This article was originally published on TastyArea
Navigating crowded food aisles and standing in long lines is not most people's idea of fun, which is why many of us don't find pleasure in grocery shopping (no matter how many delicious snacks we stuff in our carts). But sometimes, a routine trip to the supermarket can brighten an otherwise dull day. Whether it's thanks to employees showing off their wit throughout the stocked shelves or clever hacks that make shopping easier, these grocery stores are anything but ordinary. So grab those reusable shopping bags and get a taste of these unexpected finds.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
Someone captured this photo in a Dutch supermarket, and it's on a whole other level when it comes to sampling a product before you buy. Apart from being clever marketing, it's also pretty funny. We just feel sorry for whoever has to restock all those different toilet paper rolls when they run out! But still - getting to try out different toilet paper brands while using the store's bathroom? Genius idea.
From the photo, it also looks like there is a clear winner. The toilet paper roll in the middle on the bottom row looks as if it's a customer favorite.
Please Don't Slice Nana
Someone wasn't too happy upon finding this "nana slicer" at their local grocery store. Obviously short for bananas, this little kitchen gadget looks almost sold out. However, nana doesn't look like she's going to be buying this one today; at least, we hope not. This nana looks like a gem. And who really needs this gadget to slice bananas? Not us! At least not when nana is around.
One way to ease the boredom associated with grocery shopping is to take someone else with you. And after seeing this photo, we can safely say we'd go grocery shopping with nana any day of the week.
The Perfect Accessory For Your Kid's New Backpack
Another hilarious gaffe, someone decided that what kids need when going back to school are kitchen knives made out of premium German steel. Granted, this would have been a pretty cool thing to bring to show-and-tell as a kid, but it's probably not on every parent's long, back-to-school shopping list. We are pretty doubtful teachers would have been very happy had kids shown up to class with these blades.
Regardless, the sign is a welcome addition to any monotonous back-to-school shopping trip that usually includes things like notebooks, erasers, and backpacks. Perhaps it even managed to make a couple of bored shoppers stop and smile.
You Have To Respect The Honesty
This photo is absolutely hilarious, and we can just imagine a disgruntled employee printing out and slapping this sticker onto the package of oranges. The label reads: "Not the best but still good." While the oranges look perfectly fine to us, apparently, they're not the best. And you have to respect the store and whoever made the label for their honesty. We also have to thank them for the laugh they gave us.
We just really hope nobody got in trouble for the labeling. Honestly, if anything, it made us want to buy these oranges even more. And at only $0.99, you really can't beat the price.
Free Childcare at the Supermarket
Someone posted this photo that was taken at a Korean Costco. Apparently, it shows a bunch of kids that were left alone to watch T.V. while their parents shopped. While this might not be possible in the U.S. for a couple of different reasons, it does bring up some interesting ideas. Like, how come supermarkets don't offer daycare services? We mean, it would kind of make sense, especially considering how difficult it can sometimes be to shop with children.
With that said, you have to admire that Korea is considered safe enough to leave children alone watching T.V. while you do your shopping around the store.
We Had No Idea They Make Ketchup
This photo came as a bit of a shock. It turns out that not only does Mcdonald's make ketchup, but you can actually buy it at a supermarket. The packaging is pretty on point, too. We'd just always assumed that they outsourced their ketchup making to a company like Heinz or something. However, this photo does come with one caveat that is sure to sadden some fans of Mcdonald's out there.
It actually turns out that Mcdonald's ketchup is only available in Romania, which is where this photo was taken. However, all hope is not lost; perhaps sometime in the future, the fast-food company will introduce their ketchup line to other countries.
We're Getting Mixed Messages
This photo is not for those of us who struggle to make a decision. Someone captured this photo at what appears to be a Target, judging from the colors on the door. Whoever was responsible for attaching the stickers to the doors was obviously having an off day. It's kind of hard to believe nobody else who worked at the store caught this little mishap before the photo was taken as well. If we'd come across this, then it probably would have left us staring at the door until an employee came outside to check if we were okay.
With all that said, there could be a simple reason the stickers were wrongly placed side-by-side. Perhaps they were placed on the doors before they were installed and meant to be taken off, depending on where they ended up going. But the point is, the "Do Not Enter" above the "Enter Only" is sending us mixed messages.
