Supermarket Vocabulary

Aisle

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aisle		what the rows in a grocery store are called
cashier		the person who rings up your groceries and takes your money
coupon		a piece of paper that gives you a discount
dairy section		the section of the supermarket where you can find milk, eggs, and cheese
deli		the area of the supermarket where you can buy meats, cheeses, and salads.
frozen food section		the section of the supermarket where you can find frozen foods
health and beauty aides		the section where you can find shampoo, toothpaste, and medicines	Shampoo Toothpaste
meat department		the section where you can find beef, chicken, and pork
produce		the section where fresh fruits and vegetables are found
receipt		a piece of paper that the cashier gives you that shows what you bought
seafood department	you may buy fish, shrimp, crab, and lobster here
shopping cart	you push this around the store; it holds your groceries

A grocery store is also called a supermarket or a greengrocer. Chain grocery stores are referred to by name. Learn the names of these stores before you travel to a new country. Superstores or department stores often have full grocery sections inside.

Shop Smart

Grocery stores are set up for you to buy more than you need. Fresh foods and staples are usually placed in the outside aisles or at the far end of a grocery store.

At the front you will find convenience foods and sale items. At the checkout you will find things you probably don’t need, such as chocolate bars and magazines. The store is counting on you to throw a few of these items into your cart or basket. This is called impulse shopping. Can you resist the temptation?

Gathering and packing

M ost grocery stores offer a variety of options for gathering and packing items. Don’t be surprised if you have to buy your bags.

• shopping cart: pushcart on wheels (you may have to put a coin deposit in the slot)

• basket: plastic container with handles; useful for quick grocery trips when you only need a few items

• box: sometimes available for free at the checkout

• plastic or paper bags: you may have to pay for these

• reusable bags: bring your own (or buy and reuse)