Some people call them shopping carts. Others call them buggies. Whatever you call that basket on wheels which transports your goods for purchase, please be mindful of it!
Once upon a time, shopping carts could only be found in grocery stores. Now, they are everywhere, including at mass retailers such as home improvement stores, department stores, and drug stores.
A shopping cart is a "vehicle" which you as the operator, have sole responsibility for. You follow the rules of the road when driving (or should) . . . Have the same respect and consideration when using a shopping cart.
There are four simple ways to practice shopping cart etiquette!
Instructions
ENTERING THE STORE:
Keep moving when you enter the store. Do not stop in the entrance and proceed to check your coupons or read the store advertisements. You will be oblivious to the traffic jam of incoming customers you are causing to build up behind you! Continue to walk into the store and locate a place where you will be out of the flow of traffic. After checking your surroundings to ensure you are not blocking anyone else, you can then organize your shopping plan. Begin your shopping with cart etiquette in mind.
BROWSING THE AISLES:
Directing a shopping cart is just like driving a car on the road. Whichever direction you are walking in, keep your cart to the right of the aisle. When browsing the shelves, parallel park your cart as close to the shelving as possible. Do not leave your cart parked haphazardly across the aisle! Be considerate of your fellow shoppers. Most stores aisles are more than wide enough for shopping carts to pass side by side. If you leave your cart and remain in the same aisle, be conscious of what sections you may be blocking. Be proactive and move your cart if you see another customer needs to reach that area. However, do not become annoyed and take it personally if another shopper moves your cart. Be diplomatic.
CHECKING OUT:
Determine the best positioning of your shopping cart when checking out. It is ideal to enter the checkout lane with the cart behind you. Standing in front of the cart allows you to unload with the least amount of stretching. Once you have unloaded you basket, step to the rear. Your shopping cart will now be in front of you. When you reach the cashier, extend the cart forward so that the cashier is able to load your cart in a safe, efficient manner. Doing this also allows the customers behind you to place their items on the counter or checkout belt. The person with the arms full of purchases will thank you! Good manners allows you to think of the concerns and desires of others not just yourself.
LOADING YOUR VEHICLE IN THE PARKING LOT:
You have successfully negotiated the store and are ready to take your purchases to your vehicle. Continue to keep in mind your shopping cart etiquette. Remove all trash or debris which you have deposited into the cart. No one likes having to pick through messy carts to find a clean, trash-free one! Once you have transferred your items to your vehicle, place your shopping cart in the cart corral. Most stores will have them spaced throughout the parking lot. DO NOT leave carts strewn across the parking lot! Have you seen those signs that stores post stating that they will not be responsible for damage to vehicles from shopping carts? They post those signs because they are aware of the damage an unattended shopping cart can do. Specifically, door dents and car-cart collisions! Treat people the way you would want to be treated. You don't want damage done to your car, so do what you can to ensure it doesn't happen to others.

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