We Feel Understood by These Baskets
This photo was taken at a store in Bangkok, Thailand. It shows a pretty clever way of incorporating visual cues into something people use every day. The shopping baskets are either pink or black, which allows employees to know if a shopper might need help with something (pink) or prefer to be left alone (black). The idea is simple but kind of ingenious, which makes us wonder why nobody else has ever thought of this before.
We could definitely see these types of baskets being successful at stores around the world. However, if you were to grab a pink basket, there might be issues with employees constantly coming up to you, offering to help with something.
Hitting up the Card Aisle Instead of the Donut Shop on Valentine's Day
A keen shopper spotted this in the card aisle on Valentine's Day. Whoever posted the photo said that it was taken around 5:00 p.m., meaning these officers are either just getting off their shift or completely forgot about the special day. Either way, they definitely didn't plan ahead. This is a pretty funny scene to come across if you happen to be out shopping for groceries, provided, of course, you'd already taken care of your own Valentine's Day shopping.
There also seems to be one guy left out; either that or the sheriff at the end thought ahead and is just there for emotional support. Maybe he is there to give his own opinion on cards for his fellow officers.
Dad Jokes Are in the Frozen Food Aisle
Someone posted this photo showing their dad with them at a local supermarket. And this moment just goes to show that shopping with other people can be a joy, even if they occasionally make a corny dad joke. However, as far as dad jokes go, this one really isn't that bad. The guy, who is Hispanic, is standing and shivering underneath a weirdly-worded sign that reads: frozen Hispanic.
While we can't make out any of the food in the background, we can clearly see one Hispanic dad doing his best to bring a little fun to an otherwise mundane shopping experience.
Well, That Cake Definitely Won't Help
We never really think about it when shopping at a grocery store, but they are filled with advertisements. We are constantly being bombarded while shopping. We can't help but think that the sign below, which asks "Need help managing your diabetes?" was intentionally placed behind a table covered in cakes. While it's a bit of a cruel joke, it's also a pretty clever placement if you think about it. It's too bad the cakes looked otherwise appetizing.
If the placement was unintentional, then someone probably had some explaining to do after this was found out. However, at least it ended up making for a pretty funny photo.
This Chocolate Milk Has Big Harry Potter Vibes
This poor milk carton has seen better days. A shopper took this photo while walking down an aisle at their local grocery store. We don't know what happened to this milk carton, but whatever it was, it seems to have crumbled the carton into the shape of a face. And a pretty suspicious-looking face at that. We don't know if this would make us laugh or pause if we saw this in a supermarket.
We might have to just leave it there for the next unsuspecting shopper who happens to wander by. Even if it ends up scaring them more than it makes them laugh, at least it would break up the monotony of grocery shopping. And does anyone else think it looks like the Sorting Hat from Harry Potter?
How Did He Get There?
Somebody came across this little guy while perusing the snack aisle. This furry feline looks perfectly at home curled up in an empty box, and imagine the surprise on the shopper's face when he looks down to find this cat in place of a bag of Doritos. However, this does leave us wondering if the cat just wandered into the store or if it is a communal pet that the employees take care of.
Come to think of it, Doritos would also make a pretty cool name for a cat. Lays just doesn't have the same ring to it.
Caution: These Peanuts Contain Peanuts
In the world we live in today, it's pretty common to see photos and disclaimers of things that most of us would assume would be common sense. But, this sign just takes that concept to an entirely different level. Someone was obviously worried about getting sued. And while it's nice that the store is inclusive of those with allergies and worried about people's health, this particular warning probably was not needed.
Then again, you never know. There's always that one person out there that would surely be willing to try and sue over lack of what they might call disclaimers, warning those with a peanut allergy to stay away.
At Least They Have Manners
This is pretty hilarious. Someone took this photo while shopping at a Krogers. It seems a shopper spilled some flour on the floor and then wrote sorry before exiting the scene. To be honest, how could you be mad about this if you worked at a supermarket and came across this little message scrawled in some flour on the floor? Accidents happen; at least this shopper managed to brighten somebody else's day in what would've otherwise been a negative situation.
If you look very closely, you might notice something else about this photo. Whoever wrote the message even seemed to try to draw a smiley face. There is definitely a line in the shape of a smile underneath the word "sorry."
