Tesco Shoppers Divided Over Unwritten Queue Courtesy Rule
A recent online discussion has revealed a significant divide among Tesco customers regarding an unwritten supermarket courtesy rule. The debate centres on whether shoppers with full, packed trolleys should allow those carrying just a handful of items to jump ahead in the checkout queue.
The Reddit Post That Sparked The Debate
The conversation began when one Tesco shopper took to Reddit to express their disappointment, describing recent experiences as "sad times". The customer explained their personal practice of always letting people with minimal shopping go ahead when they themselves are doing a large grocery run. They wrote: "If I'm doing a big shop and the person behind me has two or three or even five items I let them go ahead. It's basically the rules."
However, the shopper noted that this courtesy hasn't been reciprocated in their recent experiences, prompting them to question whether this unwritten rule still exists in modern supermarkets. Their post asked: "Is this not a thing any more? Sad times if so."
Strong Opinions On Both Sides
The Reddit thread quickly attracted numerous responses from Tesco customers with varying perspectives on supermarket queue etiquette:
- The Courteous Majority: Many respondents claimed they regularly permit shoppers with few items to skip ahead. One user stated: "I always let them first....unless they are rude and entitled. Then they wait." Another added: "I don't typically do a lot of big shops and if I notice someone behind me with a few items I definitely let them go ahead of me."
- The Conditional Approach: Some shoppers take a more measured stance, suggesting that those wishing to jump the queue should ask politely rather than expect automatic courtesy. One commenter explained: "I think if they want to go ahead they should ask, otherwise it's not necessary to offer up really. They were there first, unless I'm in a rush I don't need to get ahead of someone just because I'm only buying a few things."
- The Self-Service Solution: Several respondents questioned why shoppers with minimal items don't simply use self-service checkouts. One person pointedly asked: "Surely if they have just a few items they can go self serve?" This highlights how changing retail technology has altered traditional supermarket dynamics.
The Changing Landscape Of Supermarket Etiquette
This debate reflects broader changes in shopping behaviour and social expectations. With the proliferation of self-service options and changing customer priorities, what was once considered standard courtesy now appears to be evolving. The discussion reveals that while many Tesco shoppers still value and practice this queue-jumping courtesy, others view it as optional rather than obligatory.
The conversation also touches on practical considerations, with one shopper noting: "I always use self-service though so it tends not to be an issue I ever deal with. I think the only times I've had to ask to jump ahead was when my bus was just coming and I needed to be quick." This suggests that changing checkout technologies may be reducing opportunities for these social interactions altogether.
As millions of people shop at Tesco each week, this seemingly minor question of queue etiquette has revealed significant differences in how customers approach shared social spaces. Whether this unwritten rule survives in an era of self-service checkouts and changing social norms remains an open question that continues to divide the supermarket giant's customer base.
