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Note: Retailers accommodating disabilities is a new unresearched topic for me. I hope to get ideas from others in how to make a difference in this particular topic. It could be that retailers/grocers have felt that they do enough by offering handicapped parking and motorized shopping carts. Maybe they do not realize that some other, possibly inexpensive modifications could make it easier for those with challenges to shop their stores.

*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  a senior citizen using a mobile shopping cart.

My assessment quickly told me that it would be challenging for her to place her items from her cart to the conveyor belt.  I silently wondered if she would mind if I placed them on the conveyor for her.  As it turned out—the lady in front of the senior with the mobile cart turned around and took care of the senior’s items as soon as she finished placing her own items on the conveyor belt.

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. 457 words