While most buyers seem to be in a rush these days at grocery stores, there are many who prefer taking their time, and enjoy a chat during the checkout process, and this isn’t just limited to older people.

Hastiness is particularly evident these days with ‘scan your own’ hand machines, self-serve tills, and having your groceries thrown at you at great speed by the staff. But one supermarket chain in the Netherlands has decided to slow things down, especially for those who like socialising and chatting in queues.

Back in 2019, the Dutch supermarket chain Jumbo Supermarkets, introduced its first ‘Kletskassa’ or slow checkout, for customers who aren’t in a hurry and like a chat. The idea was to offer a slower lane to customers, encouraging interaction with staff and others in the queue to help combat loneliness.

“Many people, especially the elderly, sometimes feel lonely. As a family business and supermarket chain, we are at the heart of society. Our shops are an important meeting place for many people, and we want to play a role in identifying and reducing loneliness.” said Colette Cloosterman-van Eerd, Chief Commercial Officer of Jumbo.

Jumbo Supermarkets received so much positive feedback about their Kletskassa, that in September 2021, the supermarket chain started opening slow checkout lines in all 200 stores nationwide.

“We are also proud of our many cashiers who enjoy taking a seat behind a Kletskassa.” added Jumbo’s Chief Commercial Officer.

Nice idea, right?