Stories from a professional grocery store shopper

May 20, 2016 8:35 PM

Hi I'm Brenda, I'm a stay-at-home mom to 5 beautiful children and I like to consider myself a professional shopper.

Employees like to show off how much they know about their jobs by looking as busy as possible. Be sure to find the one who looks the most busy when you have simple questions to ask such as "where is the milk?" or "do you work here?"

My 5 beautiful children are very boisterous and like to scream at the top of their lungs and throw things around that don't belong to them. I'm not sure why they love it but I know it's not because they're autistic. They can't be, because they're not vaccinated. They're so precious to me.

This was one of the worst experiences I had with another shopper. How dare she try to go ahead of me. If she wanted to be first in line she would have been faster. I almost asked to speak to the manager right then and there to have her removed from the store.

My best friend Sharon called me while I was in the process of checking out. At the same time, the cashier smiled at me and began speaking. How rude do you have to be to talk to someone while they're on the phone? It took everything in my power not to ask to speak to a manager right then and there. I was livid.

After ringing out my whole order while my precious bundles of joy screamed and threw the cashier's dividers around, I handed him my crumpled up handful of coupons that I found at the bottom of my purse. I told him I got them just a couple of days ago but that wasn't good enough. He told me that they expired months ago. I couldn't believe he would tell me such a thing. I was at my limit, I asked to speak to the manager.

As soon as I did he smiled. I couldn't understand why. I instantly felt a sharp pain in the pit of my stomach. He let out a low snicker and the entire grocery store began to darken. Lights shattered and I was surrounded by a shroud of pitch darkness. There was no escape from the hell that became my life as he began to speak the dreaded words I wish I never heard.. "I am the manager."

A+

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

hey, professional shopper

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

It's actually a psychological thing that people tend toward employees who look like they're actually working then those that aren't

10 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

Did I mention my kids are wonderful, I'm such a good mom.

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

My 10 years of customers service and all this....spot on!

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

The amount of people admitting they didn't immediately realize this was satire, and those who don't realize it still, concern me.

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I don't miss being a cashier for exactly these reasons. Still retail though so some still hit uncomfortably close to home

10 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 0

I have only one upvote to give...

10 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

As a long time retail worker!!! I needed the laugh... I wonder if it's actually what goes through their heads...?

10 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Confirmed satire

10 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Don't forget to walk very slowly with all 5 children side by side, blocking the entire fucking aisle so nobody can get past

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Can do you one about driving and parking to drop the kids off at school, and how your day so was hectic, it justifies parking illegally?

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

The jokes are strong with this one.

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

As a retail employee I find this to be painfully true, fuck you OP +1

10 years ago | Likes 564 Dislikes 5

I've been thinking about applying to Target... maybe not. Although I'd just be in tech area or logistics, so it couldn't be too bad.

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I feel like those shoppers have never worked a service job in their lives. Crazy high expectations.

10 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Why are you saying that? Do you not realise it's a satirical piece? Oh I guess not. That's probably why you work in retail.

10 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 37

Funny how you dont realize what he's saying is satircal as well, n1

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

whoosh

10 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 1

Hey look, one of her kids grew up.

10 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

If I have a huge load of groceries I will for sure let a person with just a couple things go in front of me. Why make them wait for you?

10 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 1

I do that every single time I'm in the store... but I go to Aldi, where there is always just one register open. Still, it's second nature.

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Do you work here? YES. Can I ask a question? YES OF COURSE. You sell these red things, right? RED THINGS? You know, the red things.

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

As a Grocery Store Manager I feel like you may be a fellow employee.

10 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

10/10 worth the read

10 years ago | Likes 22 Dislikes 1

I love this but i hate you

10 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

Classic Brenda

10 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

I was getting angrier and angrier and then i was so happy I realized this was one of those make fun of these kinds of people thing

10 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

This may or may not have been made by a frustrated grocery store employee.

10 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 0

I may have a grocery store job soon, having never had a job before. Any tips?

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Smile, be polite, invest in violent video games to take out the stress.

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Passive-aggressive "job stories" needs to be a thing.

10 years ago | Likes 391 Dislikes 6

Agreed

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Retail workers will give you plenty of joy in that regard

10 years ago | Likes 37 Dislikes 0

Careful what you wish for, opening the gates could mean a flood or unending sarcasm and anger.

