How to have fun at the grocery store.
Given my extensive experience in grocery merchandising, sales, and customer service, I probably see grocery stores differently than most people! Here are some fun ways to make the shopping experience enjoyable, whether for yourself or others:
1. Gamify the Experience
Speed Shopping Challenge: Time yourself or a friend to see how fast you can complete a list.
"Secret Shopper" Mode: Act like you're auditing a store—check displays, stock levels, and endcaps like a pro!
Scavenger Hunt: Find the weirdest or most unusual product in the store and share it on social media.
2. Merchandising Shenanigans
Perfect the Shelves: If you see misplaced items, do an impromptu "facing" job—bonus points if you make a great-looking endcap!
Spot the Mistakes: Check price tags, missing signs, or messy displays—mentally rate the store’s execution like a merchandiser.
Predict the Next Big Promotion: Based on current layouts, guess what seasonal or promotional items will appear next week.
3. Engage with People
Help a Lost Shopper: Use your industry expertise to guide someone struggling to find an item.
Compliment Employees: Make someone's day by appreciating a well-stocked section or a great display.
"Sell" a Product: Casually recommend an item you love to another shopper—see if you can get them to try it!
4. Make It a Foodie Adventure
Try Something New: Pick a product you’ve never had before, whether it’s a random snack or an exotic ingredient.
DIY Taste Test: Buy a few brands of the same item (e.g., chips, soda, cookies) and do a blind taste test at home.
Create a Themed Meal: Shop as if you’re on a cooking show and need to build a meal around one surprise ingredient.
5. Fun with Store Music & Aisles
Dance Down the Aisles: If a good song is playing, subtly groove while pushing the cart.
Guess the Next Song: Try to predict what type of music will play next based on the store's vibe.
Aisle "Obstacles": Navigate your cart through crowded sections like a grocery Grand Prix