Palatine Residents Sound Off on Jewel Cart Policy

Palatine residents voiced strong opinions this week on a new policy at Jewel-Osco, which requires its employees to follow customers — and their carts — out to their vehicles. 

The service is mandatory, according to couponsinthenews.com, and whether you want the help or not, your bagger is expected to follow you out to your vehicle. The service has nothing to do with keeping track of carts, according to Coupons in the News. 

"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.

Local Patch readers sounded off on the new policy on the Palatine Patch Facebook page. Here is what they had to say: 

• "It should not be mandatory. I imagine it is because of the few thoughtless people who do not return their carts to the cart corrals. I prefer to load my groceries in my car my way..." — Karie Milas Nordin
• "Now I can add another reason to the list as to why I go to Mariano's." —  Tracy Timberlake
• "No big deal... but it would be simpler to just ask and respect those who refuse." — Chris Ahlenius
• "It's sad that I remember when this was a standard thing at all grocery stores, and people complained when they took this service away. Same as with pumping gas. Would people complain if gas stations suddenly became full service again? It looks like they would think it's "'creepy.'" — Kirstin Gannon Larson
• "...I could think of worse things that they can implement....I guess I just rather look at it as the cup is half full." — Linda Frahm 

TELL US: Do you think it should be mandatory for Jewel-Osco employees to follow you — and your cart — out to your vehicle? Let us know in the comments section.