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I know. I managed retail for years

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Someone needs to do call center.

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

/r/talesfromretail and /r/talesfromtechsupport are good for this.

10 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

it's pretty much a standard of any workplace gathering.

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

My favorite response is, yes, then I just sit there and say, you had a question? I'm one of the owners but I'm young no one expects it.

10 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Hairstylist here. People just walk in and say "haircut" no hi, nothing. I just stare and after a while, it is shocking how long it can take,

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Say "I'm familiar with them." I mean, really, how fucking rude.

10 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Your comment is confusing. I do it because of hours after working with people and giving them a good price, they ask for a manager to get

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

A better price... Our sales are pretty large on average 1k-10k for an residential project. Most the time Ive already shaved 30-40% off.

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

It's Incredibly rude to work with someone for hours and watch them give you discount after discount. Then ask for a manager to get more.

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Oh, I was just commenting on the rudeness of customers. Return the greeting before demanding something of someone.

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Oh man that stupid "Do you work here?" Finally I broke, said to some idiot, "No, I just dress like this cause I like it." He was dumbfounded

10 years ago | Likes 32 Dislikes 2

I once wore khakis w/ a red top to target & helped an older lady find a product. She noticed i didnt have a name tag & apologized. Funny.

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

haha no i do not work here. i brought these cases of orange juice from home and am putting them on the shelf bc the store was running low

10 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 0

My nerdy son wore a blue Polo to Best Buy once. He made 4 sales and fixed a laptop.

10 years ago | Likes 22 Dislikes 0

Sometimes I wear a navy blue dress shirt and khakis to Walmart, purely to throw people out for being rude to cashiers.

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

No, the bright blue shirt with a 6"x12" company logo spanned across the back, steel toes, tape on my belt, and a door slung over my (1

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Shoulder are just for show. Also I just priced all those items because customers can do that.

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

No, I made the mistake of wearing a red shirt to target the other day. Got asked multiple times where stuff was.

10 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

I spend my Saturday's at target wearing a red shirt and khakis and telling people I don't fucking know when they ask me stuff

10 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

I work at target. Couple kids did that today. Chased them out of the store

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

"Gee, I only have a $140 budget. Here is my cart of $400 of groceries. Don't let me go over! Hehe!"

10 years ago | Likes 106 Dislikes 0

1/2 I had someone do this to me, but on Xmas Eve, and she had two orders. First one she only had $300 for, but made me ring up over 1000

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Oh my God do people really do that?

10 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Usually assholes who like putting their irresponsibility on others and trash types.

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

2/2 of stuff before deciding, she put it through as debit, wanted credit, then got mad at me and told me not to touch anything for the 2nd

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Elaborate on the 2nd part?

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

2 orders, you have to select credit, but she put in her pin #, blamed me, then when paying for the 2nd, ordered me not to touch anything 1/2

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

2/2 put in her pin again, went through as debit, then I got the joy of telling her it was her fault.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Yeah, no. me: "these items are all priced. It is not my job to budget for you."

10 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

Wouldn't that be grand? Most places would fire you over saying that.

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

"I'll need a total after every item, and then for you to remove the milk and eggs so I have money for my pile of chips and ice cream."

10 years ago | Likes 55 Dislikes 0

No freaking joke.

10 years ago | Likes 21 Dislikes 0

Do people actually... how does that even work, they just ask "hey can you just not charge me for that item?" That's not how shops work.

10 years ago | Likes 15 Dislikes 1

Oh and they'll stuff their regret items in the magazine rack 4 feet away from you , never tell you about it, then it spoils.

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

They ask to have it taken off, they just don't buy it at all.

10 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 0

Sometimes you have to have a manager come and authorize taking the items off.

10 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

and then you are left with a pile of crap to deal with

10 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

I hated every word of this, but I assume it was on purpose... +1.

10 years ago | Likes 221 Dislikes 5

As a supervisor in a grocery store, this person managed to create the absolute nightmare customer I never want to see.

10 years ago | Likes 29 Dislikes 0

As a prior cashier, I've met them all! One woman got pissed at me for being POLITE!

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Just today I had a guy get upset because I didn't triple-count his change out-loud.

