Jon: Grocery Stores

Grocery stores in Dublin are extremely different from ones in the states. A Dubliner in America must wonder, “How much junk do Americans need to eat?” We have so many options (most of which contribute to the significant weight problem in America). The movie “Borat” has a scene that points out the hilarity in the average cheese section in an American grocery store. I feel like that might be a universal agreement. Dublin’s stores have a limited amount of cheese as well as most other goods. They must in order to fit their entire stock into a building about a quarter the size of any ACME in the states. One huge difference between Tesco and ACME is the use of goods the average consumer walks out with. Carts are non-existent in Dublin. Americans tend to “stock up” in a way of preparing for days or weeks worth of food. This requires a cart to load up with all the junk we can stuff inside ourselves as it gradually becomes less and less fresh. Dubliners seem to by just enough food for the day or the next few days. I also noticed an interesting check out procedure. A lot of customers place their grocery baskets in a line near the check out counter, I’m guessing to alleviate the annoyance of holding it in a long line. This system would never work in America. It seems as though Americans abide by the “If nobody is attending it, it’s up for grabs” motto. I have seen many buyers take it upon themselves to grab supplies out of unattended carts. I suppose Dublin has a more honorable honor system.