Video-Equipped Shopping Carts: The New Way to Keep Kids Quiet While Grocery Shopping
From Time.comFood shopping with kids is a challenge: Not only are they prone to complain of boredom and sometimes walk away when you're not looking, little ones are also apt to beg for sugary expensive treats strategically placed on shelves right at their eye level. The standard advice for parents hoping to supermarket shop in peace—and with the time to evaluate deals and prices—has been to simply leave the kids at home, if possible. But what if there was a way to keep children happily occupied and draw their attention away from snacks featuring cartoon characters at the same time?
The Denver Post reports that 29 metro-area King Soopers locations will offer at least three video-equipped shopping carts by the end of the month. Many supermarkets have shopping carts with plastic little cars kids can sit in, but these carts will be different: Inside each is a video player, not unlike the DVD players families have become accustomed to in SUVs.
Read the rest of the article here:
http://money.blogs.time.com/2011/02/17/video-equipped-shopping-carts-the-new-way-to-keep-kids-quiet-while-grocery-shopping/
In a 2 paragraph response (a minimum of 5 sentences for each paragraph), answer the following questions. In paragraph # 1, provide your thoughts on this interesting idea. Do you like it or dislike it? Why or why not? Do you think it will prove to be something that will attract potential customers to King Soopers locations? Why or why not? Be specific with your thoughts.
In the last paragraph of the article, the writer asks, "Are the kids' programs interrupted with commercials for toys, snacks, and other products you'd rather not buy? If so, that could negate any bonus brought about by the carts: The decrease in nagging for junk food appearing on supermarket shelves might be matched by an increase in nagging for goodies appearing on video screens". In paragraph # 2, provide your response to the posed questions. What do you think? Be specific with your thoughts.
Please sign your name to the bottom of your blog entry.
I think this idea just might work. There is no better way to distract kids than with television. However there can be many problems to this as well. First of all, if there are not enough video shopping carts, it could be a problem. The price in which it costs to make the video carts could also be a problem. Kids and even adults could accidently break mini television and it would cost more money to replace it.
ReplyDeleteI think that commercials on toys and junk food are a very convincing tool to kids. Even though the video carts can ward children away from the food on the shelves, some children do not even look to buy new food that they are not use to eating. However, if the commercials show how good the foods/toys are, it would cause them to be more tempted to buy it. For instance, if a child were to pass by a toy that is supposed to do amazing flips in the air, they might have not noticed it without the commercial they just watched. If this happens, there will have been no point for the video cart to be there.
Alex Wong
This is a really smart idea for a technoology. i like it but at the same time i don't, i'm not sure. This technology has alot of pros but also many cons. It's good because it keeps kids from nagging their parents for unnecessary products. But, it's bad because it could break very easily. The screen for the parents could run into the end of an aisle or another cart, then there's one out of three carts gone. Then around with the TV and break it. Also, there's only three carts in the whole grocery store and what if 10 mothers come in with their children... There's not enough carts. I think it'll attract customers for only a limited time because you have to be quick and lucky to even get a cart.
ReplyDeleteI think the children's TV shouldn't have commercials, just nonstop shows. That won't happen though. Kids are more interested in the show they're watching rather than the comemrcials that play in between. Out of about fifteen commercials they might remember two. If the kids nagg their parents for like 2 toys that's not as bad as them buying 20 snacks/food/ice cream.
I think this is a great idea. It will help kids and parents. It will keep kids busy and that will help the parents. I think it wil lattract costumers to King Scoopers locations. There are a lot of parents that would like this, and would come to King Scooper locations. It will them and thier kids.
ReplyDeleteI think when they see commericials they will want to buy toys and snacks. If kids see something interesting in commercials they will want to buy it. Commercials can convinve kids to buy something that they didn't even know about before.video carts can be helpful but if kids start noticing all the toys snacks in the commericals they would want to buy them. But, I think that Video carts is a good idea as along as the commercials don't convince kids to buy everything they notice.
-Mah Noor
I think that the new shopping cart idea about installing video screens in the cart just for kids is a good idea. I like this new idea because like the article said, it will help parents out a lot by getting in and out of a hectic store quick without having to deal with their bratty kids the whole time. To have a store like “King Shoppers” promote this new idea is very good for their store reputation. I personally haven’t heard of this grocery store before and I’m sure a lot of people haven’t either, but now that their name is out because of a major idea, they’ll most likely bring in a lot more money considering that people like trying out new things, especially when it comes to their kids. The only thing I think is not good about this product is that, you can only keep a child occupied or distracted for so long. Some kids might get bored or annoyed with the shows that they play and even putting King Shoppers’ own commercials in them might just be too much. Little kids are attracted to commercials that pertain to them. They aren’t going to want to watch something that’s about the price of tomatoes.