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I hated these shoppers when I managed in college. Just add in the Rain Check Lady and Rotisserie Chicken Snatcher and you have my list.

10 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

UGH PEOPLE WHO WANT RAIN CHECKS ARE THE WWWWOOOOOOOORRRRRRRSSSSTTTT

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

We had a woman who would come in and specifically seek out the items she could do a rain check on so she could get them on sale when she 1/2

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

wanted to buy them, not when the sale was happening. She was just a jerk in general - kind of felt bad because no one in town liked her. 2/2

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Rotisserie chicken snatcher? Story time buddy.

10 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

So there was an older man who looked like a sheep with this crazy grey mess of hair and glasses low on his nose. He was very quite and 1/?

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

came in every day. He would lay our store's flyer (the size of a magazine), open in the middle, flat on the bottom of his cart. He would 2/?

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

then use it as a tent to hide a rotisserie chicken under. He would pay for a couple small things then walk out with the chicken unless I 3/?

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I squished your bread and your chips when I bagged them. Have a nice day!

10 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 1

i broke some eggs while meticulously checking each one so i left them in the freezer with the ice cream i hope that is okay !

10 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

I put my stuff on the belt in a weight groupings so this doesnt happen. Light stuff last so I doesnt get crushed back in the cart.

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I never thought of this, but I think I'll start doing it! Thanks for the tip! :)

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

This makes the cashier's life sooo easy. I wish more people would do this.

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

..... i think .... sarcasm? yes, i'm almost certain ...

10 years ago | Likes 741 Dislikes 11

More like role playing I think.

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Just a slight hint in the air, but it's definitively there.

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

This is a true story.

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Um.....duh...

10 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 3

As a cashier I really hope so. Really? You hand crumpled up coupons at the bottom of ur purse and mad about a person with 2-3 items?

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 2

Good call Sheldon!

10 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

bazoopers

10 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

zimbabwe

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

**five minutes of canned laughter while the cast awkwardly waits around**

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

I didn't think sarcasm so much as this worker's job story from the point of view of a particular customer they had. Also a reference.

10 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

There really should be a sarcasm font!!

10 years ago | Likes 70 Dislikes 3

@sarah we need an italics option in our font.

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

This has already been decided. It's comic sans.

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

This really shouldn't be that hard to realize that this is satire though.

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Comic Sarcs

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I nominate comic sans because it's useless for everything else

10 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

It's when you wanna make a comic. It's right in the title

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Seconded

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Fun Fact: In the spanish language, one would say the word "ja" before a sentence to imply it was sarcastic.

10 years ago | Likes 36 Dislikes 0

no

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

jajaja

10 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

Indeed, this is true xD

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Tumblr came up with having every other letter in italics.

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I actually don't know how to write in italics. I don't know how to computer. plz halp?

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

You mean italics?

10 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

I believe it is alternating italics.

10 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

It is alternating between them. But question is... how would one do it on a cellphone. Rip

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

We'll call it "Sarcastica"

10 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 0

Sarcastica Bold for when you're being *very* sarcastic.

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Arj Barker, is that you?

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Apparently, yes...

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I'm sure some 18th century scribe-wannabe-bard came up with it first, anyway...

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Sarcasm Sans Serif

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I see some other shoppers in this aisle. Better park my cart in the center of the aisle while I stand and stare at the shelves.

10 years ago | Likes 1232 Dislikes 2

I started standing obviously and then saying excuse me while smiling. If that doesn't work, I move their shit to the side myself. 10/10

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

You forgot needing to be 15 feet away.

10 years ago | Likes 120 Dislikes 0

Talking to someone you know who just happened to be shopping at the same time. Better stand across the aisle instead of along one side 1/2

10 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

while we have a 40 minute conversation.

10 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

The problem in tight isles isn't the people with fat bodies; it's the people with fat heads.

10 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

THIS.

10 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

I just fucking move their carts with my cart lol. Get a lot of friendly looks from people that way.

10 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Busy weekend day in the store. O M G THERE'S SHARON! Let me park my cart in the middle of the busiest place to talk with her for 20 minutes!

