While you are in the supermarket you usually don’t notice that device making your shopping so much easier – a usual shopping cart!
The story of its origin and developing deserves, I am sure, a chapter in a book of modern history.
The first one who understood that customers are limited to buy only that amount of things they can carry home was Walter h. Deubner who had a grocery store in St. Paul, MN. After years of trying and losing he patented his invention: a paper bag with a cord which ran through (for strength).
Another way of enlarging purchase capacity (alongside with the paper bags) was using market baskets which after were made of metal. But as far as basket became filled its weight grew. That was a trouble for the woman customers who were the majority. During the depression many supermarkets started a new style of shopping with customer picking up his own purchases – so the clerks, who previously were requested items, were fired and expenses reduced. Shopping became “walking” (through the shelves rows) instead of “talking” (with the clerk). These long walks made both paper bags and baskets too heavy and uncomfortable means of purchase caring.
Sylvan Goldman of Oklahoma city, owner of ‘Piggly-Wiggly’ grocery store chain combined a metal basket with a folding chair and four wheels. After several experiments he opened “Folding basket carrier co.” and started mass production of what is now known as shopping cart.
