https://mymodernmet.com/dutch-supermarket-slow-lanes-kletskassa/
"Loneliness is one of the main issues that affects senior citizens around the
world, especially in urban settings where everything is fast paced and
increasingly digitized. That's why a Dutch company came up with an idea to
combat this from a very common front: the grocery store checkout. Jumbo, a
Netherlands-based supermarket chain with over 700 stores, introduced a
Kletskassa, which translates to “chat checkout,” a special lane for customers
who are not in a rush and could use a little talk with the cashier.
Jumbo introduced these “slow lanes” back in summer 2019 as part of a wider
initiative called
One Against Loneliness, launched by the Dutch government.
According to Statistics Netherlands, 1.3 million people in the Netherlands are
over 75, and 33% have reported feeling at least moderately lonely. The first
Kletskassa opened in the town of Vlijmen, in the province of North Brabant.
The response was so positive that the company made plans to create 200 of these
lanes across the country. On top of that, Jumbo stores also introduced a “chat
corner,” where local residents can gather for a cup of coffee and a little
conversation.
“Many people, the elderly in particular, can feel lonely. As a family business
and supermarket chain we have a central role in society. Our shops are a
meeting place and that means we can do something to combat loneliness. The
Kletskassa is just one of the things we can do,” said Jumbo CCO Colette
Cloosterman-Van Eerd. “We are proud our staff want to work the chat checkout.
They really want to help people and make contact with them. It’s a small
gesture but it’s a valuable one, particularly in a world that is becoming more
digital and faster.”
The best part of the
Kletskassa is that it's not exclusive for senior
citizens, and anyone whose day could improve by taking it slow and having a
little chat is welcome."
Via Esther Schindler.
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
