I know this experience isn’t unique to my favorite grocery store or stores in Connecticut or even the northeast. All over the country some stores have decided to rearrange their aisles so that nothing is where it was. Some things have been moved within the store. Some things apparently will no longer be sold, and some things seem to be lost. Whereabouts unknown.

I’ve tried to make sense of this. Maybe it’s based on research into human behavior. Maybe they want to force us to explore the entire store (again). Maybe the shelves need to be smaller to prevent our noticing that the packages are smaller. Maybe it will eventually make life easier for the people who stock the shelves—increasingly vendors, not store employees.

My wife and I were exploring the store and we noticed one of the items we often buy. I pointed to where it used to be. Then my one-liner occurred to me:

One-Liner Wednesday by Linda G. Hill

All five of my current books are now available in audio book form thanks to Amazon KDP’s Virtual Voice process. The voice is AI generated, but I can honestly say, it’s pretty darn good. The audio books are reasonably priced (all below $7 US) and, if you already own the Kindle version and want to add an audio version, you can do that for $1.99. There is a five-minute sample on the book page for each book. If you’re interested, click on any of the Dreamer’s Alliance book links below the image or on the link below for my latest book.

Bridge to Nowhere

88 responses to “Whereabouts Unknown — 1LinerWeds”

  1. I wouldn’t get out the old picnic basket yet😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It would take too long to fill it 😀

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  2. Great one liner. It may get taken up by the populace at large. And I always enjoy your montage (?) of photos and captions.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Many other people have mentioned this happening, and it’s happening in all of the stores we visit. I’m glad you like the pictures.

      Like

  3. Your one liner is what we call Murphy’s law! The supermarkets set out their stores after careful thought to make sure you buy maximum! What strikes me as odd is most stores like to greet you with fruit and vegetables as you enter the door? Personally Dan I put it at the end of the store so it the last thing you pick before check out avoiding any squashing! 

    I hate it when things are moved it throws me right out but as you probably realise it’s done to make us look for that item and impulse buy on the way! 

    The photos are lovely as usual especially the two reflections, and the wildlife … Have a good day 💜

    Liked by 1 person

    1. This store has the bakery first, then the fruit. Then we can load up on the heavy stuff ;-)

      I love finding the reflections. The puddle dry up fast, so I have to get out there quickly after a rain.

      I hope you’re having a good week, Willow.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you Dan , I hope you are too. There is always something magical about reflection photos don’t you think an alternative universe

        Liked by 1 person

  4. I’ve not seen shelves like that since Covid, and never in the Algarve, but I do know exactly what you’re saying.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think the empty one is empty because they’re going to put something else there. They’ve had entire aisles that were empty half way. I didn’t think about it, but it does bring back Covid shopping memories.

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  5. Thanks these photos in the grocery store and cat on hay. Anita

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you like the cat, Anita. He seems to know I’m taking his picture. Maybe if I tell him people like it, he won’t be so sour.

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  6. “Despite the fact that I could never find these things before, I now clearly remember where they used to be” — brilliant, Dan! Rearranged stores are like visiting a “Found and Lost.” :-)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Dave. “Found and lost” is exactly how it feels. I came here to buy A. I know they sell it. I can’t find it. Even the employees are lost.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Thanks for the LOLs! Do you remember that classic photo of Bernie Sanders at inauguration — the curmudgeon in winter? I think this cat should be named Bernie. I also think you’re on to something with your suspicion that these grocery rearrangements are meant to hide the shrink. It’s a bit early for picnics here, but I can promise that no picnic I plan would ever include chickpea puffs. Your one-liner is another big WHY of life.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The narrow shelves also make it hard to see what is on them, especially if the first row has been depleted. I have to bend down to see what’s there. I’m not shopping for exercise.

      I’ll try calling him Bernie – maybe he’ll lighten up a bit.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. And thanks again. I keep waking up the ducks. Not shopping for exercise? There goes my self-improvement plan! As for Bernie the Cat, good luck!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. I saw him today, sitting in front of a pile of bird seed waiting for birds. I took his picture. Then I said, “A friend thinks you look like Bernie Sanders – would yo smile if I called you Bernie?”

          He just gave me his, “Please just go away” look.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. But without the “please.”

