On Behalf of a Senior With Shopping Challenges
Posted: Monday, February 01, 2010
by Suzi Gravenstuk
http://www.suzi-gravenstuk.blogspot.com
*The following “Slice of Life" is told at the request of and on behalf of a Senior Citizen I met in passing.
I surveyed the check out lines hoping I could find a fairly quick one. Sometimes I choose a check out lane by other criteria, such as the mood of the clerk or others in line. Today I chose to line up behind senior citizen using a mobile shopping cart.
I chatted with the senior and told her that if the other woman had not taken care of placing the items on the conveyor belt, I had planned to (if she allowed it). I remarked that it was a shame that with all the new stores in our area, I was not aware of one that had designed a check stand to better accommodate those who use the mobile carts. (I immediately visualized a check stand with the customer end slanted, similar to wheel chair ramps. I couldn’t help wondering what a modification like that would cost if done at the time of ordering.)
While in line we brainstormed some more solutions. What could be some inexpensive modifications? Would it cost that much more to bring in one or two lower built checking areas? Is it possible that the expense associated with this type of consideration could be made up for with increased trade by those who would use them?
In closing, this beautiful Senior Consumer asked me to discuss the basket of the mobile shopping carts. The basket itself could be designed better. If the purpose of the mobile shopping carts is to accommodate disabilities, or challenges—the front of the basket, nearer the Patron should be lower because the height of the basket itself makes the act of putting things in and taking things out—more challenging.
We hope to inspire grocers and other retailers to consider making it more comfortable for all who support your business. Sometimes thoughtful accommodations needs to go a step beyond blocking off parking spaces, installing ramps and providing motorized shopping carts. This particular Senior Consumer thought it could be prudent to have a focus group made up of those with physical challenges.
I emailed this story to the Walmart Community Action website. Hopefully, they or another grocer will see this as an opportunity to do the right thing.
This Article has been viewed 293 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Suzi, isn't it amazing what we can learn from people when we engage them? And what insights and ideas they, and we, can have when we collaborate? Thanks so much for sharing this experience with us. Now I, too, will be considering ways in which life can be made more accessible to those challenged by handicaps.George, you elicited a grin by bringing out a golden oldie. I totally agree with you about engagement. Engagement is a gift both ways. I firmly believe that Providence still teaches through parables. I also like to search member's golden oldies. At some sites, a comment on an oldie brings the article back into top viewing, too. Thanks!
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.