Shopping cart

Frau mit Einkaufswagen (37939692236)

Carrinho

The original two-basket Telescope Cart designed by Orla Watson

Shopping cart shepherd for Target jeh

Target cart

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216A7261-aufgehellt edited

Shopping cart refers to a wheeled cart supplied by a retail store, especially supermarkets, to be used by customers inside the shop for transport of merchandise to the checkout counter during shopping. In many parts of the world, it is also known as a shopping trolley, trolley, cart, or buggy. Shopping carts are provided at no charge to the customer and are managed by the retail store to facilitate the shopping experience.

History

The shopping cart was invented in 1937 by Sylvan Goldman, the owner of the Humpty Dumpty supermarket chain in Oklahoma City. Recognizing that customers often had difficulty managing their purchases with just a basket, Goldman devised a solution by placing a large basket on a frame with wheels. This invention significantly improved the shopping experience, leading to its widespread adoption across the retail industry.

Design and Features

Modern shopping carts are typically made of metal or a combination of metal and plastic and are designed to nest within each other in a line to facilitate easy storage and retrieval. They come in various sizes, with some stores offering "mini carts" for smaller shopping trips and others providing larger carts to accommodate family-sized purchases. Many carts feature a child seating area, and some are equipped with locking mechanisms to prevent them from being removed from the store premises.

Usage

Shopping carts are used by customers to collect and transport goods within a store. Once a customer selects a product, it is placed inside the cart and then moved to the checkout area for purchase. In addition to their primary function, shopping carts can also serve as temporary storage for personal items or as support for individuals who need assistance walking.

Safety and Maintenance

While shopping carts are convenient, they can also pose safety risks, particularly to children. Accidents can occur if a child falls out of the cart or if the cart tips over. To mitigate these risks, many stores provide safety belts in the child seating area. Regular maintenance and inspection are also crucial to ensure that carts remain safe and functional. This includes repairing broken wheels, handles, and other parts.

Environmental and Social Impact

The widespread use of shopping carts has implications for both the environment and society. Abandoned carts can become an eyesore and hazard in communities, and retrieving them incurs additional costs for retailers. To address these issues, some stores have implemented coin deposit systems to encourage customers to return carts. Additionally, the production and disposal of shopping carts have environmental impacts, leading to increased interest in sustainable materials and recycling programs.

In Popular Culture

Shopping carts have made numerous appearances in popular culture, often symbolizing consumerism or serving as props in films and television shows. They are also a common subject in discussions about urban decay and poverty, as abandoned carts can be seen in less affluent areas.

See Also

• Retail
• Supermarket
• Consumerism
• Sylvan Goldman

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