12 annoying grocery store behaviors boomers wish would end
Grocery shopping used to be a simple task, but these days, it’s a minefield of frustrating behaviors.
Boomers, with their deep-rooted sense of manners and respect for others, have noticed the decline in grocery store etiquette, and they’re not afraid to speak up about it.
From cart barricades to loud phone calls in the cereal aisle, these are the 12 behaviors that get under the skin of those who grew up with a different set of shopping rules. Ready to avoid the wrath of your local boomer? Let’s go.
Parking Your Cart in the Center Lane
It’s not just annoying, it’s an all-out roadblock. You know the situation: someone parks their cart right in the middle of the aisle and proceeds to peruse labels as if they’re the only ones in the store.
I get wanting to say hi, but do you really have to block the pasta section for your whole life story? Just slide your cart to the side, simple, right? Blocking the aisle not only impedes traffic but also disrupts the shopping experience for others.
It’s not that hard to share the space, folks!
The Impromptu Family Reunion… in Aisle 5
Ever witnessed a family reunion in the middle of your grocery run? It’s like the pasta aisle transforms into a stage for an impromptu catch-up session. While it’s sweet to see families bonding, do you really need to block the entire aisle while sharing your life story?
Boomers believe in the power of “quick hellos,” but these extended chats create traffic jams. How about scheduling that coffee meet-up after the shopping trip? Trust me, the pasta will still be there.
Crowding at Checkout
Here’s a question: When did it become okay to invade someone’s personal space while they’re checking out? If you’re practically standing on top of me while I’m entering my PIN, that’s a no-go.
Personal space is not negotiable, yet boomers often feel pressed onto the conveyor belt by fellow shoppers who’ve forgotten how to wait their turn. Let’s respect the invisible line and give each other a little room; no one’s in that much of a rush.
Ignoring the Express Lane Limit
Express lanes exist for a reason, and it’s not to accommodate your never-ending grocery list. Boomers (and most others) cringe when someone rolls up to the 10-items-or-less lane with a cart full of stuff.
Let’s keep it real—counting to ten is not a challenging task. Follow the rules, and respect others’ time. A quick stop should stay just that. You don’t need to play the “well, I’ve got a few extra items” game, do you?
“Sampling” Without Buying
We’ve all seen it: the shopper who takes a quick nibble from the produce section before paying for it. Sampling before checkout is a no-go for boomers. Beyond the hygiene issues, it’s just bad form.
Stores lose money on these little “tastes,” and let’s be honest, no one wants to bite into a grape someone else has handled. If you’re feeling adventurous, wait for a demo station or save it until you’ve checked out. It’s basic grocery store etiquette!
Abandoned Carts in Parking Lots
It’s simple: return your cart. Leaving it abandoned in the parking lot not only clutters the space but also creates potential hazards and a loss for the owners.
For example, according to CNN, Fayetteville, North Carolina, spent $78,468 collecting carts from May 2020 to October 2022. Boomers were raised with the idea that it’s your responsibility to take care of things, even if it’s just a shopping cart.
The best part? It takes all of 30 seconds to walk your cart back to the designated area and save someone else from the hassle of cart-hunting.
Talking Loudly on the Phone or Speaker
No one wants to overhear your conversation about your dog’s dietary habits while shopping for cereal. Loud phone calls in public spaces? Please, no. Keep private conversations, well, private.
If you’re taking a call in the store, step aside and keep it at a reasonable volume. Trust me, the rest of the aisle doesn’t need to be involved in your chat.
Writing Checks at the Register
It’s 2025, people—use a card. Watching someone dig out their checkbook at the register feels like stepping back in time. Not only does it slow things down for everyone else, but it also seems like a lost cause when faster, more secure methods are readily available.
Boomers, though traditional, have long since embraced the power of digital payments, so let’s keep the lines moving by skipping the paper checks.
Abandoning Items in the Wrong Aisle
Changing your mind about that frozen pizza? Fair enough. But leaving it in the cereal aisle? Not okay. Boomers value respecting the store and the work that goes into keeping it organized.
Throwing items in random places not only wastes food but also creates extra work for store employees. Globally, this issue costs retailers $1.7 trillion annually through excess waste, markdowns, and lost sales from out-of-stocks.
Just take a few extra steps to put it back where it belongs.
Letting Kids Run Wild
Kids can be a joy, but when they’re racing up and down the aisles while you’re scrolling on your phone, that’s another story. Boomers believe in teaching kids respect for public spaces.
And frankly, when your child is throwing cans or yelling in the dairy section, it’s not cute—it’s disruptive. For everyone’s sake, keep the little ones in check and teach them how to behave in shared spaces.
Hogging Self-Checkout With Huge Orders
Self-checkout lanes are for quick, small transactions, as CNN notes. If you’ve got a cart overflowing with groceries, head to a regular lane. Using self-checkout for a month’s worth of items only creates chaos and slowdowns for everyone else.
Let’s keep self-checkout for what it was intended for: a few items, a smooth exit, and a faster shopping experience.
Rudeness Toward Employees
Here’s the bottom line: treat people with kindness. Boomers can’t stand rudeness toward grocery store employees. Whether it’s snapping at someone, ignoring their help, or making unreasonable demands, basic respect goes a long way.
In 2024, 25% of store associates reported threats and assaults by shoppers, and 70% of front-line retail workers experienced some sort of customer incivility on a regular basis, according to a Retail Customer Experience report.
These employees work hard to make your shopping experience easier, so let’s all keep it civil and show some gratitude.
Conclusion
Grocery shopping doesn’t have to feel like an obstacle course. If we all made a conscious effort to respect each other’s space, follow the rules, and show kindness, everyone’s experience would be smoother.
Boomers may lead the charge on these pet peeves, but deep down, we all just want a quick, pleasant trip to the store without the drama.
Disclosure line: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.
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