Got time? At this slow grocery store check-out lane, a leisurely chat is OK - Action News
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Edmonton

Got time? At this slow grocery store check-out lane, a leisurely chat is OK

Jason Rutledge mans his grocery store register while wearing a green squid hat and if you want to chat about it, he's got the time. That's because the Edmonton Sobeys cashier often works the new "slow social lane" that offers customers the chance to take a breath and enjoy a conversation.

Pandemic created the need for more social interaction, says Edmonton grocery store owner

Checkout connections: Grocery store introduces slow lane

2 years ago
Duration 2:00
An Edmonton Sobeys has launched a slow check-out lane after they discovered some people enjoy chatting with the cashier while paying for their groceries. They say the added personal touch is helping many people, especially seniors, deal with loneliness.

Jason Rutledge is not one to shy away from conversation.But that's a quality you would expect from a man wearing a green hat shaped like a squid.

And that's why the grocery store cashier with the huge grin and infectious laugh can often be found behind the register of the new "slow social lane" at an Edmonton Sobeys a check-out lane where customers can take as long as they want.

"I look at the time that I have with these people our conversations, especially, are very sacred to me," Rutledge said.

For years, customers like Karen Just have sought outRutledgeto scan and check out their groceries.

"He's just a fun guy. He's so personable and friendly," Just said.

"It's always nice to come in somewhere where someone's got a smile on their face."

Jason Rutledge puts grocery items into a reusable bag at the slow check-out lane at the Belmont Sobeys in Edmonton.
Jason Rutledge packs groceries for a customer at an Edmonton Sobeys in the 'slow social lane,' a check-out lane for people who want to take their time and have a bit of a chat while they buy their groceries. (Kory Siegers/CBC)

Officially designating the slow lane

Last week, the grocery store officially designated the slow lane, which is staffed by Rutledge andother like-minded cashiers.

"I can turn any lane into a slow lane," laughed customer Carolyn Krausher of her experience with the new checkout.

Store owner Jerry MacLachlan said the pandemic created the need for more social interaction for some people.

"COVID [has] kinda isolated us. It sorta divided us," he said, noting that some customers were there to get "alittle bit of love from Jason, I guess."

Our conversations, especially, are very sacred to me.- Jason Rutledge, Sobeys 'slow lane' cashier

Sobeys is far from the first grocery chain to slow things down.

In 2017, the BBC reported that supermarket chain Tesco would introduce a "relaxed lane" at certain times of day to make life less stressful for some customers who needed more time.The pilot project was developed in partnership with Alzheimer's Scotland.

In September 2021, Dutch grocery chain Jumbo announced a goal to open 200 Kletskassa or "chat checkouts" across the Netherlands within a year.According to the chain, the concept that was first introduced in 2019 aimed toreduceand preventloneliness and is for those "whohave the time to enjoyachat during the check-out process."

From quick chats to deep discussions

Conversations in the Sobeys slow social lane in Edmonton can range from seconds to sometimes up to 15 minutes, according to Rutledge, and the topics of discussion can vary.

"I've had days you come through and you're talking to someone about hockey,"Rutledge said."The next person comes through, they're a priest. So, I wonder, what's that like?'How long have you been doing that?' "

Butin the past, he says, there have also been somedeeply personal conversations where he says he would start by asking, "'How are you doing?' They would say, 'Oh, I'm OK.' 'Why are you just OK?' They start dropping stuff on you. They would say things like, 'I just lost my dad yesterday.' "

A sign that reads
The Edmonton Sobeys locations has officially designated the check-out counter as a slow lane. The store's owner says the pandemic created the need for more social interaction for some customers. (Peter Evans/CBC)

'It makes you feel better'

Els Thenu is a regular customer at the grocery store and, on this particular day, she sought out the slow lane specifically to say helloto Rutledge.

"He's always so friendly and his hats are amazing," she said.

Thenu admits she uses the self checkout when she's in a rush, but says she enjoys the personal contact when she has the time.

"Even if you are in a bad mood, when you go to his lane, you come out on the other end, you feel it's more fun."

A sign inside an Edmonton Sobeys reads
Rutledge says conversations in the Sobeys slow social lane can range from seconds to sometimes up to 15 minutes. (Kory Siegers/CBC)

In a world that seems to pride speed and rewardthose who move quickly, the slow lane offers customers the chance to take a breath and enjoy a conversation.

"Before I came in here, it was like 'bleh,' " said customer Della Davey."And now, he makes you laugh. It makes you feel better."

The store plans to keep the slow lane to justone check-out counter for now, though MacLachlan saysit's unclear how the lane will work when things gets busy during the holidays.

For Rutledge, every conversation is one that'sgood for the soul.He says he's not sure why the customers come to him.

"But I do know, for me, I come here for them."