Nice Older Men in the Giant

[ddintysons]

Often, during the weekday I will see these older men (early to mid 70s) walking around the McLean Giant. They are very well dressed and dignified.

They are wearing the clothes I believe they wore when they worked (suit, tie, nice hat). They very friendly and seem to know all of the people who work at the store. They will stop and chat with the man stocking she soup section and discuss the Redskins, their kids, etc. with him like they are old friends.

The well-dressed older men ("WDOM") walk slowly and behind their carts and usually have very little in them, even though they appear to go up and down every lane.

I am a 53 year old man and I believe that the WDOMs are there because they miss work, the ritual of dressing up and going someplace to do something during the day. I believe they missing talking to people, having things to do, being a part of something.

Do you know a WDOM? Am I right? Or do men of a certain age just like dressing up for the McLean Giant?

[Anonymous]

Aww I both love this and think it's sad. I wish I could have them all come over for coffee or something.

- SAHM who goes to the grocery store during the day for the same reasons

[Anonymous]

You have people in their 70s consulting or running a small business part time or volunteering. No reason they have to be dressed up to go to the supermarket.

[ddintysons]

Poster at 10:44, you have two unconnected statements, neither of which address my original post.

You have people in their 70s consulting or running a small business part time or volunteering

True.

No reason they have to be dressed up to go to the supermarket.

True as well.

I think you are implying that the gentlemen in my post could be working part-time and they have stopped at the Giant on their way to or from a work event while in the formal business attire required for their work. However, this does not explain the following items.

First, why do they have very little in their shopping carts or why do they have a cart at all? If they were stopping by Giant when going to or coming from work, it is unlikely they would need a large cart.

Second, why would they travel most of the aisles in the store? Again, a quick trip to pick something up is just that.

Third, how did they cultivate the relationships with the personnel who work at the store? Why would they do so unless they had the time to do? Think. They are there often enough to get to know the people that work at the store. More than that, these gentlemen know the employees by name and to be addressed by name. Their conversations address topics that they have addressed before.

Consider more than the fact that they are well dressed.

[Anonymous]

We don't have them in Bethesda. And who wears hats, other than a baseball hat? My 80 year old father shops at the McLean giant, but not during the day because he still works FT.

[Anonymous]

I have no comment re: Giant, but I love talking to older folks in the grocery store. It seems to make them happy. (I work with seniors, I can't help myself.) Socialization is important.

[Anonymous]

ddintysons wrote:Often, during the weekday I will see these older men (early to mid 70s) walking around the McLean Giant. They are very well dressed and dignified.

They are wearing the clothes I believe they wore when they worked (suit, tie, nice hat). They very friendly and seem to know all of the people who work at the store. They will stop and chat with the man stocking she soup section and discuss the Redskins, their kids, etc. with him like they are old friends.

The well-dressed older men ("WDOM") walk slowly and behind their carts and usually have very little in them, even though they appear to go up and down every lane.

I am a 53 year old man and I believe that the WDOMs are there because they miss work, the ritual of dressing up and going someplace to do something during the day. I believe they missing talking to people, having things to do, being a part of something.

Do you know a WDOM? Am I right? Or do men of a certain age just like dressing up for the McLean Giant?

I've seen them too. Also see old ladies and some older couples dressed to the nines in Mclean Giant. It's an interesting place to shop.

[Anonymous]

Maybe they stick out because many older people still know how to be friendly and talk to people (a la art of conversation) vs. being glued to their phones and awkward with other humans.

[ddintysons]

They have such wonderful manners.

I used do volunteer work during the early afternoon right before my daughter's high school games. The timing was such that I had about an hour or two (say 1:00 to 2:00 pm) to waste or two or three times a week for three months a year for four years so I hung out it at the McLean Giant during these times.

I loved watching these guys wind their way past the canned goods, looking cool in their suits.

[Anonymous]

I know the answer to one of your questions, the cart. I asked my MIL, who is 78, why she took a full sized cart with her when the family went with her to pick up a few things. She told me that even if she needs only a basket's worth, she uses the cart for balance. She is also simply never in a hurry, so she's used to going down every single aisle.

[Anonymous]

they are old, have clothers from their working days, want to look good and have the time to get dressed. I see this all the time....not just at the grocery store.