I came across a story on Facebook about Jumbo, a Netherlands based supermarket chain. The company introduced a slow checkout line in some of its stores—referred to as a Kletskassa or “chat checkout”—when it discovered that some customers are not in a rush and would enjoy talking to the cashier while paying for their groceries. According to the story, this added personal touch is helping many people, especially the elderly, deal with loneliness. The move has proven so successful that Jumbo has installed slow checkout lines in 200 of its stores. Jumbo has also introduced a “chat corner” where local residents can gather for a cup of coffee and some conversation. This is a wonderful example of a business that’s concerned about making a difference in the lives of its customers.

One Sentence Wisdom

• “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” –Anne Lamott
• “In an age of speed, I began to think, nothing could be more invigorating than going slow.” — Pico Lyer

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