re: #147 freetoken

Yup, I watch at the store as clerks try to fill those bags. For the first few seconds it looks like a wrestling match.

One of the things I liked about Japan were the grocery stores - every customer bags their own food. It makes much more sense, and the stores set up a system where the customer once bagging is no longer in the line, so the line doesn’t slow down.

Same thing basically in Europe. And the cashier sits on a stool with a back, the register and scanning equipment is at waist level, very ergonomic.

Some stores (like Safeway) have check stands that are set up with the duel blets… before and after the register and scanning area. The checker stands, but the customer empties their own bascart (yes, that the new official name for a shopping cart). The checker only has to handle the item as it is in front of them, almost the same as the European system, but not sitting.

At King Sooper (a Kroger brand store), we have to bend over and empty the bascart ourselves and the item goes right over the scanner, then down a belt to the bagger.

And yes, in Europe, the customer bags their own items. And no plastic bags.