The other day I needed a few groceries, and because we live quite a few miles from the big grocery chains, I decided just to visit a nearby convenience store. I grabbed a small cart and gathered up what I needed, and once finished, proceeded to the checkout.
I took my loaf of bread, half gallon of milk, a dozen eggs, two cans of cat food, two cans of soup, a package of cream cheese and box of dog biscuits and placed them on the counter.
The young man, who seemed quite put out that I had interrupted his cell phone conversation, scanned the items, and then asked, “Would you like a bag?” Was he serious? He seemed serious. He was serious!
No, I'll just put them in my purse, I thought as I smiled and said, "Yes, please."
”I think it would be better in two, paper if you have it.”
“I’ll have to ring that up separate.”
“Ring what separate?”
“The paper.”
“You charge for paper bags?” I asked, as he stuffed everything into plastic.
“The newspaper is fifty cents.”
“I don’t want a paper; I thought you were talking about charging for paper bags.”
“Oh, paper bags are free.” At home, as I removed my flattened loaf of bread from beneath the milk and dog biscuits, three thoughts crossed my mind, either I don’t speak clearly, I’m losing my hearing or I’m really getting old because I don’t ever remember buying a few groceries being that complicated before!
20 comments:
Perhaps all three? hehe Just kidding!
i would send a nice little letter off to the store management- to few jobs, to many people, the jobs ought to go to those who DO them!
http://randommusingsfrommypov.com
Take heart -- everything is just getting more complicated now. You are NOT getting old. We have joined the green movement and take our reusable bags to the store. That works out fine until they try to charge us for the bags again.
I hate it when they want to "help" by packing the groceries, they never do it right :o)
Here in Sicily one has to pay attention, because all supermarkets has their own systems for the bags..
His mind must have still been on that phone call!
I too have been asked if I would like a bag.
That was funny since I didn't have to live through it. Sorry you did though.
He must be related to the boss for surely he couldn't have been interviewed.
I have shopped at a few store that do not offer any bags. You either bring your own or tote it out the best that you can. It is getting silly the steps that are taken by stores to save a few pennies. Some of them also charge for the use of a shopping cart. It is unreal how times have changed.
I've never been asked if I would like a bag...usually they say paper or plastic...love I'll just put them in my purse!
I try my best to get my favorite older woman cashier...everything goes so smooth...if she's not there I cringe...
When I go to the regular supermarket, I always use the self checkout and pack my own groceries and I use cloth bags. So much for convenience stores! LOL
Thanks for all your comments.
Sunny :)
Cute story! That clerk has no idea how much entertainment your readers are getting from that one transaction he had with you. :)
A very interesting Greetings Blog
Isn't it funny how we tend to blame ourselves when we get older "Didn't I hear right" etc when in this case it was him not concentrating.
Good idea to ditch plastic bags though.
Love your style of writing which always brings a smile.
I once bought a pair of tights and even though I had a bag, the store people person thingy insisted on me having another bag! Feeling that that was ridiculous, I accepted the bag, emptied it out on the counter, took my tights and left. I never went there again! Mind you, it was just a bit before the 'let's all go green now' era...
That is so funny but when you think about it convenience stores usually don't sell more than an item or two at a time. They don't get a lot of practice at bagging groceries. But then the clerk that checked you doesn't sound like his brain has had much practice with anything.
I often find that cash-out people aren't on my wavelength. I say something, they look at me blank faced, and I go away wondering if it's me! I hope the one in your case is a blogger 8-)
I always take a canvas bag with me now, trying to do something for the planet!
Some days are like that ... for me, today was one of them!
I,m sorry to say that it must be that you are getting old. I know because I have been there. My wife now refuses to let me go to the supermarket on my own because I just finish up having a big argument with the staff.
Nice blog. I'll be back
Funny story, Sunny! I think you need not worry about your hearing. Some of the people that work in these stores have to be led out at the end of their shift 'cause they can't figure out where the door is!
I'm happy to see that some of the American people are aware that we can't go on polluting the planet like we used to do before.
In France, if you want a bag for your groceries you just have to pay for it.
I always have my own bags in my car trunk.
I've got four children and two grandchildren and I'd like them to be able to breathe some pure and fresh air.
Post a Comment