Anyway, yesterday I was wondering towards the self scan area when I noticed that one of the professional check out staff (I class myself as an amateur) was looking very bored, and yet at the same time slightly hopeful. I couldn't resist the combination, so I abandoned my attempt to get a new high score on the self scan, and went to her aisle instead.
As she scanned the items ( I really must try to learn from her swing action, she was so much better than I) we chatted about being bored and what she could do about it. I suggested that the store should install video games on her till so that she could play them when there was nothing else to do. She liked the idea but felt that the customers wouldn't. Within seconds the idea had morphed into a two player situation. Customer vs Check out girl. There could store-wide competitions leading to regional heats, and ultimately a national championship - probably televised during the prime time slots. And then she handed me my receipt and the moment was gone.
But why should the idea die? There are probably stores in Japan which would love it. Perhaps the management team of my local supermarket are desperately waiting for someone to enliven the shopping check out experience. But, I will never know because the idea seems a bit too weird so I just let it slip.
What's needed is a go-between. I need someone who has the time - and lack of emotional involvement - to go to the shop, or IBM, or the Japanese retailers association and say "my friend fancies your friend", and then to report back to me on whether they love my idea and want to meet behind the bike sheds after class.
Oh, and it would also be great if they could develop the idea for me as well, because I really don't have the time! ;-)
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