Too much choice when we shop

[Annahavil]

I love shopping for groceries.  It's always interesting when we see some new product on the shelves to try it.  Problem is we are spoiled with much too much choice.  I am beginning to wonder if this is giving supermarkets extra expence by more choice?  Products from around the world.  Another thing, supermarkets are continually buying certain products in bulk, really big amounts.  Stacking a product up and up.  So much of a certain product which may not even sell too well.  Is this sensible, I think not.  Incidentally I work in the health abd beauty section of a well known supermarket.  One of our big problems is certain products bought in the past that dident sell so well are put in boxes and stored in the warehouse for months and months.  Hundreds of pounds worth of products going to waste.  Some are reduced to clear but the point is that these are only a very small part of this rediculous amount.  Also monthly promotions of products have bulk buying often.  Many products sell badly so go, yes you have guessed it into store in the warehouse.  What a waste, wehat a sin?

[Rhys]

Don't worry too much - with the continual erosion of our standard of living you soon won't be able to afford much of anything.

[heatherchelle_2000]

Dear Annahavil,
     I don't know if having imported food and lots of choices is a bad thing or not.  But I agree that buying huge amounts of food that mostly goes to waste is a horrible idea.  They may be acting in a way that is penny wise (taking advantage of a discount on items bought in bulk) but it is definitely pound foolish (costs them more in the long run to purchase food they don't use plus the storage costs).  Is there anybody in management that you can talk to about this?  Maybe they could come up with some sort of agreement with a local food shelf or church to donate or sell their extra food for a reduced price so it won't rot in the warehouse and go to waste.  Or they could order only the food they honestly think they need even if it means accepting the risk of running out during a sale.  They could always give customers a rain check and honor the sale price when the next shipment comes in.  But if you work for a large chain, your store manager might not be able to change their purchase and storage policies.  You'll have to complain further up the corporate food chain.  I pray that God will guide you in helping to change this.