Can You Guess Which Item Sells Out Fastest in England?
People's priorities can often be seen during a time of crisis. For example, supermarkets in the U.S. quickly ran out of toilet paper when people suspected that there would be lockdowns during the pandemic. But apparently, lockdown or no lockdown, the tea aisle in London supermarkets is often sold out. Well, that's at least according to this shopper, who took notice when shopping in the city.
This photo is actually pretty funny and somewhat of a culture shock. Everyone has heard that the English enjoy their tea, but to be completely out of it does seem a little weird.
When the Employees Don't Know That Bacon Isn't Kosher
If you are not familiar with Jewish customs, you might not know that some Jewish people do not eat bacon or any kind of pork. Apparently, whoever put up this "for Passover" sign in front of boxes of bacon didn't get the memo. While it's a nice gesture to recognize Passover, a holiday when some Jewish people don't eat wheat, they got it hilariously wrong by putting the sign next to the bacon.
We wonder if anybody actually ever ended up telling the store's employees about the little sign mishap or if it just stayed there until Passover ended.
Deceptive Marketing
We all take a second glance when we see one of those bright yellow discount stickers at the grocery store. However, this offer seems to be a bit off. For one, buying three and getting zero for free does not exactly feel like it's a discount deal. Regardless, this is a pretty funny sticker to find hanging out in a grocery store. That is until you realize someone is trying to rip you off.
Like the lemonade photo above, the Betty Crocker sticker just adds a bit of extra humor to the photo for some reason. We wonder if this was intentional or accidental, though.
From Their Head to Their Toes
This photo is actually pretty clever, more so if you are one of those people that enjoy a good pun every now and then. In their attempt to drive tomato sales, some grocery store employees came up with this clever pun. We'll let you decipher it, but it really does go to show the value of having great employees. And in a place filled with fluorescent lights and people that most certainly do not want to be there, we're sure this brought a smile to some people's faces.
Even if you are not a fan of puns, you have to admire the dedication. Personally, we'll be writing "I love you from my head tomatoes" in our next Valentine's Day card.
When the Universe Sends a Cruel Sign
We've all been there. Supermarkets place candy across from the cashier for a reason; it entices shoppers to spend more after finishing their shopping. Whoever left this apple inside the Reese's box sure wasn't being shy about their priorities at this moment. They even went for the king-size Reese's. And we can't help but feel personally victimized by the aggressive fruit planted among all of this deliciousness.
Then again, maybe this photo isn't the universe sending us a cruel sign. Maybe someone left the apple after having a change of heart and wanting some chocolate instead.
This Grocery Store Is Clearly a Democracy
Someone posted this photo of a voting system installed at their university's supermarket. This is actually a pretty cool way of taking the guesswork out of what might and might not sell. According to the person who posted the photo, once an item hits 50 votes, it is then stocked. This is just another example of something that you would think would be a norm at grocery stores everywhere by now.
Universities truly are places of higher learning if they're able to produce something like this. We just hope it becomes the norm; who wouldn't want a say in deciding what they want to buy?
A Different Kind of Oil Spill
Another way to ease the monotony of visiting a supermarket is to see a spill take place. However, after seeing this photo, we definitely feel bad for whoever had to clean this giant spill up. Olive oil is also really hard to contain, unlike other liquids that you can simply soak up using a paper towel. Not to mention what might have happened had all of those heavy bottles fallen on someone.
Olive oil is actually really expensive, depending on where you are as well. Whoever was responsible for stocking these shelves likely got an earful when the manager found out about this.
Another Genius Hack by Another Genius Store
Someone is clearly living near the best supermarket out there. This store actually has calculators attached to their shopping carts. What's more, it can factor in coupons and add shopping totals according to the advertising on the cart. This is actually a pretty ingenious idea and one that you would think would be present at many grocery stores by now. The only way this could be any better is if it could automatically add and deduct as you threw items into a cart.
However, we're still probably a ways off from that kind of technology. That is if you don't count online shopping carts. These little carts would definitely take some of the pain and hassle out of picking up groceries.
Someone Didn't Learn Their Animals Right
This photo is pretty hilarious. Whoever is responsible for this kind of work really messed up big time. This photo of a picture frame containing an image of a cat was posted by somebody with a keen eye. The frame has text written on it that clearly shows it's meant to house photos of dogs. Despite this, it seems, either jokingly or unknowingly, someone in marketing messed up and included a photo of a cat.
