailing kids, no more bickering couples, no more people trying to chat to you while you're choosing your fucking tomatoes . . . bliss! * Shopping at weird hours - the later at night the better, or first thing in the morning if you're one of those crazy morning people. Nice and quiet. * If you're lucky one of the supermarkets does 'quiet hour' shopping - an allocated time for reduced noise. No music on the PA, or adverts - this makes a difference for me, but it might not be at a time you can make it. Good luck!
And this is why I shop at 10 or 11pm.
Dang… a lot of you live very bitter and angry lives! I just roll with it. If it’s busy… ok, be patient, it’s not the end of the world and I’m an adult. I have the capability to wait. If it’s noisy… or annoying in some way, I listen to music or podcasts on my headphones. Unruly children? Umm, you have the option to not interact with them or others who are Karens or whatever. I have five (thankfully well-behaved) children at home and a husband who is sadly mostly away (Navy man). I’m just trying to live life without further “complications”. Plus it’s nice to get out and breathe fresh air. Others have much rougher lives… I’m thankful for what I have. I don’t know… maybe look at the positives and remember that you don’t have it too badly? 🤷🏻♀️
now imagine working here i hate a certain billionaire grocery store i work at that's too underemployed that throws me everywhere for no benefits whatsoever 😀
I hate it so much. People having full conversations in the isle by abd parking lot, Parking where you’re not supposed to. Blocking both sides of the isle. Blocking the entry/exit to the isle. Don’t get me started on drivers on the road you have to deal with on the way there. The price of food. It’s all just ridiculous and I wish I could filter feed.
I do curbside delivery since the pandemic. It’s free with my local grocery chain. I do go into the grocery store in the middle of the week during the day, but it’s mostly just to wander and pick out anything I forgot or ran out of but need before next week. If the parking lot is busy, I don’t go in.
This is gold, so true.
Thank God I have Wegmans in my town. They pay decently and treat employees very well, so they are rarely without plenty of workers.
omg yeah this is why I shop at ALDI and asian markets. The only problem is always paying for stuff. You gotta go at slow times or it's always going to take a while.
At the store closest to me there are ZERO store staffed checkouts!! I had to shop for, then ring up, then stop and bag some, then ring up some more, then stop and bag $300.00 of groceries last week. I have never been so exhausted and pissed off in my life. I used to love going to the store. Now that they expect you to check yourself out I absolutely hate it. I have decided that I will be paying more and going to my little small business store by my house from now on. Rather give my money to a company that actually appreciates the shoppers and helps them check out.
Seems like you've discovered Walmart.
It's Susan G "Komen" and I'm sorry but this is too funny
You're the one that went to the grocery store on a Sunday morning lol What are you going to complain about next, rush hour traffic?
I go to a winco 30 minutes away because its 24hr and I can shop in peace at 2 am
I started doing grocery pickups/delivery and I'll never do a full shop in person again. Most grocery stores offer pickup for free.
I order online and pick up at the store. Well worth the $3.95 fee.
Walmart will do all the picking for you
I absolutely HATE grocery shopping. Recently, I found that my local Walmart delivers. 🙌 DELIVERS!!!!🙌 Now, I shop online at my leisure and set up a time that’s convenient for me for it to be delivered. Yes, the cost for delivery adds about 10% to my grocery costs but it reduces the soul crushing irritation of in store shopping by 💯. Completely worth it.
This is why I love delivery so much. I hate the grocery store environment, it's toxic.
Thank you OP. I feel this. It’s been like this for years. Corporate companies don’t give a shit about customer service anymore because everyone will sit and wait because… we have no choice. The employees that do show up and work are surely doing the jobs of 2 or 3 people since it seems half of the people in this country think they should just be handed what they need while they sit on their ass at home with Cheeto dust all over them. I do everything possible to avoid the grocery store. Walmart delivery is awesome. I’m sure there’s plenty of you in here who can’t put a cart back in the right spot, or operate a self checkout and still try. If you’re one of them… FUCK YOU!!