            Liked by 1 person

  8. Thank you for making me smile. I went to the local supermarket today and they had moved stuff around too, but not in any logical way. I didn’t buy more than usual, in fact the opposite because I couldn’t be bothered searching the aisles for stuff. It must be the time of the year.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It’s so annoying. Plus, they have big empty areas. That makes no sense. What store doesn’t cram as much as possible in front of you? It looks like the process will be going on for a while. I hope they don’t start moving the freezers.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Everything is perking up, I see. Thanks for the bunny and, of course, the flag.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Always my pleasure, GP.

      Liked by 2 people

  10. Lovely reflections in your photos and one liner Dan. Profound one-liner.
    My personal thought about stores moving things around is to add to the energy in the store a sense of newness. I think (I really have no idea for certain) I like to visit my regular shopping haunts for the usual fare but like to “feel” that there is a freshness about the place. Having said that it is always an adventure for me to almost “hunt and gather” to find my usual items..Lol.
    I love the critters…they look very good having weathered winter thanks to your free groceries.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Suzette. The critters would be most unhappy at the sight of those empty shelves. That’s where the bags of peanuts were! We have numerous other sources, but it was good not to have to pay for shipping.

      I think they are trying to give the store a fresh look, but it’s hard on those of us who had a path through the forest. We will survive. We can learn.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yes, well said Dan…”thepath through the forest” so easy to find when one knows the way to the items. Yes survival is always the plan. Have a good one, Dan.

        Liked by 1 person

  11. I’ll tell ya, the first place I noticed the shrinkage was in my toilet roll. Charmin is now not a big plump roll at. all. 😭

    I love your one-liner as I can relate. 🤣 Just when I think I’ve got the aisles and placement of the things I want to buy locked down they change it and I’m lost all over again.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Not plump and not as wide. We buy that commodity at Costco. I unwrap a pack of 36 rolls and put in on two shelves in a small closet. For 20 years or more, I could only stack the shelves 3 rolls high. Then I started to be able to squeeze a 4th roll in. Now, 4 rolls fit with room to spare.

      This is a big change for the grocery. Target is always moving stuff around, so I’m used to not being used to that layout.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. It’s not a good change is it! 😭

        Liked by 1 person

        1. No! And it’s insulting that they think we’re so stupid we won’t notice.

          Liked by 1 person

  12. Nice capture of the birds flying in that reflection.

    I normally don’t do the shopping, but when I do have to pick up a few items I’m not sure where anything is or was. I only hope I got the right brand.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I started doing the shopping when Covid made it a nightmare. I’ve gotten better at it, but my wife is a much better shopper than I am. She used to be able to tell me where stuff was, if I texted her that I couldn’t find something. Now we’re both lost.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Nice capture of the birds flying in that reflection.

    I normally don’t do the shopping, but when I do have to pick up a few items I’m not sure where anything is or was. I only hope I got the right brand.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I always feel blessed when birds fly over at just the right moment.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Our store does this all the time. Who knows why? The Producer does all the shopping (I have been banned) and nothing drivers her up the wall more than a store reset. This will be one of the mysteries of life. Loved the photos.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think the Editor is getting ready to reclaim shopping from me. I took over during Covid, but I think I’m carrying a C average. Maybe C+

      I’m glad you like the photos.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yeah I got several Fs before my license was revoked.

        Liked by 1 person

  15. We noticed in Wally World yesterday that lots of things weren’t “in their place”.
    In the photo of the stocked shelves, I noticed David’s favorite snack; Goldfish, next to the so-called “healthy” snacks. All look gross to me except the sweet potato crackers. They’d be my choice!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I am not a fan of sweet potatoes beyond the mix of fried white and sweet potatoes my wife makes at Thanksgiving. I took that photo, because until you get to the very end of that aisle, it’s all crackers! How many kinds of crackers do we need?

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Great commentary, Dan. Shrink-flation is the bane of my existence. If manufacturers would just be honest about it. Instead they insult our intelligence. Things in packages clearly meant to be one serving or meal — in the calorie/nutrition count. “serve” 2 or 3. (1 muffin = 3 servings). That kind of trick has been around for years. But now the actual size gets shaved down every time the price goes up. Others have mentioned toilet tissue — that’s one of the sneakiest frauds. The 2-plies are thinner, the core/roller-hole is wider AND shorter. So while there might be more squares per roll, they are much smaller. And Kraft singles the cheese is so thin that not only can you see through it, it’s so thin you can’t get the wrapper off. Similar applies to each item on the grocery list. What used to make a meal now is only a snack. It’s insulting.
    Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It really is an insult to our intelligence, Teagan. Especially when you look at the corporate profits and see double-digit growth each year for 4 years. There are some things that I just don’t buy anymore. There’s a pretzel snack that I like, that has gone from $3.49 to $5.49 for the same small bag in the past two years. What’s in a pretzel? Flour? Has flour gone up 57% in two years? The store periodically puts them on sale, 2 for $5. That’s the only time I buy them. We have so many examples of things that have shrunk so much that it’s obvious, while going up in price.