ReplyDeleteOn another hand, I think kids aren’t interrupted with commercials for toys, junk food, etc. I think it’s all about how you raise your kid. If you’re firm with what you say and say “No” to buying something that you think isn’t worth your money, they’ll eventually forget about it. Commercials are there as breaks, and like I said, some kids don’t even watch commercials like older people do. This is another reason why I think putting King Shoopers’ commercials in with the kid’s television shows would be pointless.
Overall, I think this is generally a good and fresh idea to help parents out, because we all know kids can be a hassle all together weather you give them what they want or not, and King Shoppers’ putting their name out is a good way for them to get more of a reputation as “high tech”.
-April Miller
I think having a video screen in a kids shopping cart will help the parent of that child because it will distract the child long enough to peacefully enjoy shopping but at the same time not having to tell your child no is good too. Having the video can also be a distraction if the store advertises its products at the same time as you walk around because it will probably make some type of noise to get your attention. Another problem is that the video does not have the show your child wants to see that could possible be the a distraction if your child keep saying he wants to saying that he wants to see “toy story”
ReplyDeleteIf the video starts to play ads for kid toys the that would be bad because kid wont stop nagging for them and every time they see a kid store they will say “mommy can we get a toy please”. And that will be a bigger problem then having child annoy your while you’re shopping or doing any thing else. Children will want any thing they see because that’s the way they are and if the video they are watching so ads for new toys then that will put a bigger problem then the child just annoying you.
- George polio
I think this new video cameras on the shopping carts is not a good idea because it seems to be too much of a hassle to set up. When people go shopping there main goal is to get out quick and adding a DVD player to a cart doesn’t seem like getting out quick is an option. What if the kid gets so into the show to the point where he/she won’t leave when it is time to go? I feel it will attract people and kids but I am not sure if it will end up with the parents effectively shopping.
ReplyDeleteI also feel that the commercials they see on the screens will negate the effect of the TV shows. If the right commercial is displayed the kid will stop what he is doing to nag his parents into getting it for him. Kids might see commercials at home and might forget about what they wanted at the grocery store. But seeing commercials at the grocery store would obviously be more effective than seeing them at home.
-Daniel Owens
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's a good idea to do that, but the fct that it's a t.v in a shopping cart, the shoppoing carts will have to stay inside and maybe the little kids will mess up the screen or something. I don't think it's a good idea also because it's a waste of money. Mothers should know how to control their children in the first place. I think it would attract customers because, the fact that the t.v would be on the shopping cart might be exciting for everyone.
ReplyDeleteLittle kids would defenatly love the idea but I personily think it's not a goood idea because, of all the consiquences. Not every little kid likes the same t.v show and i don't think they would pay that much money just so that they can get mothers to feel better.what if the mom has more than one kid possibly 6 or 7? that would be a tough way to work and what if none of them like the t.v show at the same time. What way would the little kid sit? and why would the food go between the t.v and the little kid, also what if the cart gets too full and messes up the screen.
Jamie Rojas
I think it will be very appealing for the kids; however for the parents I’m not sure. For me it seems like a fair idea but I don’t think it will attract as many parents as they think. The reason why would probably be that they wouldn’t like their kids watching more TV than they usually do. I would be on line between liking it or not, the reason is that it seems like it would cost a lot of money for the store and what happens if someone breaks it or steel it? What happens then? Anyways I think it would be a good idea but only for some places.
ReplyDeleteThe nagging of the goodies on the commercials, you can solve this problem by making it game or goal. What I’m saying is that if your child what its, make them work for it. No by getting a job or anything like that, what I mean is by making them clean there room, help you put the dishes away or you can reword them if they do something good. By doing this you are helping your child learn how to be independent and responsible.
Rod M.
It’s a very simple idea that can be very efficient but also very risky. I like the idea of having a TV the mini car attached to the cart, but the problem is are they only going t make the truck one size. See it sounds effected to kinds who are two, three, and even four. The truth is, there are older kids who want treat that fool them into satisfaction. Also the expenses that come with the technology is unthinkable. Spending money on those carts maintaining, fixing, and cleaning is ignorant. Everyone knows that children break things and sooner or later (lets hope its way later) a child will come and smash the TV by accident. Yes sure, the mom has to pay but how long will it take to fix the cart or get a new one? I hope before another kids enters the store and breaks another cart.
