On the surface, you might think every store is the same. Products come in, they get stocked on the shelves, and then customers make their selections and pay. Right?
Thatโs true in essence, but thereโs a lot more to it than that. And with the rise of technology, people are coming up with more ways to improve stores of every kind. That means making them more accessible, sustainable, and enjoyable.
People have come up with some amazing ideas. Some of them help with the support of local farms, some make it easier for families to shop with young kids in tow, and some are just about fixing small, everyday problems that are just a part of life.
Whether theyโre solving problems big or small, these ideas have one thing in common. Theyโre great enough to make people stop, stare, and think, โThat is so cool!โ
Unfortunately, not all stores have all these amazing solutions. If they did, it would make boring grocery shopping a thing of the past. In fact, a lot of people would go to the grocery store just for fun.
So, no store is perfect. But these 50 have some great ideas that make them pretty close.
Source:
Cry__Wolf
1. For the super annoying carts
Weโve all ended up with a cart that has a squeaky wheel โ or even worse, the wheel that wonโt stop spinning out of control. This store came up with a great way to take the broken carts temporarily out of the rotation.
Source:
Reddit/Master-Obvious
2.This is a great way to cut down on waste
Food waste is an enormous problem, and unfortunately, a lot of it happens because produce doesnโt meet aesthetic standards. This store is offering โuglyโ fruit, cutting down on waste and raising awareness about the issue.
Source:
Imgur
3. Every store should have this
Weโve all struggled to find certain items in the grocery store before. This store came up with a convenient and straightforward solution. They put a tag on the cart letting shoppers know where to find the most common items.
Source:
Reddit/ross01628
4. Talk about growing local
Plenty of stores stock local produce, but this one went above and beyond. It grows its own produce on the roof. At least you know your lettuce is fresh.
Source:
Reddit/DefaultAnthony
5. Bring your pup along
Most grocery stores donโt welcome pets, unless theyโre service animals. However, this Italian grocery store does. In fact, they even have dog-friendly carts for all their shoppers!
Source:
La Repubblica Milano
6. Iโd just hang out in there
When stocking up on winter gear, it can be hard to know well items will protect you during bouts of cold temperature. This store had an interesting solution: a cold box where you can try out winter clothes before buying.
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Reddit/jiggy
7. This is a better system
Everyone in the world has reconsidered a purchase while at the store. But that means you either have to walk across the store to put it back, if you even remember where it came from, or set it on a random shelf. This store came up with a third option.
Source:
Reddit/tdes
8. Well, how else would you test them?
This store had an interesting idea for stocking its public bathrooms with toilet paper. It supplied one roll of each available brand so that customers can test them to see which one they like best.
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Reddit/shishdem
9. This is so creative
This store has an actual beehive inside it! Itโs a great way to protect bees that would otherwise have died from a damaged or infected hive. Theyโre diligently cared for by a professional beekeeper.
Source:
Reddit/singmyfavoritehymn
10. Keep your kids quiet and happy
This grocery store has a way to keep kids preoccupied while their parents do the shopping. You can take a piece of fruit, giving them something to snack on. At that same time, this might cut down on them begging for junk food.
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Reddit/theDirtyJJ
11. Everyone has this problem with bananas
Bananas are a staple in most households, but choosing them is tricky since most are either underripe or overripe. This store posted a handy guide to help customers select the bananas they need.
Source:
Reddit/ssanchez22
12. A place to hang out while your spouse shops
Well, it might not be your spouse โ it could be your parent or your roommate, but if someoneโs insisted you go shopping against your will, this store has the perfect place for you to wait, and yes, itโs a bar.
Source:
Reddit/Bzric
13. Well, thatโs adorable
This mattress store hit on an amazing way to endear itself to customers. For every mattress sold, customers can take home a free doggie bed if wanted.
Source:
Reddit/Tirfing88
14. This is perfect if youโre on a budget
Most of us have struggled with limited funds at one point or another, so we know what itโs like to try to add up grocery purchases as we shop. This store provides calculators in the handle of the shopping cart, preventing people from overspending.
