When you venture into a grocery store, you are there for a reason: you are hungry and in need of food. But this can be hard to accomplish when there is too much stimulus and distraction around you (A.K.A. the people of Toronto). Grocery stores are full of all kinds of interesting people as long as you keep your eyes peeled. Here are 10 types of people you tend to meet in downtown Toronto grocery stores.
1. The Health Nut
They obviously live in Cabbagetown who stopped by between their spin class and Pilates class and felt the need to bring their Lululemon yoga mat to the store in order to jab you in the ribs while you try to pick out your sugary cereal as they reach for their hemp-based-sugar-free-granola-cereal. You scowl at their basket of kale.
2. The Unhealthy Student
Go easy of them, it's the first time they're doing groceries without parental supervision. No more adults there to say they can can only choose one box of cookies. Which is why their carts only have frozen pizza, waffles, candy, and chocolate. There's a 77% chance they're wearing a university hoodie that hasn't been washed in three weeks. Sightings increase if it's a grocery store with a student discount.
Photo cred - Ryan
3. The Haggler
Spotted at outdoor markets on Spadina. They out-yell each other for the best deal. All I wanted were some apples and a zucchini but I wanna see how this duel plays out.
4. The Loud Family
You know the ones who take up entire aisles and make it impossible to go around them. Who knew people actually settled downtown? I thought that's what the suburbs were for? It might be time to consider leaving the little rascals at home and give everyone a break.
5. The Regent Park Couponer
It's like watching a real-life TLC show and saving is an extreme sport over there and the one who saves the most wins. You can't help but want to ask them to share their coupons with you.
6. The Kensington Hipster
In their cart you'll find all the ingredients needed to brew their own liquor so they can say they had it before you did. They're taking craft beers to a whole new level. The rest of their cart is filled with items you've probably never heard of.
7. The OCAD Student
On their way to Curry's they're stocking up on dry macaroni and popsicles (for the sticks, obviously) for their massive art projects. They are truly dedicated to their craft.
Photo cred - takepart
8. The King Street Business Man
They looking snazzy in their suits, but they're lost in the meat aisle. Probably because they rarely do groceries so this seems a little foreign to them. They can be found on their bluetooth headsets with their significant others being told what they need to pick up for dinner.
9. The International Tourist
These excited folk are just frothing at the mouth with excitement about ketchup and all dressed chips, Coffee Crisp, and the holy grail of Canadian items: bagged milk. We get it. It's exciting. Could I just please get my milk ... please.
10. The Night Shopper
One downtown perk is 24-hour grocery stores. If you happen to be grocery shopping in the middle of the night, the weird underbelly of Toronto come out. Whether they're the drunks on their way home looking for a midnight snack, or the Toronto mole people, just beware.