Is Jewel's Mandatory Cart-to-Car Service Too Much or Just Right?

If you haven't shopped at your local Jewel-Osco grocery store in a while, be prepared for a new customer service initiative that you may, or may not, appreciate.

It's called the "cart-to-car" service and whether you want the help or not, your bagger is expected to follow you and your cart out to your vehicle.

The service is mandatory, though Jewel-Osco denies it has anything to do with keeping track of shopping carts, according to couponsinthenews.com.

"We understand that this is a very different service and it might take our customers some time to understand that we want this to be the norm," said a Jewel customer service representative in the article.

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The change comes after a January announcement that Jewel-Osco stores cross the country would be sold to Cerberus Capital Management LP. Chicago's North Side has six of the grocery store locations.

"With the new ownership of Jewel…customer service is basically what the new president's mission is," said Tom Budinger, the assistant store director for the Jewel-Osco on Southport Avenue. "It'll bring us to the next level; what are we doing that our competition isn't doing?"

Budinger said so far, the new policy has garnered a positive response. And Northcenter resident Ann Wachentaw agrees. 

"At first it was a little strange, being followed into the parking lot, but I could see how some people would like it," she said. "It'll appreciate it more when I'm in my 70s."

Tell Us: Have you experienced Jewel's cart-to-car service? Did you find it helpful or annoying? If you refused, were you followed out anyway?

North Side Jewel-Osco Locations: 

• 4250 N. Lincoln Ave in Northcenter
• 3630 N. Southport Ave in Lake View
• 3531 N. Broadway in Lake View
• 3400 N. Western in Roscoe Village
• 2940 N. Ashland Ave in Roscoe Village
• 1341 N. Paulina Ave in Wicker Park