Source:
Reddit/Afrocean
15. This is the best kind of blind date
The staff at this bookstore knows that finding a good book to read can be hard. So, they came up with a great idea. They offer โblind datesโ where you choose a book based on a genre or basic outline. Who knows, you might end up finding something really great.
Source:
Reddit/secondarysouls
16. Chill your wine on us
Sure, most people can chill their wine at home, but sometimes, you need wine to be cold as you leave the store. After all, maybe youโre going directly to a party or some other event. This store has a place where you can chill wine to the exact temperature preferred.
Source:
Reddit/slorsx89
17. Donโt forget those in need
This store has an incredible way of providing for the local homeless and underprivileged population. It packs up food in easily-distributed containers that customers can purchase and donate.
Source:
Reddit/insertironicmemehere
18. This store always has sales
This store offers a saleโs price that corresponds with the outside temperature. Just ignore the minus sign โ on this day, it was offering an 18 percent discount storewide!
Source:
Reddit/Infateshands
19. Thisโll cut back on your shopping time
This fancy โsmart cartโ has a GPS built into the handle. With that, thereโs no need for you to wander in search of an item or look for an employee. All you have to do is type in the name of the item you want and head to the aisle.
Source:
Reddit/rocker248
20. Do you have a hankering for fresh almond butter?
If you prefer a different type of spread over peanut butter, this store has all the options you can dream of, including cashew butter, almond butter, and more. You can even grind it yourself so itโs as fresh as it can be!
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Reddit/goodbetterbecks
21. Put the blue bags away first
You come in from the grocery store and place all your bags on the kitchen floor. But then you need to get all your frozen stuff put away first, requiring you to spend time figuring out which bag theyโre in. This store puts it all in special blue bags so frozen items arenโt left out too long.
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Reddit/cakefraustin
22. Make sure it all fits
If you carry a purse or bag, you know how frustrating it can be trying to find the right one. This store provides 3D printouts of common items so you can perform a test to see if theyโll fit inside the bag youโre thinking about buying.
Source:
Reddit/theanonymousrory
23. Advent can be for grownups, too
Remember those wonderful Advent calendars that had a piece of chocolate behind each little cardboard door? This store offers Advent calendars for adults with doors that offer a special beer.
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Reddit/yannbr9
24. The cart has to travel, too
If you shop at a grocery store with multiple levels, you need a way to get your cart up and down. Instead of the hassle of stairs, this store offers a special escalator designed just for your grocery cart.
Source:
Reddit/asshat_
25. Well, thatโs one way to kill time
Waiting in line can be really boring so this store came up with a genius way to keep customers entertained. If nothing else, it puts people in a good mood.
Source:
Reddit/GIGALARGZADON
26. What movie could be better?
This candy store has a corner where the staff plays Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory on loop. What else are you supposed to play over and over again in a candy store?
Source:
Reddit/principled_principal
27. This is how to get your kids to eat their veggies
It can be hard to get enough vegetables in your diet especially since most require a lot of preparation and cooking! This frozen vegetable pick-and-mix makes it easy to get the veggies you want and cook them in no time.
Source:
Reddit/OhLottie
28. If you love fresh mushroomsโฆ
If you worry about the freshness of your produce, this store has your back. You can literally harvest your own mushrooms from an indoor garden bed.
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Reddit/BlondeRed
29. Well, this is creative
Not everyone needs work boots, but if you do, you probably know there are different types based on the job. This store has several materials that you can test your boots on to find out if theyโll grip properly.
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Reddit/MusicMedic
30. Donโt let those avocados go to waste
Avocados are delicious and healthy, but they can be difficult to find while fresh. This store supplies handy-dandy stickers to show what color the best avocado should be!
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Reddit/q0__0p
31. Never get lost again
It might not be a smart cart with a GPS system, but this more traditional version works almost as well. This store supplies carts with maps so that you know exactly where to go.
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Reddit/1982-Present
32. โBread dispenserโ is a beautiful phrase
If youโve ever been to Germany, you know the Germans love their bread. You can find it in every shape, size, and favor, which is why this German grocery store has its own bread dispenser.
