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You know how you enter the store to get some milk, only to see the shelf full of pinot grigio right in the way, staring at you with no place to hide? This moment of pure impromptu is basically the essence of the “decisions were made here” meme that shows the lonely product (one intended to buy) standing in the midst of the indulgence section, whether it’s beer or ice cream.

But no matter how funny it may be in the joke format, the reality is a tiny bit different. It turns out, it’s one of the most annoying things customers do while shopping, according to supermarket employees—not even mentioning taking a thing out of its package and leaving it lying out somewhere.

Below is the list of seriously annoying stuff we should all quit immediately if we ever want good shopping karma.

#2

When People Stop In The Middle Of An Aisle And Act Like They're The Only Ones In The Store

When People Stop In The Middle Of An Aisle And Act Like They're The Only Ones In The Store

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#3

"If You Let Your Kids Do This, [screw] You."

"If You Let Your Kids Do This, [screw] You."

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Bardhi's Dad
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is really annoying. What kind of parents are them? How do they educate those children?

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Back in the 1950s and '60s, the vibe at supermarkets was totally different. According to author Blake Morgan, “brands treated customers like they didn’t have brain cells and used loud and obnoxious voices and obviously exaggerated print.”

It all changed with Ogilvy, the father of advertising who said that you gotta treat customers like you treat your family members. Because, essentially, they’re potential clients.

Then, the now-famous phrase “the customer is always right” was pioneered by successful retailers named Harry Gordon Selfridge, John Wanamaker, and Marshall Field. This approach stuck with us for many years to come, and it’s still in use today. But critics claim it doesn’t work in the current times.

#4

If You Really Love Your Heros, Consider This

If You Really Love Your Heros, Consider This

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Laugh or not
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, calling people 'heroes' for doing their jobs is a good way to pat them on the back, congratulate them and avoid thinking about work conditions and salaries.

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#6

Getting Told The Same Joke

Getting Told The Same Joke

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In the times of consumerism, customers are no longer the perfect beings worthy of praise. According to the author Alexander Kjerulf, sticking to the “customer is always right” mantra has multiple adverse effects.

It makes employees unhappy, it gives abrasive customers an unfair advantage, it results in worse customer service, and it ignores the fact that some customers are just plain wrong.

Even if being customer-centric is part of the customer experience, that doesn’t mean brands and companies have to follow it blindly. They should rather seek a smart balance in making both customers and their workers equally happy.

#7

"Working In Retail Is A Special Type Of Hell"

"Working In Retail Is A Special Type Of Hell"

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Martha Meyer
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was a kid, customers had to pay for stuff they dropped and destoyed. Doesn't seem a thing anymore.

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#9

Customers Who Don't Say Hi

Customers Who Don't Say Hi

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cybermerlin2000
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always say Hi and I'm very cheerful about it because I feel like they have taken the time to be nice

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lara
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And I always say "hi" back and ask how they are doing. Don't make generalizations.

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Truly happy employees don’t need to be reminded to smile and greet customers. Why management is so obtuse about that can only be explained by pure greed and callous disregard for frontline employees—-who are the real people who can make or break your business—-NOT YOU, HOTSHOT!—-so the ones who do a good job of it should be treated like gold.

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Becca Gizmo the Squirrel
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always say hi if an associate at a store says hi.. One thing that bothers me is , for example, firehouse subs. When anyone walks in all the employees holler "welcome to firehouse subs!!!" And everyone in the whole store looks at you. I hate it. Makes me nervous just thinking about it.

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Bender Bending Rodríguez
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is because they are instructed to do so by management. Trust me been there done that on the other side of the counter, most of us would never do it if now required to do so. You should complain to management about it but make it so it doesn't fall on employees.

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urszulat
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really dislike it when an employee is forced to do something like this.

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Sara Salisbury
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always say hi to anyone that says hi to me, if they don't say hi to me, I ignore them, I'm just not the people type.

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Steve Cruz
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This I find WHINY. If your job is customer service, do your job regardless of what caliber of customers you encounter. Some people are just distracted. You're getting paid to be friendly, they aren't.

