The Slow Checkout Counter Revolution(@MoneyHero)

Whether in Hong Kong or Japan, the fear of not being quick enough at the checkout counter is universal. Recently, a Japanese TV show, "Matsuoka Shuzo's Everyone's Weather," introduced a supermarket in Fukuoka Prefecture that has implemented a slow checkout counter, where customers can take their time to pay, even if it takes over 20 minutes!

The Slow Checkout Counter

The slow checkout counter, introduced by Asahi TV's "Matsuoka Shuzo's Everyone's Weather," is a unique concept that goes against the norm of speedy transactions. The counter is designed for the elderly, disabled individuals, pregnant women, and others who may need more time to complete their transactions. The cashiers are patient and will not rush customers, even waiting for them to gather exact change. If a customer makes a mistake or forgets something, they need not worry about being reprimanded. To help customers relax, cashiers even engage in small talk, such as inquiring about the customer's health.

The Origin of the Slow Checkout Counter

The slow checkout counter was proposed by Ms. Kaori Abe, who is not a supermarket employee but a member of an Alzheimer's support center in Fukuoka Prefecture. Many elderly individuals and patients dislike being rushed by customers behind them in line, and this negative experience can affect their mood. To alleviate this pressure, Ms. Abe suggested the implementation of a slow checkout counter.

Ms. Abe also pointed out that many Alzheimer's patients can independently purchase daily necessities with the help of patient staff and sufficient time, which gives them a sense of accomplishment. Furthermore, the friendly and inclusive atmosphere starts at the checkout counter and spreads to other areas. The introduction of the slow checkout counter has made the supermarket more popular among the elderly, with some even visiting the store specifically because of it, leading to a 10% increase in sales.

Japanese netizens have expressed their admiration for the concept, with comments such as "We've forgotten the most important things in our pursuit of efficiency," and "I wish there was a slow checkout counter in the supermarket near me." Others pointed out that not only the elderly but also people with young children might need a slow checkout counter, indicating that many people could benefit from this concept.

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