They Block the Aisles
Most people will agree that the worst thing about shopping is carts blocking the aisles, and boomers are often the perpetrators. They prefer to take their time inspecting products and prices, but simply forget to tuck their carts to the side. They’re also likely to stop in the middle of aisles to chat.
They Pay With Cash
Boomers remember a world without credit cards well, so you’ll often see them fishing through their purses and wallets for bills and coins. While younger generations prefer to tap their cards, boomers stay true to the sentiment that “cash never crashes”. They stick to their principles, even if it slows the line down behind them.
They Use Coupons
Any boomer will tell you that couponing is the surest way to save money on groceries, and we can’t disagree with them! Whether they get them at the store or from newspapers, boomers will cash in their coupons every time they shop, and occasionally argue to use expired ones.
They Bring Their Own Bags
Boomers are often accused of not being eco-conscious, but they usually bring their own bags to the grocery store. They may even jokingly tell the cashier how long they’ve been collecting the bags, while refusing the flimsier disposable bags on offer. We can get behind this kind of eco-conscious pride!
They Try Free Samples
Most of us can’t resist a cheeky free sample at the grocery stores, but boomers often treat it like a full gourmet experience! From cubes of cheese and crackers to hot deli meats, they’ll give anything new a try, and ask the sampler plenty of questions about the products too.
They Chat With the Cashier
Most younger people prefer to keep to themselves when shopping, but boomers grew up making polite small talk with everybody, so why stop now? They’re more likely to strike up a chat with the cashier than younger customers are, and even the smallest chats can make their day.
They Choose Premium Brands
Store-brand products? Never. Boomers swear by premium brands that they’ve trusted for decades, and they’re more likely to be able to regularly afford them than Gen Z. They’re loyal to the products that they like, especially when the excellent quality justifies the high cost.
They Compare Prices
People sometimes inflate how often boomers say “back in my day”, but it’s a sentiment you’ll often hear voiced at the grocery store. Prices have rocketed up over the last few decades, and boomers aren’t afraid to comment on how overpriced many products are nowadays. We’re with them on this one.
They Take Items From Further Back
You’ve probably seen your parents or grandparents do this, and it’s not a bad idea. Boomers typically take items from further back on the shelf, even if it means really stretching, because the expiry dates are better. They’re also less likely to have been handled by other people, which is important to hygienic boomers.
They Keep Receipts
Paper receipts are slowly being phased out as eco-conscious youngsters try to cut down on throwing away scraps of paper, but boomers aren’t ready to let them go just yet. They always take receipts to keep, and study them at the checkout to make sure everything is in order before they leave.
They Avoid Self-Checkouts
That unmanned little machine might as well be a spaceship, as far as boomers are concerned. You’ll often spot them struggling to use a self-checkout before giving up to go to a cashier. Many boomers avoid them altogether, while shaking their heads at how modern technology has taken over.
They Make Jokes With the Staff
There’s nothing wrong with a joke, but boomers are notorious for quipping “guess it’s free!” when an item doesn’t scan. It’s a harmless interaction that makes them laugh, and cashiers usually smile too, even if they’ve already heard that joke a million times before. “Boomer humor” is alive and well.
They Ask Staff For Recommendations
Boomers often enjoy a more interactive grocery store experience, so they’ll be the first to ask staff members for recommendations. They might ask them to compare products, or give them a surprise new item to try. Grocery shopping is serious business that requires plenty of thought and assistance.
They Question the Store Layout
For some boomers, anything new or different is a conspiracy. That includes store layouts, which generally shift around subtly throughout the year. But while many won’t notice, boomers point out the most minor changes, and question where products have been moved to. It’s all about the principle.
They Count Exact Change
We’ve mentioned how boomers often prefer to pay with cash, but they’ll never pay over the asking price where possible. You might spot them holding up the queue while they dig through their purse for those last few cents, or offering change to the cashier after they’re already rung the payment through.
They Sign Up to Rewards Programs
Grocery store rewards programs still exist, but young people don’t often sign up to them. However, boomers have preferred stores that they’ve been visiting for decades, so loyalty programs mean something to them. They enjoy signing up and getting coupons and special deals on different items each week.
They Buy in Bulk
Whether it’s on sale or not, it’s going into the cart. Older boomers are less likely to pop out to the store for one or two items, so they stock up while they’re there, filling their carts with all the lasting essentials. It’s no wonder their kitchen cupboards are always stocked!
They Struggle With Card Machines
Imagine growing up without something, only to have it become mainstream in your later years. That’s what card machines are like for boomers, so they’re frequently spotted struggling to insert their cards and type their pins. Cashiers often talk them through each step of paying by card to ensure a somewhat smooth transaction.
They Chat to Other Customers
Making small talk with strangers is sometimes considered odd today, but boomers were taught to do it from childhood. They’re always ready to strike up conversation in line, whether it’s about the food, the store, or something unrelated. If you indulge them in conversation, you’ll make their day.
They Shop on Weekdays
Sadly, most people can’t shop on weekdays because they work 9-5 jobs. This frees the stores up for retired boomers who take advantage of quieter parking lots and store aisles. They can shop at a leisurely pace, chat to staff, and enjoy a quieter, less crowded environment than that of weekends.
