Story at a glance
- Most people view shopping for everyday necessities as a chore — often looking to get in, get what they need, and get out — without any added stress or anxiety that makes the process more difficult.
- Shoppers annoyed, bothered or downright mad about the lack of “grocery store etiquette” held nothing back when asked about the most frequent annoyances and behaviors of others while at the store.
- Lifestyle and etiquette expert Elaine Swann says having a pleasant shopping experience comes down to respect.
JOPLIN, Mo. (KSNF/KODE) — Almost anyone who goes to the grocery store has dealt with at least one annoying shopper. There’s usually that one shopper (or sometimes several) who makes something as simple as buying groceries more difficult than it has to be.
Shoppers annoyed, bothered or downright mad about the lack of “grocery store etiquette” held nothing back when asked about the most frequent annoyances and behaviors of others while at the store.
On Nexstar’s KSN lifestyle show, “Living Well” with Gary Bandy and Shelby Neely, viewers were asked, “What are the most annoying or rude things you see people do at the grocery store?”
The question — also posted on the “Living Well” Facebook page — may have struck a nerve since responses immediately began to flood in.
Nearly 100 Facebook users commented with their own experiences and personal stories of rude and annoying things people do that make the grocery store shopping experience a pain. Here are some of the responses that caught our attention:
- Charlie B. — “Block the aisle while texting.”
- Carolyn H. — “When I’m checking out and people stand right next to me when I’m paying the cashier. No one needs to be in your face when you are checking out. Keep in your own space.“
- Debbie W. — “The employees doing the online shopping — I feel like they could show more respect for us that are doing our own shopping.“
- Jonna K. — “Block the aisle by standing in the middle of it talking.“
- Pat M. — “People who let their children run wild.“
- Delores F. — “Those loudly talking on their phone.“
- Adam C. — “People wandering — like they are the only one in the store. Pick a lane, keep moving forward. If you’re gonna visit, find an empty aisle, and one side or the other.“
- Lisa F. — “Thieves.“
- Terry S. — “Stopping just inside (the store entrance) with their cart, to read their grocery list, thereby blocking the entrance.“
- Barbara B. — “People walking in front of cars without even acknowledging there are cars passing through. I know they have the right of way but somebody could get hurt.“
- Barb S. — “Running their cart into the back of other people’s feet.“
- Tandi D. — “Cutting ahead of elderly people or not helping them/handicapped reach something.“
- Sherri L. — “Those who scream at their kids while they are shopping.“
- Debbe M. — “Bringing their dogs in.“
- Dale C. — “Open food, not pay for it, then leave it on the shelf.“
- Velta E. — “Many years ago I saw a store manager pick up a bottle of Pepto-Bismol, take a drink, and put it back on the shelf…“
- Serena C. — “Standing in the middle of the aisle looking for things while they can clearly see others trying to get through!“
- Lynn Z. — “Taking their baby shopping when it’s clearly nap time.“
- Terry P. — “Where do I begin?! Blocking the aisles. Wearing pajamas into the store. And last but not least, kiddos throwing tantrums.“
- Robin M. — “Drive the wrong way in the parking lot.“
Our question also caught the attention of a few folks at Nexstar’s KSN and KODE. Digital producer and website contributor Brooklynn Norris responded with the thing she says she detests while shopping: “TAILGATING ME WHILE I WALK.”
KSN meteorologist Chase Bullman also conveyed his No. 1 grocery store annoyance. “Put the buggy back where it goes!! AHHH IT MAKES ME ANGRY,” he said.
Bullman’s “online shouting” caught the attention of Facebook user Dusty VanGilder, who shared a similar feeling about the placement of buggies (more commonly known as shopping carts).
“Preach,” replied VanGilder. “They either can’t get it to the metal stalls in the parking lot, or they just leave it at the door.”
After reviewing all of the comments, here are the top three responses to our question:
- Parking the cart where it doesn’t belong
- Blocking the aisle
- Not paying attention to others
The topic of poor (or just downright rude) shopping habits was inspired by an article published by the editorial staff at “Southern Living.” Editors of the online lifestyle publication didn’t hold back when asked about their grocery store frustrations.
“Our staffers unleashed a fury,” stated the article, with the editorial team contributing to the following list:
- Parking the shopping cart wherever
- Ignoring the rules of the road
- Camping out for a conversation
- Lingering too long over purchasing decisions
- Using the self-checkout lane for a large number of items
- Snacking mid-shop
- Not respecting personal space
- Stashing an unwanted item in a random spot
- Using the cell phone with reckless abandon
Most people view shopping for everyday necessities as a chore — often looking to get in, get what they need, and get out — without any added stress or anxiety that makes the process more difficult.
Lifestyle and etiquette expert Elaine Swann says having a pleasant shopping experience comes down to respect.
Swann told “TODAY Food,” “Approach the grocery store just like any community. You should always exercise thoughtfulness towards others.” The key, said Swann, is being aware of how your behavior affects those around you.