10 years ago | Likes 86 Dislikes 0

I hate this shit

10 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

the best place for chatting is directly in front of the milk, while your cart is in front of the eggs. easy to remember what to buy that way

10 years ago | Likes 29 Dislikes 0

When you see someone you know at the grocery store, and the last time you saw them was also at the grocery store, you're not friends

10 years ago | Likes 14 Dislikes 0

Naw, Sharon will be located right inside the cramped store entrance.

10 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

All old and fat people do this, i work at shoprite

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

This literally makes me want to murder people. Flashes. Of. Hatred.

10 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 1

I'm definitely not happy in the jungle when people are being animals in the aisle.

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

yknow, if everyone started yelling at these people it wouldnt happen anymore. it takes a town...

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

True story here. My sister and I were grocery shopping and her toddler was with us. These 2 women decided to stop and chat in the middle 1/?

10 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

Of the aisle their two carts blocking the whole aisle. We waited, cleared throats and sighed really pointedly while glaring and 2/?

10 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

Quietly spoke to each other about them moving out of the damn way. 2,maybe 3, year old nephew turns around in carts seat and screams 3/4

10 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

At the top of his lungs "MOVE!" Mortifying but was incredibly effective.

10 years ago | Likes 17 Dislikes 0

At my workplace, even if I'm not in uniform, sometimes a customer will complain is I say something. Other places, I ask them to move.

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

This is why I don't go to walmart...

10 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 1

I love that everyone else gets as angry as I over stupid shit like this!!

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I better look at every ingredient, on every can, on every shelve of said aisle, and then consult with God for 15 minutes.

7 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I add random groceries to any cart left unattended & in my way.

10 years ago | Likes 43 Dislikes 0

I'm going to start carrying random expensive items in my cart for this purpose now. $49.99 bottle of champagne? DONE!!

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

"They definitely need the organic $7 Mac n cheese

10 years ago | Likes 18 Dislikes 0

Condoms and industrial strength tampons.

10 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Clamato and Spam

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

There's a place in hell for these people! And the people that walk in the middle of the lane in the parking lot. I want to run them over!!

10 years ago | Likes 14 Dislikes 0

Why do persons do that? I just cannot fathom. If old, I understand that their brain has given way. But if not old? Can't fathom

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I have no idea! I can forgive old people, but everyone else makes me wanna go all manslaughterey.

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

The special hell, along with those who talk in the cinema.

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Yes! Just inconsiderate people in general. I'll never understand that mentality.

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I like you.

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I work a Walmart and usually when I'm stocking grocery there's at least one customer doing this in my aisle. It's so annoying.

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

As a past grocery professional, I've purposefully taken out extension shelves with U-Boats to make a point.

10 years ago | Likes 23 Dislikes 1

We call the U-boats at Kohls too!

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

Help a brother understand who's not a grocery professional?

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

See my reply to Fergface

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Thanks!

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

what are uboats?

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

See my reply to Fergface

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

it's rather difficult to search for a comment on mobile. googled it instead: http://m.imgur.com/6gx8EBm

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I don't know what any of that means.

10 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 1

The big carts we used to carry product are u-boats, based on their shape. 1/3

10 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Extension shelves are shelves that lock into the shelves you see every day as a shopper. Usually used to display sale items. 2/3

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I've purposefully ran said u-boats, into said shelves to shock people out of their shop-haze, when they block the entire isle. 3/3

10 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Lmoa you call them u-boats too? Where did you work?

10 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 1

Michigander.

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 1

Lol never heard of it, I work in Winn-dixie in Florida, I always thought that was an odd name that we just used, funny to learn its not

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

Meijer?!

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

Hiller's, then Kroger. Plum a bit, but the owners are absolutely garbage.

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

Come on. I cant be the only guy who goes "YA MIND MOVING THAT? THAAAANKS" as I go by

10 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

Fuck 'em. I don't say anything and just move it myself. What are they gonna do? Call the manager?

10 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

I've done this. People suddenly can move fast when this happens.

10 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

I AM the manager!

10 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Oh i take it a step further, "Hi, hi there, can i get past you?" Get their attention, make them look at you.

10 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

Hubby did that, old guy said "be polite and wait" hubby shoved his cart thru.

10 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 1

Be polite and wait? No, I scream EXCUSE ME!!!!!!!!!! and push through/past, etc. Time is precious. Other person's crap? Not so much.

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0