Miss Manners: I don’t want cashiers commenting on my grocery purchases
A shopper is frustrated by supermarket staff commenting on their purchases and wants to be left alone at checkout.
Liam Carter 
There is nothing quite as draining as just trying to grab a few items from the store, only to have a cashier offer unsolicited commentary on your basket. Whether it is a simple pack of onions or items of a more personal nature, many shoppers here at 205focus.com agree: what you buy is your own business, and the register is for scanning, not small talk.
The Problem with Forced Friendliness
As Judith Martin notes, the frustration often stems from corporate training programs that mandate this kind of intrusive banter. While staff might feel they are being helpful, the result is often an unwanted interaction that keeps you from checking out in peace. The unfortunate reality is that many employees are instructed to engage this way because management finds the weather too banal to discuss.
Mastering the Art of the Deflection
If you find yourself stuck in a conversation about your cookies or your produce, Miss Manners suggests a clever tactic: treat the intrusive comments as if they were mundane observations about the weather. If a cashier gushes over your choice of items, simply respond with a neutral, polite, “Yes, it does look like it might rain.” It effectively kills the conversation without causing a scene.
Handling Unsolicited Fashion Advice
The struggle isn't limited to the grocery aisle. When shopping for clothes, many of us have dealt with strangers trying to pick out outfits for us. When faced with this unsolicited help, Miss Manners recommends a polite but firm boundary: “Thank you, but I know what I’m looking for.” If you want to take it a step further, feel free to suggest an item for them to try instead—perhaps that green polka dot dress with the pink frill—to gently point out that fashion choices are personal.
Reach Out to Miss Manners
Have an etiquette dilemma of your own? You can send your questions to Miss Manners via her website at missmanners.com, by email to dearmissmanners@gmail.com, or by mail at Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.