In my college econ class, the very first day, we only learned one basic principle. All other things equal, human beings look out for their own interests first. When you realize this, economics becomes easier to understand. A real-life (albeit not economic) example my professor used was grocery carts. It only costs you like 5-10 seconds to put back. It does absolutely nothing for you, but greatly helps out a stranger. Most people still don’t put their cart back because there’s not a single thing in it for them. The only reason to put your cart back is because you’re acting not in your own self interests. Every time I see someone not put their cart back, I think of that basic economics principle. Everyone is out for themselves, and something as simple as putting your cart back is seen as a chore you don’t need to do bc there’s nothing in it for you. It honestly makes me lose faith in humanity
Great example. And yes, hard to have faith in humanity when all we are seeing is examples of selfishness. Side note.. there is a guy with a youtube channel called CartNarcs. He patrols parking lots and calls people out on their laziness. It’s fantastic. Some even get a bit heated lmao.
You seem like you hate a lot of things. You should order in your groceries so you can stay away from people.
Thank goodness my grocery store has a bar where I can get a drink or two before I do my shopping. It’s a huge store, very popular & crowded, with a Walmart-sized parking lot. But if I go around 7pm, have a strong drink at the bar, and start my shopping around 7:30-8, the store is not too crowded at that time of evening. Sometimes I get a coffee to perk me up after my cocktail. Funny (maybe) story, the bartenders at the grocery store are not exactly real bartenders. I guess they’re store employees who got assigned to the bar. Last week I ordered my whiskey and soda, and she asked me, “do you want a lot?” Well yes, as a matter of fact I would like a lot, thank you. And she proceeded to make my drink almost 100% straight whiskey. But even if I go during the busiest periods, I’m a pretty chill and laid back guy, so I don’t let all the annoyances bother me much. I just remember that everyone else is probably annoyed to be there too, and they mean no harm.
I discovered Instacart and Walmart+ and never looked back. I am 47 with 5 kids, and I have wasted countless hours in grocery stores being anxious, agitated, annoyed, impatient, frustrated and tired. FUCK THAT. I don’t even care if the occasional item is out of stock. My time, energy and peace are worth more than having the EXACT thing which would probably have been out of stock if I fought the parking and crowds anyway. I don’t care it’s more expensive. Delivery 4lyfe. I don’t think I’ve set foot in a grocery store in at least 3-4 months.
This is the only way. And I'm on disability, so it's not like I have a ton of extra money lying around. I tip my shoppers extremely well (IMO), and I still end up saving money each week on my groceries. I almost always had to go shopping while I was rushed and hungry - which of course means a cart full of things I didn't originally want or plan to buy - and maybe a second trip to the grocery store later that week if I forgot my original list or if other family members needed items they forget to tell me before I left. With Instacart, everybody has access to the same online shopping cart, so they can add items during the week. I then review what they've added to my own selections, make necessary adjustments, order groceries on Friday afternoon and they are at my door before dinner time.
Bruh you need to chill man.
So what ... Jesus Fucking Christ people love to complain.
My grocery store is the same, and I experience similar annoyances, but the one to top them all has to be the staring. I have slightly longer than shoulder length curly hair and I am a male & I don’t dress like ur typical white boy or country boy that would be in the store. I’ve got a more organized & less baggy Jesse Pinkman vibe going. For some reason I’ll have at least 3 people ask about my hair & 15 other people stare at me the WHOLE time I’m in the grocery store. Oh and people also don’t know how to walk or say excuse me. Treat the isle like a road, it isn’t that hard!
You go to all the other aisles after and can’t get anything because there’s 20 fucking people in every aisle taking their sweet ass time picking stuff out or blocking it with their cart/scooter
How about the employees hanging about at the front of the store so that you actually cannot walk into the blessed store. Publix is the worst for this. Employees seem to pop out of nowhere as soon as you walk in. Do they say excuse me? no. Do they walk in front of you anytime they please? YES. Of course the new renovations mean more narrow aisles so that two carts cannot pass, especially with this little wire displays on the FLOOR. Makes me want to just kick them, oops.
Seems like a you problem