This does get us thinking, though. Maybe naming your cat Dog wouldn't be so bad. Aside from the identity crisis, it might give your cat, of course, who might end up being just as confused as this frame.
Ikea Miracle
It's not every day you come across proof of a real-life miracle. And it would happen at an Ikea of all places. Someone posted this photo after finding a pair of crutches that were seemingly tossed in the garbage can outside the store. Ikea is certainly not the most boring supermarket to shop in, but the laugh is still appreciated nonetheless. This also brings up a couple of different questions.
But, we'll leave those to your imagination. Maybe somebody was only recovering from an injury and got tired of carrying about their crutches, or maybe somebody simply couldn't fit them in the car on the way out. Who knows.
Read The Fine Print and Never Get Ripped off Again
Another great addition to shopping carts, this store apparently attached magnifying glasses to their carts in order to allow customers to read the fine print on packaging. It's actually crazy to consider that we have only begun to scratch the surface when it comes to peak shopping cart design and technology. Just when you thought carts with calculators couldn't get any better, here comes the fine print attachment.
Jokes aside, this is actually a pretty cool way to give everyone the opportunity to know what is in the food they buy. This would be particularly helpful for those that might have a seeing disability.
For Recipes That Require Just One Egg
Are there times when you might only need one egg? Sure. Should you make a trip to the grocery store just to buy a single egg? Probably not. While the packaging is definitely appealing and quirky, eggs aren't that expensive, so why not just get a dozen of them you can use later. This might save another trip to the grocery store later and, in turn, some money on gas.
However, with that said, if someone decided they wanted to buy this just for the sole purpose of reusing the packaging the egg comes in, we can't say we'd blame them.
Japanese Marketing Is On Another Level
Everyone knows Godzilla is a huge thing in Japan. But, this replica coming through the ceiling at a supermarket in Japan is just great on so many levels. Imagine being a kid and going to the grocery store with your parents. You might think it's just another boring trip to the supermarket, only to get there and discover a huge replica of Godzilla that appears to be crashing through the ceiling.
And even if you aren't a child, this is a pretty cool way of adding some flavor to an otherwise dull grocery store. Whoever thought up this idea definitely deserves a raise.
Not Your Typical Supermarket Building
What's one way to ditch the mundane grocery shopping experience? Try taking a stroll through this supermarket housed in an old theater. A shopper in Venice, Austria, captured this image while perusing the aisles of a local grocery store. The views definitely beat the steel rafters most shoppers are used to seeing. The acoustics in this place are probably pretty great, too, considering it used to house actors performing in front of live audiences.
The supermarket also has some pretty good reviews on Tripadvisor, which is kind of funny to consider a grocery store is listed as a tourist destination. The Europeans really have food all figured out.
Signs Are Hard Too
Here is another example of funny signage. Someone caught this after what clearly used to hold rows of bacon was restocked with juice. The original sign even labeled the bacon as juicy, which, to be honest, is kind of a weird way to describe bacon. Either way, it made for an unfortunate image in our heads. Bacon fat is great for cooking with, but we couldn't imagine drinking it straight.
However, then again, maybe bacon juice wouldn't be so bad. It does make everything else taste a bit better. Maybe that was the thought going through the head of whoever restocked these shelves.
Thanks For That
Another invaluable disclaimer, we really want to know the story behind this one. Either someone complained to management that they were selling milk from cats, or an employee just thought that it'd be funny to throw up this sign. And, to be fair, it is pretty hilarious. However, this brings up another question. We always thought regular milk was perfectly fine to give to cats. Why would they need a special kind of milk?
Furthermore, if they do need a special kind of milk, then wouldn't logically that milk come from another cat? Maybe there was a good reason for that sign, or maybe we are just losing our minds.
Ah Yes, Exactly What Lemons Are For
Speaking of raises, we can clearly see here an example of work that does not deserve a raise. This photo is a bit confusing for a couple of different reasons. Of course, lemons are used to make lemonade. But how exactly could someone get this so wrong? The advertisement appears to be a part of one sign, so it's not like somebody did one set of text and another person did a different set.
