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!