Shopper Profiling

Ugh! Grocery shopping! One of my least favorite things to do. There is just so much prep work involved. You have to make a list, make sure the kids are dressed in actual clothes not just their pajamas, find everyone's shoes (can I just say that this is probably the hardest step in getting out of the house in my family), then getting in the car, buckling car seats and seat belts, driving to the store, getting the kids back out of all the carseats and seat belts into the shopping cart and then into the store! Whew! Just typing all that out has made me exhausted! And I have the added bonus right now of packing up a newborn. My pantry has to be pretty empty before I will make the effort to go grocery shopping.

 Just a few years ago I was the mom with 2 preschoolers and a screaming baby in the cart, but now I have most of my kids in school full day so it has taken a load off.  If you aren't there yet, stay strong! Your day will come too! Right now my trip to the store includes strapping my infant carseat to the cart and making sure my kindergartener doesn't get ran over by other shopping carts as I try to navigate through the isles. 

 It's so interesting to see how other people "drive" their carts. It is probably similar to how people drive their cars on the road. Here are some grocery shopper profiles that are important to be familiar with-

Shopper profiles

Slow pokes: Usually old people, or moms who have escaped the house without their kids. These shoppers meander slowly down the isles to look at this or that, not really sure exactly what they want to buy, usually leaving their cart in the middle of the isle while the mull over their choice between store brand products or name brands.  

Speed Racers: Students, Men picking up a few items for the wife on their way home from work, and moms who have someone watching their kids at home and only have a short amount of time to shop. These shoppers fly around corners with G force, they are constantly apologizing to people they almost crash into, and you have to watch your heels if one comes at you from behind!

Frazzled Parent: An adult with one or more children who are screaming, crying, or throwing a tantrum. These poor shoppers need love and understanding! Never judge a parent dealing with an all out temper tantrum. Show your support by adverting your attention elsewhere and pretending that everything is normal. Maybe show them a small sympathic smile. If you do offer your assistance to these poor souls be prepared for an emotional breakdown from the parent who also needs a shoulder to cry on.

Couponers: Usually the shoppers in this category are women but occasionally there can be men, who are pushing carts full of many of the same items. These women are there for the deal. They will clean the shelves if they have enough coupons. If you see a couponer make sure they aren't headed for the isle you are and if they are run ahead and get your items before they are gone! Never get in line behind one of these shoppers! You will be there all night!

The moral of this post-

 When you go to the store remember you are not always in control of the situation, but you can control your reaction to anything that comes your way. I think of grocery shopping as an opportunity to refine my character. By teaching me to bite my tongue when the guy behind me runs into my heels, or to show kindness to someone who can't reach the top shelf, to be patient when the speed racer with the shopping cart cuts you off, and to look for opportunities to give service to strangers. Some days I have to try harder than others to keep it together at the grocery store but what counts is I tried and I keep on trying!! The kids are always going to have to eat, right?? 

 Which Shopper Profile fits you? Is there another category you fit into?