Japan’s top supermarket check-out staff

Reuters reports on a competition that emphasizes the importance of good service at supermarkets:

Supermarket cashiers gathered in the western city of Kobe recently to vie for the title of Japan’s top check-out staff.

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7 comments - What do you think? Posted by James - July 28, 2009 at 9:52 am

binsentokun

One thing I always appreciate about Japan is the great customer service. In the states, I would often be greeted by a grumpy, tired, or just irritable clerk who would make your day feel worse.

http://www.zdwonline.de Haf

Japanese friends who visit Germany always complain about the unfriendly service staff here, especially in super markets. And they’re right about it.
Most of my experiences with supermarket staff in Japan have been very nice. They usually also wait patiently for you to check for coins. In Germany, the staff often prepares the change before you’ve paid, to speed things up. So after giving them a bill, there’s usually not much time to look for some coins in your purse to fit the odd amount that you have to pay. Crazy.

lovely

there is way too much customer service here in japan. i am just as happy to get my purchases and leave. courteous hellos aside.
Kitty

Last time I went to the super market the cashier was an old fat man that blew a gasser when he bent down to pick up some change he dropped. He looked at me like a cow with its head stuck in a fence. I was in the USA of course.
RMilner

I’m all up there for customer service.

Checking into hotels is sometimes a PITA because all the explaining takes so long when you just want to get your key and go to your room.
michael

last time i was in a supermarket i got a very nice smile at the door and the staff followed me around like a lonely dog who want to help me to enjoy my visit there. to bad they didnt helped me to find why i wanted to pay for. but it was a very nice custom service done by the very big muscle guy of the security service of the supermarket where i was scared halfdead… ohh and yeahh i was in Cologne, Germany.
http://www.hormel.com Vonskippy

Considering what your grocery bill is in Japan, the LEAST they can do is be polite and smile while they empty your wallet.