Grocery stores exhaust me.

Why did I feel so tormented by shopping?

Last year, I got an answer: a diagnosis of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder.

Then there’s the bright lights, the loud music and the crowded aisles, all distracting me.

So I’d check the list.

And then check the list.

And then check the list.

Now I sit on my couch and fill up mygrocery cart online.

Then I drive to the store and a worker puts the food in my car.

The process eliminates a frequent, stressful experience from my life and gives me back time.

It’s not just a benefit for people with ADHD.

Curbside pickup requires a car and a stable internet connection, and it has its drawbacks.

But for a big group of people it eliminates a barrier to getting essentials.

“By design, everything is made to grab your attention,” he said.

“That can be a lot.”

Use of the services exploded as grocery and retail outlets rolled out curbside pickup to reduce crowds inside.

Customers can also easily ditch impulse-buy items by deleting them from their shopping cart when they’re done shopping.

Some stores formally partner with third-party services to offer same-day delivery, like Target does with Shipt.

Curbside pickup was around before the pandemic.

Walmart has offered the service for 10 years.

Use by people 50 or older grew the most, she said.

The company is investing in moreMarket Fulfillment Centers, warehouses added inside or onto existing Walmart stores.

The reason: filling online orders for pickup or delivery faster.

The number of people this could benefit is significant.

Love grocery pickup!!

No advertising distractions AND a fraction of the time.

I hope it stays forever.

Curbside pickup could be improved

Curbside pickup isn’t perfect.

During the worst of lockdown, I used Ralphs curbside for groceries.

Additionally, delivery options are more limited in rural areas where people are more spread out.

Theoretically its a great idea, but Im just way more excited about cooking if theres more spontaneity involved.

Maybe turn the music down a few notches and make things easier to find.