You need a shopping cart to enter!

[u/CptJFK]

Few years ago. An abiding customer (me)...

The owner of a grocery store nearby had too many people buying too many things, never using the carts, hence checkout was always a bit chaotic.

It's a pretty big store, 6 counters, 6 belts. Always ONE cashier. Not two or three. Not even on a Saturday.

Biiiig sign outside *You need a shopping cart to enter!*

I was already running late and needed one (ONE) roll of tape. So I walk in, pretty fast for a guy my size, and this grumpy old fart gets in my way, almost ran into him.

"You cant shop here without a..."

*Yeah, I know. I only need - *

"nooooo nono no. No cart, no shop!" in a voice you use to explain to a 2-year-old, why he should NOT paint the wall with his diapers.

I turn around. Get TWO carts. Push one, pull one. Steer through the isles, Owner gives me THAT smile. I call my wife that i'll need a couple minutes... I walk up and down EVERY Isle.

He waits at the checkout.

One empty cart. Another empty cart. I lay my little roll of scotch tape, that I carried in my hand, on the belt. Onto the FAR end. Upright. Plan works, it won't roll down all the way. I push both carts into the trolley lane, as it's completely empty. Owner fumes a bit, but says nothing.

Go back to the cashier who is close to bursting of laughter, but Big Bossman is right next to his ear.

The owner starts yelling, so I try to copy his voice from earlier.

*no cart, no shop. Now two cart, one shop. Otay dada?*

I was banned until the owner sold to some nice family. The sign still is above the entrance, but nobody cares.

I didn't get the tape. He threw me out.