Shopper Talk Spotlight: Glenda & Her Grandkids' Daily Grocery Trips for Donuts & Robots

Welcome back to Shopper Talk, a blog series highlighting the unique stories and motivations that drive consumer behavior in retail stores.

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Glenda, a woman you can’t help but love, who lives in St. Louis. Our conversation illuminated how something as routine as a grocery store visit can become a cherished tradition filled with joy and connection.

Glenda’s daily trips to Schnucks with her grandchildren for donuts—and the excitement of seeing the store’s robot, Tally—provide a glimpse into how community and a little bit of technology can enhance the shopping experience. Here is our lightly edited conversation.

How did your daily tradition of taking your grandchildren to Schnucks for donuts begin?

I’ve lived in St. Louis for quite some time, and I have three wonderful grandchildren who mean the world to me. I started this tradition with my oldest grandson, who really loves donuts. When they came to see Grandma, we would always get donuts. Then, of course, when his little sister came along, we had to buy two donuts. Now, my other son's little boy has joined in, so it's become a tradition.

I’m retired now, so I have the time to do these little things that make such a big impact. We go to Schnucks almost every weekday morning to pick up the youngest one, and right past the donut section, he’ll point and go, "Donut!" It’s such a simple little treat, but it’s turned into a lasting memory for them—and for me, too.

What is it about Schnucks that keeps you coming back?

When I walk into Schnucks, it's always bright and inviting. You see fresh flowers as soon as you enter, and the produce is right there—colorful and bright. That first impression sets the tone for our shopping trip. My grandkids, Vivian, Charlie, and little Jordan, love it too. They know the layout almost as well as I do, and they feel comfortable there.

It's not just the atmosphere, though. I’m on a fixed income, so good prices are essential. I can always find what I need at Schnucks without worrying about breaking the bank. And there's this sense of reliability—I rarely run into out-of-stock items, which is important when you have little ones who get excited about certain things. Like when they want their favorite cereal or snacks, I know Schnucks will have it. That's where Tally comes in—I’ve learned that this little Tally robot is always busy making sure things are in their place and stocked up. It's part of their inventory management system, keeping track of what needs restocking and ensuring the grocery store runs smoothly. The kids get a kick out of seeing Tally roam the aisles, and it’s become part of our routine to look for it.

The staff is also lovely. Many of them know us now; they recognize the kids, and they always have a smile or a friendly word. That kind of familiarity makes every trip feel personal and special. So, for me, it’s the combination of a welcoming atmosphere, good prices, and the consistency that keeps us coming back. It's part of our routine, part of our little family moments.

What role does Tally play in your shopping experience at Schnucks?

Tally has become part of our routine, just like the donuts. My grandkids look forward to seeing Tally each time we go. When I have my granddaughter with me, we look for "Tally the girl," and with the boys, it's, "Let's go see Tally, and see what he is up to."

It's funny how the kids have personified Tally the robot; it’s not just a robot to them. I know some people find Tally's little noises annoying, but I find them comforting—like Tally’s announcing that it’s there and busy working. Tally just fits right into our shopping experience now.

How does the store's use of technology impact your shopping experience

Technology has really made my shopping at Schnucks so much easier. For one thing, I hardly ever run into out-of-stock items anymore. Knowing that there's some system in place that helps keep track of what's needed on the shelves brings me a lot of peace of mind. I remember times when I would go to a grocery store and leave frustrated because they were out of something essential, like my favorite cereal or the specific marinara sauce my granddaughter loves. But at Schnucks, I know that if something is missing, it won’t be long before it’s back in stock.

The store’s technology also helps with the little things, like providing digital coupons and using electronic shelf labels (ESLs) that make it easy to spot deals. I don’t have to worry about clipping and carrying around paper coupons anymore. I can walk into Schnucks with just my phone and my debit card—no more fumbling with lists or worrying about missing a coupon. That kind of convenience means a lot when you’re juggling the needs of a family.

How do you see technology impacting shopping differently across generations?

For my grandkids, it's second nature. They see the Tally robot in the store or watch me use the Schnucks app, and it’s just part of their world. They think it's fun and exciting! My friends, on the other hand, were a bit hesitant at first. They’d ask, "Why use an app when you can just write a list?" or "What's with that robot in the aisle?"

But I've become quite the ambassador for Schnucks. I show them how the app helps me keep track of what I need, use digital coupons, and save time. Now, they're starting to see the benefits, too. It’s funny—I’m learning and teaching at the same time. For us, it's not about replacing the human connection; it’s about making shopping smoother so it feels less like a chore.

I tell my friends, "It's not about gadgets; it's about making life easier." Slowly but surely, they're coming around. It's a wonderful bridge between generations—my grandkids get to see that Grandma can learn new tricks, and my friends experience the convenience that younger folks talk about.

What impact has Tally had on how you view technology in stores?

You know, shopping is social for me. If I'm feeling blue, I can go to the store, see other people, and it lifts my spirits. Tally fits right into that experience. At first, I wasn't sure about having a robot in the store, but now, I can't imagine shopping without it. It’s a small piece of technology that helps make my life easier without getting in the way.

Tally’s not replacing anyone or anything; it’s just making the whole process smoother. And in this day and age, that’s saying something.

How has grocery shopping changed for you since starting this tradition with your grandchildren?

Grocery shopping used to be just a chore, but now, it's a special time with my grandkids. We look forward to our visits to Schnucks, not just for the donuts but for the whole experience. It's about spending time together, finding joy in simple things, and teaching them to embrace new things like technology. And for me, it's a way to make memories that they'll carry with them, just like I have memories of shopping with my dad. It’s those small moments that matter the most.