Earlier this week I read something on Facebook that claimed a Dutch supermarket chain has installed what they call slow checkouts for elderly people who are lonely and need someone to talk to. It has been so popular they have added a chat corner where people can meet for a cup of coffee and conversation.

A quick search on the internet produced a handful of articles about Jumbo, a Dutch grocery chain with over 700 locations that introduced the slow lane in 2019. It was part of the government’s One Against Loneliness campaign.

They call it a Kletskassa or “chat checkout” and it has indeed been popular. The family business recognizes the importance of community involvement and a company representative said they want to be more than just a place to shop.

Remember when cashiers had to type in a price on a cash register? Remember when people wrote checks? The checkout process was a little slower, giving customers and cashiers a few minutes to chat. Increasing use of technology in our world, particularly in grocery stores, has sped up the checkout process when using a cashier and completely removed human contact from the experience in some places.

Now if you strike up a conversation with a cashier, the people in line behind you start rolling their eyes and looking for another line. I have noticed that cashiers are so accustomed to being ignored by customers on their phones or talking to each other that they don’t even look up to say hello anymore.

I am not old or lonely but I am an introvert, and a single person who spends a lot of time alone. If there’s one thing the pandemic taught me it is that I am good at being alone. In fact, there are days I wouldn’t speak a word if not for conversations with the cat.

And I’m perfectly fine with that.

But this isn’t a good life for most people and I know plenty of younger people who could benefit from a conversation with someone outside their regular circle.

The public library in Chillicothe sometimes has Human Library Days where you can “borrow a person” who is different than you. This concept also comes from Denmark and they are doing it again today.

Whether it be a human library, a coffee chat or a good old fashioned chat with a stranger, life in the slow lane might be good for us all. I wish American stores would take the hint and put more emphasis on the human aspect of doing business for those who wish to engage.

Until then, we can let the folks at Jumbo perfect the art of the slow checkout!