LESSON 4.

1:Grocery

A grocery store is also called a supermarket or a greengrocer. Chain grocery

stores are referred to by name. Learn the names of these stores before you travel
to a new country. Superstores or department stores often have full grocery
sections inside.

Shop Smart
At the front you will find convenience foods and sale items. At the checkout you
will find things you probably don’t need, such as chocolate bars and magazines.
The store is counting on you to throw a few of these items into your cart or
basket. This is called impulse shopping. Can you resist the temptation?

Gathering and packing

Most grocery stores offer a variety of options for

gathering and packing items. Don’t be surprised if you have to buy your bags.

 shopping cart: pushcart on wheels (you may have to put a coin deposit in
the slot)
 reusable bags: bring your own (or buy and reuse)

Main Aisles and Sections

Here are the main aisles (or sections) in a grocery store as well as some example
items you will find in them.
produce: fresh fruit and vegetables
frozen food: juice, pizzas, fruit and vegetables
bulk food: peanuts, candy, flour, snacks (You bag yourself. You choose the
amount.)
baking: pre-packaged goods such as flour, sugar, salt, and chocolate chips.
breads: packaged breads, bagels, hamburger and hot dog buns
meat and seafood: packaged beef, chicken, fish
deli: freshly sliced meats and cheeses (You tell the butcher how much you want.)
bakery: fresh breads, muffins, cakes to order
dairy: milk, eggs, dairy, yogurt
pasta and rice: spaghetti, penne, wild rice, whole wheat pasta
ethnic foods: foods from countries in other parts of the world
canned foods: beans, pasta sauce, canned fruit and vegetables
condiments: ketchup, BBQ sauce, salad dressings, oil
snacks: chips, packaged candy, cookies, crackers
cereal: boxed breakfast cereals and bars, oats, granola.
beverages: juice, pop, coffee, tea,
household items: toilet paper, tissue paper, garbage bags, detergent, diapers
health and beauty and or pharmacy: make up, deodorant, feminine products,
medicine

Checkout

Read the signs above you before you get into a line.

 express checkout: For people buying a few items. The sign will show how
many items you are allowed to have (1-12).
 automatic checkout: You swipe and bag your own groceries and pay with
a credit or debit card.
 closed: Many stores use a lighting system to show which line ups are open
for service. If the light is on the aisle is likely open.

Questions to ask in a Grocery Store

You don’t always need to ask someone who works in the store. The shopper next
to you may be able to tell you where to find the sugar.

 Can you tell me where the produce section is?

 Can you do a price check for me?
 Do you have more flour in the back? (if a shelf is empty)
 Is this on sale?
 Do you sell stamps, lottery tickets, alcohol? (grocery stores in some
countries are not licensed to sell alcohol)

Discounts
Do you have a discount card? Many clerks will ask this. Membership cards at
grocery stores are usually free. They provide you with a discount on many items.
Are you going to use this store a few times? Fill out a form and get a card! It will
be worth your time. If you don’t have a card, don’t be fooled by the prices on
food. Many foods are advertised at membership prices. Without a card you’ll pay
a higher price. Brand-name items are typically more expensive than no-
name or store-named items.

Common Courtesy
If the person behind you only has one or two items, you can invite the shopper to
go in front of you. Say, “You can go ahead of me. You’re just buying a few things.”
If there is a divider (small stick) on the conveyor belt at the checkout, place it
after your items. This will allow the person behind you to start placing his or her
groceries down too.