Shopping

Sainsbury's is the supermarket closest to me. I have tried others, including the so-called discount supermarkets, but I can't get the final bill any lower wherever I go, so I save on petrol and stick with Sansbury's. One of the good things about it is that they offer to pack your shopping for you. At least they used to, but it hasn't happened for weeks now. Sometimes, if I'm feeling like being 'awkward' I ask them to give me a hand with it. Often, I just grit my teeth and get on with it myself. Someone I know told me recently that, if no help is forthcoming, he innocently says, "Would you like me to help you pack my shopping?" but I haven't had the nerve to try that one yet.
Today, as usual, I was shoving shopping into my bags when the assistant asked me if I would like her to slow down a bit.
"No thanks," I said, "But is it not the policy here to offer help with packing the shopping any more?"
She had the grace to look a little uneasy.
"Oh yes," she replied. "I helped a lady with her shopping earlier."
I didn't ask her what disqualified me from being offered help but as I left, I heard her ask the next customer if she would like some help with her packing.
Obviously, I just give the impression of being far too capable!
Next week, I'm going to try my friend's approach!

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Don't get any help where we go, you need full wicket keeping gear on to catch the stuff as it comes hurtling through!

Daphne said...

Sometimes, if they offer to help me pack, I'm quite happy to do it myself if there's not too much. However, when - as often - I get a grudging "Are you all right packing?" my answer is always, "No, please could you help me?" Grrrrr.

Silverback said...

You're a woman, Jenny, and as such, you have evolved via natural selection to pack your shopping, balance a screaming kid on your hip, enter your pin number and be on the phone to hubby telling him you'll be home in 20 minutes all at the same time.

Me ? I just stand there looking like a man and the assistant always packs my bags without even asking !

Jay said...

I'm one of the (perhaps rare) people who hate having my shopping packed for me, though I did accept the service when I got back to the supermarkets after the shoulder surgery.

It does seem to be falling by the wayside, doesn't it? I wonder if it is linked in any way to whether you have your own re-usable shopping bags with you or not?

Yorkshire Pudding said...

How about ampuatting one of your hands? That should ensure that you always get help with your packing. Personally, I never want them to help me as young packers especially will pile heavy things on top of soft or soapy things on top of food. It's best to do it yourself. The worst place is ALDI!

Jennytc said...

LBJ, it's a good thing there are two of you then. :)
Daphne, I think it's just that I like to be asked. ;)
Ian, you could be right but what does that say about men???
Jay, in Sainsbury's you are hung, drawn and quartered if you don't bring your own bags, but yes, I think it does stem from the time they started encouraging everyone to bring their own.
YP, I think that might be a little drastic!

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