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Tessa Thompson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I worked at Macy's, there was a meeting I had to go to about some new approach to selling or something, and, apparently, they were planning to roll it out worldwide. I'd been to the UK a few years before and had friends in the UK and, knowing how well the 'approach customers to see if they need help/how they're doing' way of things would go over--like a giant lead balloon--I mentioned that shop people in the UK do things differently than in the US, and UK customers wouldn't take well to the US approach (the manager running the meeting had asked/said something about things to keep in mind about different places, or something about that, and left it open to people in the room to contribute). The manager running it tells me that they've actually been having success in the UK with the new policy. I was surprised/taken aback, knowing what I knew, but didn't say anything. Maybe things had changed? Realized later she was full of s**t.

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Philippa Davies
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's the height of rudeness to deliberately not say hi when someone greets you. It bothers me when I see people working in customer service being completely ignored by the customers.

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Misty Marie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, and they've also usually been instructed with specific things to say to manipulate you into spending money.

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Billy the kid
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

morning, afternoon or evening. I never say good before them just in case that person is having a bad day. No come backs on "is it? is it?" " tell me why its good?"

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Elaine Dodge
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When someone who works in a store says hi to me, I say hi back, always. It's called good manners...and I may need their help in a while.

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23AClark
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I say hi, because it's a very nice thing to do and I don't mind, who knows what they've been so far that morning or day.

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Pheebs
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel this in my soul, from all parts of that equation.

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deanna woods
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had an experience with a cashier who got really surprised that I asked her how she was doing. She said I was the first customer to do that.

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Louloubelle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always say hello when someone says hello to me. But having worked retail, there are a great number of customers that don't.

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Mary Rose Kent
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some of us need to concentrate on not forgetting anything because we accidentally left our list at home...

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kjorn
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i like that. i'm antisocial. i don't like to be talk to. but i understand they are force to do that

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Bev Vee
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always respond with a “hi....how are you?” I always scowl at the ones that don’t.

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Fan-tastic panda
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always say hi because I know how much work they do for me to get my groceries. Really, people should treat each other better from now on

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Melissa Powell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Spent 23 years working at a small police department. Worked the front counter. Always said Hi or Can I help you.

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Bill Lee
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Next time, surpise them and say, "Heyloo". Its a funner way to greet ppl. And better, i made it up myself! :3

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Patty Leaton
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I say it louder HI or have a nice day smile -in my head ASS FACE HAT HA HA smile

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BiLal Asif
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't say hi not cz i am rude or entitled just cz I'm a miserable bastard & hates everyone equally

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Hollie Newton
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is me when I have to serve on the till and it's like 7pm the customer's just looking at me like wtf are you hopped up on 😆

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Logically Reasonable
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, I hated this as well. One of the most insufferable indignities of any job. I'd rather go clean up the pile of crap some mother told her kid to do in the middle of the isle, because she's such a fuktard, she couldn't be bothered to walk 10 feet to the goddamned restroom.

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Sasy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do not understand the being forced...if you go into the retail or hospitality profession it is part of the job but should be something you naturally wish to do.

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#10

When They Act Like Masks Don't Apply To Them

When They Act Like Masks Don't Apply To Them

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#12

All The Employees Have To Do Is Put Stuff Away...right?

All The Employees Have To Do Is Put Stuff Away...right?

"If you do this, f**k you."

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#13

When Customers Leave Stuff From Other Aisles In Places They Shouldn't Be

When Customers Leave Stuff From Other Aisles In Places They Shouldn't Be

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postboredom
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You don't have to work in a supermarket to hate this...I feel for you all.

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#14

"I Think We All Can Relate. Am I Right?"

"I Think We All Can Relate. Am I Right?"

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Tiari
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of the things I really like about Germany. A simple „NEXT“ is common and completely sufficient.

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#15

When They Tell Employees Their Whole Life Story

When They Tell Employees Their Whole Life Story

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yup, I have heard about a women having a colonoscopy, a woman being a prostitute and that the fella with her was her pimp and bf, a guy with a big bandage telling me about his infection that was literally oozing pus etc. Some things we just don’t need or want to know.

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#17

When Guests Forget The Entire Reason Employees Are In The Store

When Guests Forget The Entire Reason Employees Are In The Store

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S.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But, the customers are only there because the store is open...? Then isn't it the fault of the management?

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#18

When They Walk In Just Before Closing

When They Walk In Just Before Closing

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WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just close the doors 5 to 10 minutes minutes before closing time and only let customers out. Common practice in the Netherlands.