ReplyDeleteThose commercials are bad. It beats the purpose of having video games for the kids. These carts were created only to distract kids while the parents shop and look at store promotions. If they start playing commercials on the kids screen the child will be distracted again giving him/her temptation of leaving the cart to walk around. I don’t understand why they would even think of putting commercials on the kids screen. It says that the mother has a screen of her own. It would be a much better idea if they placed all the commercial ads on the moms screen. That way you would be getting the attention of someone that can actually make rational decisions on the product that the store is advertisng.
-Juan Cedeno
Many children get bored and start to whine while grocery shopping, and sometimes it gets hard for parents to focus on what they would like to buy. I like this idea, because there is no better way to distract kids, other then watching television. There could be some disadvantages on this idea as well. The television could be to close to their face or if a child breaks the video cart, then it could cost a lot of money. I think that this idea would attract a lot of customers to the store, but there could be a problem if the store doesn’t get more carts, because that would be mainly the reason why customers would come in the store.
ReplyDeleteI think the commercials of toys and junk food is a good source. The carts would be a distraction to the kids, and usually kids don’t have an interest in what food they want to eat and won’t even look at the shelves. If the commercials are about food that is good and looks good, kids are going to be tempted to buy it. If kids don’t see what they like, they won’t want to buy it. Then there won’t be no point in putting in commercials.
Anna Vallejo
I think the idea is good but it has both positive and negative effects. You sometimes see kids go into stores and throw a fit about not getting what they asked for but will there be alot of carts that actually have a little video player? It doesnt specifically say if every month they will give a store three, it only says it will give a store three by the end of this month. It will attract parents that cant leave there kids at home. They will actually be able to get to go into the store and not have to come out quick. I see some parent hit their kids in the store when the kids throw a fit about not getting what they want and its disturbing when the kid whines and its sad when they kid gets hit or pulled.
ReplyDeleteI think that including commercials will just make the kid want to get the product that the commercials show, so there is no point in having carts with video players. It will probably make the kid ask the parent to buy the product right then and there. The products that maybe are on the commercials might be healthy and cheap but I doubt thats how it is, on the commercials they might be selling an expensive or over priced new snack or something. The parents might see that there is healthy foods or ideas of what they might want to get.
Gladys Monroy
I think that this is a good idea because many people who have childern would be able to take their childern shopping and be more relaxed abput what thier kids are doing while they are shopping becasue when you take your kids shopping they usally tend to bother their parents while they are shopping.It is also because it comes as a distraction to the kids while they are at the grocey store ,leaving the parents more time to shop and parents having more time to shop and not having to worry about where their kids are or what they are doing .Its also great becuase the kids get to watch their favorite tv show while they are shopping and not get bored and start bothering their parents while they are at the grocery store shopping.
ReplyDeleteI think that including commericals while kids are watching cartoons is a good idea because it helps the store launch and promote the products that are in the grocery store and i dont think that kids would mind watch a few commerical as long as the cartoons we to be aired again after the commericals.Its also a good idea because it helps parents see what the store is offering.
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ReplyDeleteThis idea was very smart for mothers and families that visit the grocery stores. It can keep their child busy as they shop for food without having to get things that you weren’t planning on getting! It could be a reason why kids want to go to the grocery with parents and not roam around picking stuff out for them. I like this idea because it was very creative, because I have two nieces and a nephew and they always want a certain cereal because its colorful but if they were to the a TV in the cart I’m pretty sure they would want to watch it and maybe touch it! Haha, Yes I do think It’ll prove to be helpful because isn’t it already?
ReplyDeleteYes I do think the nagging will go on. It’ll go on because the child is already in the grocery store so say if they see chips on the screen and you’re in the chips aisle they are going to want the chip just because it’s on the screen or like a cereal, juice etc. They should show like little parts of cartoon shows that children may be interested in. they shouldn’t show junk food if they’re trying to keep kids busy from asking for the junk food.
I think more then anything the customers should be happy about this. because not only does it keep your children busy and occupied from starting trouble, it keeps you from buying them what they want. you wont have to spend extra money on what they keep nagging for. But i dont think its a good idea for the grocery store because it takes business from them. Instead of the kids begging for their candy they'll be occupied by the tv screen and then the parents wont have to spend money. So it takes away money and business from the grocery store. But for the parents and kids sake its a really good idea. itll keep the kids out of trouble and from being annoying.
ReplyDeleteYahia M
My thoughts on the video-equipped shopping cart are that it sounds like a good ideal but really it’s not a good idea. Are you really going to put a T.V on the back of every shopping cart? “I think not!” One because people like to steal stuff and they will try to steal the cart or the T.V on the cart if you’re going to put a TV on the back of a cart you better make sure it’s on their tight. People like to steal shiny and bright stuff.
