Supermarket users fume over 'unspoken' rule which many people don't follow

29 February 2024 , 16:05

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One supermarket etiquette rule is driving people mad (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images)

Doing your weekly shop is often more of a chore than it should be - and your fellow shoppers don't help.

No one likes heading to the supermarket on a Saturday afternoon when the aisles are packed with other families doing the same thing. All you want to do is get in, get your food, and get out - but it's never that easy. Countless things can send our stress levels through the roof as we wander the aisles, but one "unspoken" rule in particular has got people ranting on social media, as it shows a distinct lack of respect for the "personal space" of those around you.

The issue was first raised in the Hemel Online group on Facebook, where one man expressed his annoyance at shoppers who encroach on his personal space when he's trying to pack and pay for his shopping. He said he often finds that the next person in line will move up to where the card machine is instead of remaining further back next to the conveyor belt, and this can make paying for shopping rather awkward.

He wrote: "If I'm in the packing area of the supermarket checkout, then you, fellow shopper, have to stand by the conveyer belt. You can't come and wait by the card machine, as I'm going to need to come back to that area once everything is scanned. Just back off. Don't make me use the cattle prod. And facing/staring directly at me will not make me pack and pay any quicker."

And although the rule isn't talked about often, it seems many others shared the same views as the original poster - as several shared comments backing him up. One person wrote: "Hate this! I've told people to get outta my space many a time, and people who lean over me to reach something … either f***ing wait or say excuse me."

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Another simply added: "Amen," while a third posted: "It's called manners and showing a bit of patience."

While the lack of space might be annoying to most, it can sometimes have unexpected consequences for the party that pushed up too far, as one woman shared a story about the time she saw karma swiftly dealt to the offending shopper. She commented: "I saw this very thing have a good outcome. A lady was finishing packing before paying and a young gentleman behind her leaned across to get a carrier bag from the end of the counter ... and his watch paid for her shopping!"

Do you find people's checkout behaviour annoying? Let us know in the comments!

Zahna Eklund