Area Residents Sound Off on Jewel Cart Policy

which required its employees to follow customers — and their carts — out to their vehicles. 

The service was once mandatory, according to couponsinthenews.com, and whether you wanted the help or not, your bagger was expected to follow you out to your vehicle. 

"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 last month. 

Jewel has since issued a statement that acknowledges the company has received strong feedback and indicates that the service is now optional, according to a release on the company's website. 

"And, if you don’t want or need help, that’s fine too. Many customers like to checkout videos after they shop or find themselves talking to friends in the parking lot.  Even if you decide not to use the service, we’re happy to return the cart to the store," the release said.

Local Patch readers voiced their opinions on the new policy on the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Patch Facebook page. Here is what they had to say: 

• "I have been offered but not forced. If that changes, I will not shop there. I will pack my own bags. If I'm in a hurry I don't want to wait around for someone else to pack my bags."
• "Have some fun with it and keep walking around the parking lot, looking for your car and see how long it takes for the person to stop following you."
• "I thiink that offering to walk you to your car is enough, but maybe after a certain hour or dusk it is mandatory."
• "I have back/neck problems so I was grateful for someone to carry my bag to my car. However I don't think it should be mandatory. Offer the service but if the customer says no thanks then just let it drop." 
• "This is nothing new. Back years and years ago it was the the norm."

See more responses on the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Patch Facebook page. And join the conversation!