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#19

When Customers Forget How A Store Works

When Customers Forget How A Store Works

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#20

When They Come .5 Seconds Before Closing Time

When They Come .5 Seconds Before Closing Time

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Csaba Hegedűs
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In my country it is mandatory by law to have 'online cash registers' everywhere, that works like sending all data directly to some tax office or anything. It means if a shop is officially open from like 9 to 18, they can't sell you stuff AFTER 18, because register will note the tax office that out of business hours this shop was doing business. Therefore, shops can legally tell people who come this late that sorry, if you can't make your purchase in the next ten seconds, we can't legally serve you.

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#21

"Black Friday As A Wal-Mart Employee."

"Black Friday As A Wal-Mart Employee."

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#22

When Customers Leave Their Dirty Trash In The Carts

When Customers Leave Their Dirty Trash In The Carts

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Vorknkx
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When one fails to understand the simple fact that the supermarket employee is not their mom, and therefore not there to clean up after them.

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#24

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Bardhi's Dad
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Well, let me think a bit about this generous offer you made... NO!"

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#25

Even Though Zebra Says 1 But Not Binned In Anywhere

Even Though Zebra Says 1 But Not Binned In Anywhere

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Bardhi's Dad
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You just go in the back, rest for 5 minutes and come back to tell him "No. We don't have it. I checked everywhere"

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#26

Things-Supermarket-Employees-Hate

Things-Supermarket-Employees-Hate

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A.M. Pierre
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And yet I did get charged twice at a bookstore once when this happened. Took forever to get my money back. I realize that's an exception, not the rule, but I am wary now.

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#27

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Nemopoint
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually... my wardrobe looks like this. But i didn't shop any outfit since a year so, it'just my wardrobe.

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#28

"Why I Hate Working In Retail."

"Why I Hate Working In Retail."

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#29

When Customers Disappear After Employees Go Into The Back To Get Something For Them

When Customers Disappear After Employees Go Into The Back To Get Something For Them

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Bardhi's Dad
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reminds me the scene with Rowan Atkinson and Alan Rickman in the movie "Love Actually"

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#30

Cough Cough

Cough Cough

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel awful for my son. He spits when he talks because of a few reasons. He has a lateral lisp which causes excess saliva and he has low muscle tone in his mouth which causes him to still dribble and not have as much control as most people do. I worry how that will impact him as he gets older.

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#32

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Something
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But sometimes people who don't work at a store can be found folding things because they unfolded them.

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#33

When People Leave Food In A Cart

When People Leave Food In A Cart

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Shelli Aderman
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Carts need a sign, like, “Don’t complain about rising prices of food when you do this s**t!”

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#34

When People Take Something Out Of Its Package And Just Leave It There

When People Take Something Out Of Its Package And Just Leave It There

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Tiari
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I admit: I did that once or twice. The packaging had no information about the fabric on it, but I need that info for my decision. Afterwards I really really tried getting the stuff back in the packaging, but gave up after 5 to 10 minutes. If the damn manufacturer is not able to print the f*****g type of fabric on the packaging and I have no chance getting the stuff back in the packaging because it was packed under a vacuum... sorry. And yes. I asked staff about the type of fabric, and mostly the answer is a blank stare and an „I don’t know...“

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#35

When They Beckon An Employee Over Like They're A Trained Animal

When They Beckon An Employee Over Like They're A Trained Animal

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#36

Things Supermarket Employees Hate

Things Supermarket Employees Hate

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.gas.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Customers hate being asked this, too. Why does it matter? Is there a price differential?

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#37

Who Just Decided "No" On The TV?

Who Just Decided "No" On The TV?

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#38

When They Don't Recognize The Difference Between In-Store And Online

When They Don't Recognize The Difference Between In-Store And Online

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Tiari
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So the customer went the extra mile to check if the item he wants is still in stock before he makes the trip, with a service the store provides for exactly that purpose, and you hate him for it? Wow. That’s entitled.

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#39

"98% Of Customers Are Illiterate"

"98% Of Customers Are Illiterate"

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troufaki13
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes this discount applies only to certain items and it isn't always clear which one

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#40

People Who Shop At The Absolute Last Minute

People Who Shop At The Absolute Last Minute

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In a way I wish we had coupons like they do in the US but as a past checkout operator I am also glad we don’t. Takes up so much time.

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