      Serving size is a joke. We bought a box of snack crackers yesterday. They are really good, and we ate almost half the bag. The box says there are 9 servings in the box. Closer to 4, maybe 5, but it wouldn’t be a nice snack for 9 preschool children. Maybe they mean “Airline Servings!”

      Like

  17. If you meant to come shopping this is almost the place to do it. Good pics Dan.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks John. I do not enjoy shopping. I’ll get used to the new layout, but…

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Ginger Salvatore Avatar
    Ginger Salvatore

    I can absolutely relate to today’s one-liner! It’s maddening how often our grocery store rearranges their shelves. The poor clerks are as befuddled as we are. It’s always been a marketing strategy to switch ‘some’ items around, but this is just insane. As for the manufacturers, they think we’re so stupid that we will believe ‘less is more’! And your store puts Chickpea Puffs out in the spotlight! WTH?!

    Love the reflection shot. They are always intriguing. When I was out at 6:30am to feed the birds there were hundreds of geese flying in endless formations heading north.

    The little beggars are always on top of things. Maybe they should meander over and entertain Grumpy Cat.

    Good to see the bunny. I haven’t seen one bunny here since last summer.

    Nice to see Old Glory flying high.

    Ginger🦋

    Sent from my iPad

    >

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The clerks are frustrated, Ginger. I’ve had to ask where I can find certain things, and I get a blank stare and a shaking head. The best they can do is point me to someone on the “relocation” team. Everyone is nice and friendly, and I like the store, but this is getting old. And the impulse display of Chickpea Puffs is not going to temps me. Some things should not be made into snacks. It’s bad enough they sell Kale Chips!

      The bunnies are out and about in the light now, but you have to look early. Squirrels and birds are out early these days. Maybe they know DST starts Sunday :(

      Happy Hump Day!

      Like

  19. Not being a fan of retail therapy anyway, I just hate it when stores send me on a scavenger hunt. They say it’s for improved marketing but I think it’s just cruel and unusual punishment. My heavens, they’ve already tinkering with sizes and charged us more, isn’t that enough misery without having us wander all the isles to find the mini-sized stuff?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. And the places they’ve moved things don’t make much sense. Vinegar(s) used to be in the same aisle as oil(s). Now, there’s a selection of pots and pans next to the section holding cooking oil and the vinegar is in the next aisle over. I think it’s all an attempt to keep us off guard while they find yet another way to raise prices.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Ugh…how ‘marketing’ like that makes sense is beyond me.

        Liked by 1 person

  20. What really gets to me is when the store switches around items but don’t change the signs showing what items are where. Many is the time I realize I forgot something so there I am looking up at the sign for ‘jam’ only to find there is no jam on this aisle! They haven’t gotten around to matching up the signs with the items. Grrr-rr.

    haha! That cat…!! I know he is not your friend, but he is the cutest little guy! Look at the adorable little nose! 😻

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’ll give this store credit for moving some signs, Lois. But the signs that used to have 6 different things on them, now only have 2 or 3. At least they haven’t moved the ice cream.

      That cat hates me. I think he’s still expecting me to bring Maddie by. I snapped another picture of him today – still a grump.

      Liked by 2 people

  21. It must be a trend. The same thing is happening in mid-Michigan. I guess they think if have to look to find your items, you’ll see something else and buy it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think that’s it.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Our ‘local’ store rearranged a year or so ago. It took me forever to find anything. I am still amazed that they moved the entire bread selection to the back of the store in the last aisle. I guess they think you’re going to pick stuff up on the way, but it is just somewhat annoying. Kind of like those chickpea puffs. Have a good Wednesday.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. They move our bread aisle as well. It’s been in the same place forever.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. They force you to go through the whole store with these moves. It annoys me to no end. Especially in a huge place like Costco. Thanks a-holes. The detergent is no longer where it was so I forgot to buy it. And no, whyever would you put the coffee filters next to the coffee? Sure, put it next to the plastic wrap. It makes total sense.

