Demo Diaries: It Takes All Kinds

Mari O'Rourke, superstar demonstrator at Kowalski's Lyndale, observes a number of unique shopping styles in her daily work. "It doesn't matter who you are: celebrity or nobody, male or female, Boomer, GenXer or Millennial," says Mari. "We all have to stop in at a grocery store sometimes." Here she shares her amusing musings for the month of March.

Serious Shoppers

Serious shoppers are laser-focused on getting each and every item on their list. They barely look up from their paper or screen. Sometimes they have a list and a recipe card. One brilliant man took a photo of a recipe on his phone so he would get every item needed. They cross items off as they are put them in their cart or basket. Some arrange their list by department. They are serious and confident and will get every item on their list. They often don't have time to taste a sample – unless it's on their list.

On a Fast Mission

These customers have little or no time. They need to get the bag of ice, or the bottle of ketchup, or the chocolate cake, get out and get to where they need to go. Pronto. They might be wearing a formal dress or a tuxedo. They will not and cannot be distracted. They won't be tempted to buy anything else. They truly do not need a basket. There might be a car with engine running in the parking lot lest they be late to their destination. In, get it, out. Boom!

Seeking Divine Inspiration

Some are aimlessly wandering, seeking inspiration for their next meal, potluck, family gathering or picnic. There might be a single plum and a jar of mustard in their cart. They go from aisle to aisle, sometimes several times. They don't really know what they want or what they should bring. Maybe a salad, or soup, or a pizza. Or ice cream. Or peach praline pie? Or mashed potatoes and gravy from the Deli? Or a rotisserie chicken, that looks good. Or maybe pretzel rolls? Oh look, pickle dip! Maybe I'll try that...or....

Lost in Aisle One

There are a few of these every week. They have been sent to the grocery store to get one, two or three items. They did not write these items down. Or put them in their phone. Or even write them on their hand. They are capable, strong individuals. And they can recall three items. They're easy to spot, as they have two of the three items balancing in their hands. No carts or baskets for these warriors! The problem is that they cannot remember the last item. And they are not going to make the call to find out what it is. That might show weakness. Perhaps it will come to them, magically appear in their brains. But no. They have a lost look on their face. I know this look. They're looking for inspiration to figure out what the last item is. They've become helpless, lost sheep. They might be tempted to pick up that yummy-looking pack of beef jerky out of frustration until they realize that the household went vegan last week. Darn! They put it back. They still can't remember the third item....

The Surprises

People will surprise you. I can look at someone pushing a grocery cart and think I know all about them – but not always, and to be honest, I don't want to be right all the time. One day I watched a woman in the Deli Department looking thoughtfully at the salads and entrées. I asked if she would like one, on the house. She looked up with tears in her eyes. "Oh, that would be so nice," she said. She explained that her mother was in hospice and her sisters had sent her to get something for dinner to bring back to them. She wasn't thinking too clearly, and she was so grateful to have this one decision made for her. I felt good to have helped her. Her response was a delightful surprise.

Stop by and see Mari at her demo stand in our Lyndale Market.