Business & Tech

No Means No: Is Jewel's Mandatory Cart-to-Car Service Too Much?

Whether you want them to or not, Jewel-Osco has implemented a new policy of following shoppers, and their carts, out to their vehicles. What do Patch readers think?

If you haven't shopped at your local Jewel-Osco grocery store in a while, be prepared for a new customer service initiative that you may, or may not, appreciate.

It's called the "cart-to-car" service, according to couponsinthenews.com, and whether you want the help or not, your bagger is expected to follow you and your cart out to your vehicle.

The service is mandatory, though Jewel-Osco denies it has anyting to do with keeping track of shopping carts, according to Coupons in the News.

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"We understand that this is a very different service and it might take our customers some time to understand that we want this to be the norm," said a Jewel customer service representative in the article.

It was announced in January that Jewel-Osco stores cross the country, including here in northern Illinois, would be reported Patch. The new ownership has led to speculation that the new cart to car service is a result of this.

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Super couponer Jill Cataldo is also weighing in on Jewel's new badger, er bagger, service, asking fellow shoppers what they have experienced:

"I've been to Jewel many times since the new owners took over, and (thankfully) I haven't been forced to use this service. I like taking my groceries to my own car...," stated Cataldo on jillcataldo.com.

Said one shopper on Cataldo's website:

Last week at my Jewel in Oswego I was asked if it was ok if the bagger took my cart out for me. I said it was not necessary and was told they have to do it. So there I am with walking along awkwardly with my 2 children and a bagger who unloads the cart and takes the cart away for me. Wouldn't you know it- she forgot to unload items on the bottom of my cart and I had to return to the store an hour later to pick them up. I ran in again last night and no one offered to help us out. I don't care for the service myself, seems like a waste of employee usage.

Said another shopper on couponsinthenews.com:

I like the idea…well except for the fact that it’s mandatory….I think it will help the employees of the stores get to know their customers better although I think ALL employees should get into the pile and do it not just the baggers.

Tell Us: Have you experienced Jewel's cart-to-car service? Did you find it helpful or annoying? If you refused, were you followed out anyway?


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