    Why no to the chick pea puffs? Maybe they’re good and you’re missing out on a great snack!

    My favourite of your pics is the reflection one you love :)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Costco took an extra 45 minutes the last time due to searching for stuff they apparently no longer carry.

      I’m not a fan of chicken peas 🙁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Bloody hell ..

        Hahahahaha!!!

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  24. Dan, I love your one-liner. It’s brilliant! Now that those things I could never find before are gone or have been moved, I know EXACTLY where they were, LOL!

    And you had me laughing over the chickpea puffs, though I’ve got to disagree with you on that one. I’ve never had them, but count me in… if I could only find them 😆

    Finally, your critter photos always leave me with a smile!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Mae. I’m glad I could make you laugh. You can have all the chickpea puffs. I don’t think even our squirrels want them 😏

      Liked by 1 person

  25. Dan, we too have had grocery stores changing items around, with no clear reason as to why. Since every item isn’t at every store, we normally hit two stores each week…and a third comes into play if the first two don’t have all the desired goods. At all three, they have recently taken to moving their items around…sometimes from one end of the store to the other. As you noted, maybe this will better serve vendors and/or employees. One thing is for sure…moving the items around hasn’t lowered the cost of groceries. (I am sure that leaf pictured in the hedge is just waiting for a strong wind to continue on its journey…or, maybe it simply needed to stop for a breather. 🍁)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. All of the stores we visit have done this, Bruce. Maybe they all attended a convention.

      That leaf has been hiding in the hedge for a while. I think it’s a winter home.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. I don’t like it when they separate items that are generally bought together – like ice cream and chocolate sauce. Why is chocolate sauce over with ketchup and mustard? You don’t put chocolate on your hamburgers! (well, maybe you do and I’m sorry if I offended you! ) Love all your critters!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I guess they have their own pattern , but it doesn’t make a lot of sense. No chocolate on burgers here. I’m good.

      Like

  27. I always seem to remember best, the things I need to know least. I swear there is a conductor hiding behind a curtain, hunched over, rubbing his hands together and chortling … Let’s mix everything up! I love to make their lives more difficult!

    Liked by 1 person

  28. I hate it when my favorite grocery store rearranges everything. I have my list set up in accordance to where I expect certain items to be, and it just really annoys me. I also hate when stores, and manufacturers, discontinue a produce I’ve grown to love. Sometimes I can still find that product at other stores, or sometimes Amazon still has it, but oftentimes I’m forced to find a substitute – and that annoys me, too. Guess I’m becoming one of those crank old ladies everyone tries to avoid.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. We’re all becoming that old lady 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  29. 😂😂😂That’s how I feel about kale chips, Dan. And you are right about the stores. I do know there is a marketing psychology that determines what is available when you first enter a store. But given the whacked out nature of current marketing ploys I’m bumfuzzled.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It’s just crazy, Cheryl. Just crazy.

      Liked by 1 person

  30. You can always take more photos with water reflections.
    I’m sure they move things so you have to look at things you would normally just pass by. The discontinued products are what really annoys me. And no kind of puffs will ever surpass cheetos. (K)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Certainly not chickpea puffs.
      I’m glad you like the reflections.

      Liked by 1 person

  31. It upsets me when they move things around especially when I’m in a hurry and just want to grab what I need and run. Who has time to explore what else they have in their stores? Moving things around doesn’t make me buy what I normally don’t buy. I love my favorite cats and squirrels.

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  32. This is a global phenomenon, Dan. Supermarkets shift their products periodically. This compels them to wander around the store, scan shelves, and look for new products that they probably might end up buying. This leads to more sales. Similarly, the most expensive products are placed at the top level (above eye level), while the quick-selling ones or the popular ones are at the lowest shelf (foot level). The ones they intend to sell are placed at eye level on the middle shelves. This ensures that customers see those items first (more visibility means more chances of sale). It is all designed to trick and manipulate our minds and we sometimes do end up buying things impulsively.

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  33. Hi Dan, I can never find anything, especially books. They are chaos even though I try to keep them orderly. If you’re going to eat puffs, at least eat yummy ones. Make the calories worthwhile.

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  34. I hate change, especially in the grocery store. Great one-liner, Dan!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It’s a major inconvenience, Jennie.

      Liked by 1 person

  35. Those chickpea puffs are pretty good, actually, as I recall. I must have liked them, because my store stopped carrying them, and that always happens with items I like.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’d gladly ship these to you.

      Liked by 1 person

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