In addition, the "made in the USA" label is like the cherry on top. Despite this, it would definitely be a pretty funny experience to come across this at your local supermarket.
The Perfect Corner for Cheat Day
We're not sure if these shelves were meant to hold donuts, but if we had to put money on them, we'd say no. Donuts are probably one of the worst things to put next to an advertisement promoting healthy living. And while this may not be fair, it is just the stereotype associated with these delicious sweets. These aren't just any donuts either; these are chocolate-covered mini donuts, the perfect snack for indulging in on cheat day.
At this point, you have to wonder what employees are thinking when restocking next to some of these advertisements. They have to be getting just as much of a laugh out of them as the shoppers posting these photos.
Not All Berries Were Created Equal
What is it with labeling and grocery stores? Someone posted this photo of some blueberries packaged in a strawberry container at their local supermarket. What's more confusing is that there are clearly some strawberries in the same kind of containers just sitting there in the background. Our bet is they ran out of packaging for the blueberries and just stuffed them in the boxes we see here. If so, that would certainly make sense.
If not, then someone seriously needs to brush up on the different types of fruits. You literally could not pick a fruit more different from strawberries than blueberries. We mean, one is red, and the other is blue.
When You Go Out To Buy Some Dinosaurs
This is a pretty cool way to keep shoppers guessing when navigating the aisles. Someone at this department store thought it'd be a good idea to point out that the roof is up, or does that mean down the aisle? Either way, it's the bottom item listed that's the real winner here. Apparently, underneath this store, they sell dinosaurs. We mean, imagine the excitement of being a kid and seeing this while out shopping with your parents.
Whoever put together this sign even threw in a little confused-looking stick figure. But, we wonder if the employees are tired of being asked where people can find the dinosaurs yet.
Something's Off About This Packaging
Labels are hard; at least after viewing these photos, we believe they are. Someone posted this photo after stumbling upon a pack of cookies labeled as donuts at their local supermarket. Again, this could have just been a case of not having any more bags for donuts, but who really knows. Either way, here is another fun example of what you can come across when taking a trip to your local supermarket.
At least we know these cookies were made fresh by the bakery in-store. Or, at least according to the label shown here, they were, and the label wouldn't lie to us.
Keeping The Kids Busy
One way to make grocery shopping exciting is to bring along a few kids. However, if they are like most children, then keeping an eye on them and ensuring they don't throw a fit is a job in and of itself. Luckily, this supermarket seems to have figured out a perfect solution. They have miniature carts children can use when accompanying adults shopping. Of course, these probably come with their own set of risks.
If you've ever been under the age of 16 and pushed a cart around a grocery store, then you can probably guess where we are going with this. Now, children can zoom by while riding their own carts, freeing up yours to do the serious shopping.
Make It Make Sense
Someone caught this pretty funny sign hanging in what appears to be their local Wal-Mart. The sign is advertising for grapeless grapes. While that might sound like they're trying to sell you air, it was most likely just a spelling mistake. They probably meant to say seedless grapes. At least, that's the only explanation we can think of. Whoever wrote the text for the sign must have really mentally signed out that day.
Alternatively, it is totally possible they really are trying to sell people air. Wal-Mart already sells pretty much everything else under the sun. But, at that price, we're not buying.
This Sign Would Get Our Attention
Someone spotted this sign hanging above the cereal aisle at their local supermarket. We're not sure if they're saying that you're a child if you eat cereal or telling shoppers to give in to that urge to have cereal, but it's a pretty unique sign to see hanging in a grocery store nonetheless. Of course, nothing is wrong with having cereal for breakfast every now and then, but we think we'll stick with something a bit heartier.
Despite this, you have to give it to whoever thought of and hung the sign. It's a nice little reminder that you weren't always the same person trekking through a grocery store after work to pick up something to eat. There was a time when you could just sit down and enjoy a bowl of sugary cereal for breakfast.
Perfect Fit
This is a pretty funny photo, if a little sad at the same time. There seems to be a discrepancy somewhere. We're not sure what exactly is pictured here, but we are sure it doesn't need all that extra plastic to package. With all of the environmental harm plastic is known for causing, we're actually kind of surprised nobody at the company thought this might be a bit of overkill.
This comically small part could have simply come in a paper bag along with others, but maybe they thought it'd be too small to sell without something to keep it from getting lost.