ReplyDeleteNo I don’t think that it’s going to make kids nag their mother more. I don’t like the commercials but it’s not their fault your child it’s eating badly. It’s your responsibility last time I check the adults buy the food not the commercials. If you can’t say no to your child then that’s your fault for not raising them right otherwise saying that you need to take your blank back to parenting class level one. It’s the truth you are the one whose suppose to make sure that child eat right. Tenacia Chgappell
I dont think it's a bad idea or anything but, I think the grocery stores would lose money keeping the screens up. Suppose a child defaces the screen or an adult screen is defaced and can no longer be used. Unless the screens are indestructible then they wouuldn't have a problem with that. But what if the child doesn't want to watch the shows on the screen because of their age. Like are there going to be more shows. Another thing, the child may still nag their parent because of the shows. Another thing is the grocery stores may lose sales from the children who do encourage their parents to buy the things they want.
ReplyDeleteThe shows on the television at home may still make the children want them. What about for the kids that are easily distracted. They may still cause a problem for the parent. Overall the product seems like a great idea but there are still flaws to fill in. Hopefully the product is a success. Though the whole idea of the screens being defaced is still possible.
-Saprea Ray
I think that these carts could be a good idea to keep kids occupied however if they lose interest in it then they are going to go right back to the shelves or complaining. Another issue would be that there are not enough carts for everyone and it can easily be broken. Another issue would be that it advertises junk food so then the kids will turn around and nag their mothers for the junk food as well. Also, if a parent has more than one or two kids not all of them can fit in the cart to be entertained by the television.
ReplyDeleteThe kids show will be interrupted with commercials for toys, unhealthy snacks, and other products that are going to make the kid want to ask for it. This is going to irritate the mother because now not only are they influenced by the things they see on the shelves but also by what they are going to see on the TV. This is not a good idea in my opinion and it sounds like a waste of money.
I think this idea might work. It might work because there are some good kids and there are some bad kids. The good kids might be distracted, but then again the bad kids might not want to sit in the cart because they would be bored, or they just don’t want to be sitting down, they might just have so much energy they want to be running around the store. I think it might be able to attract potential customers because their kids might be good kids, and they could be disciplined.
ReplyDeleteThe kids will get distracted and the parents will be able to shop and not have to buy so many junk food that the little kids will want all the time. The little kids will be entertained so everybody wins while they go grocery shopping. The Store would get more customers as well because, of the attraction towards the t.v’s and than the store will get more money and the mom’s will be able to do their shopping without the little kids bothering them about the goodies.
- Karla Sandoval
I think that this is a great new idea so that parents don't have to live trough the shopping with child nightmare every week. This will give parents a great shopping experience without the constant cries from there children.There are a few problems I have with the carts like if the child doesn't like the tv shows provided then it wouldn't make much of a diffrence. I have seen other stores use this idea with little sucess somtimes customers skip the T.V carts and just deal with normal carts. But if they improve the carts maybe just maybe they will have success.
ReplyDeleteTo answer the question I would have to say that if a kid sees an item on the screen that they will really want than that will push them to nag there parents about it. It would probably be best if the carts didn't have commercials on the kids screen. But they want the kids to see it because they want the kids to ask that is why thay put the commercials there in the first place.In my oppinion I don't think they made the carts to distract the kids I think they made them to incourage the kids to ask. So it wouldn't matter if the kids had the T.V or not with commercials it would just be an ordinary shopping trip.
Erika Nelson
This is one the best idea for parents who go grocery shopping at stores. It keep the kids entertained it also make it easy for them to buy food instead of getting unnecessary items. And kids always love going shopping with there parents because they also want to buy items for themselves instead of following parents instruction. I like this idea because they are so creative and they satisfy the customer needs and wants.
ReplyDeleteI think that kids well nag to there parents about the product that being advertise in the T.V. I say that they should show the cartoon show without going on commercials so kids don’t have to nag about wanting something they see on T.V.
i think this idea is good since it will help parents shop better and bring their children with them. the TV will distract many kids. The visions they see on the screen will want to make them buy it. but a problem about this idea is there's going to be people fighting to get in the store first to get it. and this will attract more costumers to the grocery store and will help them make more money. But the screen is so small and breakable so the kids going to have to be careful unless the parents are willing to pay for it i doubt it since it really expensive. but besides that its a excellent idea.
ReplyDeleteI think when the kids see the commercials they will be convinced and tell their parents to buy the product. If a commercial catches a kid attention while they complaining it will stop them from nagging and they will stop being bad and act good. And they should show kids favorite cartoon advertising a product it will make them want to get it and will help make money for the inventor of the product.
-Rene Romero