In addition to eggs, apples and the like, Edeka Schweinfurt and Buxheim now offers payment at special checkouts. A chat against loneliness is included here.
Schweinfurt/Buxheim – It can affect anyone and, in the worst case, make you sick: loneliness. For this reason, after Schweinfurt, there is now also a so-called "Plauderkasse", also known as "Ratschkasse", in Buxheim: a cash register where cashiers can consciously take time to talk to their customers.
"Ratschkasse": Loneliness is the prevention focus of the Bavarian Ministry of Health
The topic of loneliness is the 2023 prevention focus of the Bavarian State Ministry of Health and Care. The inauguration of the "Ratschkasse" on 27 April was the prelude. "There are many people who feel lonely, and the supermarket checkout can be a good opportunity for them to start a conversation," says Bavarian Health Minister Klaus Holetschek (CSU) in a press release. Large signs at the checkout provide inspiration for topics of conversation: "How are you today?", "Do you also like to bake cakes?" or "How was your weekend?" are waiting for an answer.
Ratschkasse im Edeka Buxheim. © dpa/ picture alliance/ Karl-Josef Hildenbrand
The "Plauderkasse" in Buxheim is to be open for two hours four mornings a week until July. Then the experiences of customers, employees and management are to be evaluated. Positive reactions can already be found on Facebook: "Well, I would queue up there on some days... Such a chat can be really good," writes one user. "People come up with ideas. But it's certainly not bad," commented another user.
"Plauderkasse" in Schweinfurt: Good experiences with conversations at the checkout
In Schweinfurt, the "Plauderkasse" has already been in existence for three months. "The response is outstanding," says the boss Marius Höchner to the German Press Agency (dpa). The ticket office is open once a week for at least four hours. Höchner, who operates a total of three stores, would definitely like to continue the offer in the largest of them.
Recently, the Bavarian Ministry of Health launched a hotline for people who have symptoms as a result of a Corona vaccination.