Yesterday, my husband stopped at the grocery store to pick up a few items. He's always "on a mission" when he gets there. He doesn't browse item that are not on the list. If he sees someone he knows, it's almost always a quick, friendly nod.
When I go, I almost always run into someone I know. If I'm strapped for time, I'll say, "It's so good to see you. Let's catch up soon. I'm on a tight schedule today." If I'm not on a tight schedule, I will stop to chat for a few moments. That being said, I don't like to spend all day at the supermarket and I try my best to
keep small talk to a minimum.
Here are six other things I do to ensure every trip to the grocery store is quick and efficient.
1) Always shop with a list. I use an app called Paperless on my phone. As I put each item in the store shopping cart, I tap the app's checkbox to indicate I have it.
2) Choose Off-Peak Hours: I rarely stop in the supermarket right
after school (wow...is it crowded at this time in my neighborhood!), or on the weekends. I opt for less crowded times to avoid long lines and crowded aisles. Early mornings or late evenings during weekdays are generally quieter, providing a more relaxed shopping experience...and also less chance of running into someone I know.
3) Utilize Online Shopping: During the pandemic, I was doing a lot of online shopping. But I like "choosing" my fresh items myself. So, I always drop in for certain items these days (fish, fruit, veggies, deli, etc.), but shop online for for household items like laundry soap, shampoo, hand soap, tissues and such.
4) Go to the Same Store: 99.9% of the time, I shop at my tried and true grocery store. It's close to my home and I'm familiar with the store layout. I am never searching for an item I need.
By the way, if you can't find something at your grocery store, ask someone who works there. Most stores equip their store employees with electronic means to find what you're looking for quickly. Many stores also have aisle guides at the end of aisles so you can quick-scan where the bread crumbs or soy sauce is. Don't waste time searching endlessly.
5) Limit Distractions: Stay focused on your mission and avoid unnecessary distractions. Turn off your phone or set it to silent to resist the urge to browse social media or answer calls while shopping. Distractions can slow you down and lead to forgetfulness.
6) Cashier or Self-Checkout? It depends. If I have a small to moderately sized order, and if cashier-manned lines are long, I'll opt for self check-out. If a cashier is open and there's nobody in line, I choose the cashier. They're usually faster than I am. Plus, I can bag while they're scanning (multi-tasking) unless they have a bagger available
to help...which is even better!