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Reddit/kevin_cg1
33. Who wouldnโt want to shop and drink at the same time?
Youโre not allowed to drink beer in most grocery stores, but this one is a little different. They offer craft beer in part of the store, complete with cupholders in the shopping carts.
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Reddit/John7122
34. Why doesnโt every coffee shop have this?
Itโs so simple yet so genius. This shop has a small shelf where you can set your coffee while you open the door. Youโll never burn your hands again!
Source:
Reddit/yelahneb
35. Theyโve got your back on the booze
If you donโt drink much, you may have no idea what you really like. But this grocery store is here to save the day! You can choose a mystery bag based on a couple of things that you do like, making it super easy to discover something new.
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Reddit/HeinrichTau
36. Now this is accessibility
Itโs not something that most of us think about, but shopping can be difficult when you canโt see well. These shopping carts come equipped with magnifying glasses, making it easy for the elderly or visually impaired to see items clearly.
Source:
Reddit/Budzink1
37. Well, that simplifies things
In some parts of the world, digital price tags are apparently now the norm! Not only does this make it easier to adjust prices but it also cuts down on waste. Plus, you always know the price is correctly marked.
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Reddit/SONNYSPAK
37. Iโve needed this in every grocery store Iโve been in
Hereโs yet another solution for helping people โ a digital map that you can navigate with a simple touch! Itโs an amazing thing to have if youโre shy and hate talking to store employees.
Source:
Reddit/classifiedintrovert
39. When you want to avoid a tantrum
Parents often hold their breath when going through the checkout line. Why? They know their kids will probably spot the candy and gum, which leads into pleading for a treat. This aisle is sugar-free, which means there wonโt be any tantrums!
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Reddit/TheEvilton
40. Charge your phone while you shop
In the modern world, we always carry our phones. Thanks to advanced technology, theyโre more than phones โ theyโre calculators, news sources, emergency alert systems, and maps. This grocery store offers a charging dock in every cart so your phone is always ready to use.
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Reddit/muhandes
41. Never eat a bad mango again
The ripeness of mango can make or break its quality of flavor. This handy sticker shows what color the fruit will be when itโs at its best.
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Reddit/Sycamori
42. They know how to protect their customers
Whatโs so amazing about a hot dog shop, you might be asking? Well, this isnโt a hot dog shop at all. Itโs actually a jewelry store that disguises its bags to protect customers from thieves. Itโs also a good way to hide your significant otherโs Christmas present.
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Reddit/thathawkeyeguy
43. I know a lot of people who would love this
While people love vending machines, not everyone has a sweet tooth. Instead, they prefer savory snacks. This vending machine in a butcherโs shop is right up their alley!
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Reddit/Rkane44
44. This is simply genius
The numbers on these checkout aisles change based on how many people are waiting in line. Itโs a perfect way to make sure that everyone can check out as quickly and efficiently as possible!
Source:
Reddit/jhallen2260
45. Now you donโt have to keep track
If you go into a dressing room with a lot of things to try on, youโll probably be in there for a while. The challenge is trying to keep track of what you want to buy versus what youโll be returning to the rack. This store had a great solution!
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Reddit/pumpkinspice90
46. This is every introvertโs dream
This grocery store has two types of carts. Oneโs for people who need employee help and the others for those who would rather shop in peace. Sign me up!
Source:
Reddit/hand_
47. For the detail-oriented shopper
Most people probably arenโt concerned about what their outfit looks like at different times of the day. But if you are, hereโs a store thatโs perfect for you! The dressing room has adjustable lights so you can make sure your new outfit looks flattering at any time.
Source:
Reddit/peachpai
48. A discount for a high need
IKEA came up with a great way to sell its umbrellas. They put them by the front doors and discount them steeply when the weather is bad. Call it their rainy-day special.
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Reddit/Constitutional_Prole
49. A liquor storeโs unique solution
This liquor store has a genius way of helping its customers enjoy themselves. They package up cocktail mixers in plastic baggies and add some eye-catching names.
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Reddit/nonthreat
50. This is local eating
Do you want to support local farmers? This vending machine is stocked with food from a nearby farm, making it easy and convenient for people to buy and eat locally grown food.
Source:
Reddit/notanothermarketer
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