At the supermarket counter: cucumbers, biscuits, meat from the front

Sabine Adolphs, a 60-year-old woman working at a small Edeka supermarket in Würselen, north of Aachen, has made the daily routine of scanning groceries into a familiar rhythm. The constant beep of the scanner, “Biep. Biep. Biep”, has become almost a soundtrack to her workday. She handles everything from cucumbers to meat packages, often with a smile, and even manages to find variety in the repetitive task of serving customers. “It’s varied because you interact with people,” she says, highlighting the human element that keeps her engaged despite the monotony. The store, which has been operating for 18 years, serves a mix of regulars and occasional shoppers. Some return frequently, enjoying the personal touch of being greeted by name. Others rush in, eager to complete their shopping quickly, while others patiently wait in line, accepting the pace of the day. There are also those who forget to weigh their apples, prompting Adolphs or her colleagues to step in and assist. “There’s nothing to be done about it,” she says with a shrug. “We all have two arms, two legs, one head. That’s all we can manage.” Adolphs' ability to maintain focus throughout the day is key to her role. Her boss, Ralf Bellefroid, acknowledges this challenge during a conversation in the secluded cashier area. “Keeping concentration up all day is a big challenge,” he notes. Adolphs agrees, emphasizing that the job requires more than just physical stamina, it demands mental alertness. “It’s not my money,” she adds, explaining why attention to detail matters so much. Her path to this position was anything but conventional. A former legal assistant, Adolphs had raised two children and settled into a stable life with her husband, who ran his own textile business. When the industry began to decline, she found herself looking for new opportunities. Her transition into retail came through a simple, unremarkable interview. She had long been a customer at the store, and her familiarity with the place gave her an edge. “It wasn’t dramatic,” she recalls, describing the hiring process. “We knew each other.” Now, Adolphs is part of a team of 14 employees, nine of whom are full-time permanent staff. The average monthly gross salary for cashiers is around 3,200 euros, though Bellefroid offers slightly higher wages to retain quality workers. Finding skilled employees is challenging, especially in a sector where turnover is high. Adolphs’ experience and reliability make her a valuable asset. “She thinks ahead, pays attention to costs, and has a broad view,” Bellefroid says. Despite the modern technology of scanners and digital systems, Adolphs still needs to know the product codes for fruits and vegetables. While handling leafy greens is straightforward, papaya presents a greater challenge due to its unpredictable movement. Flexibility is essential, and the team adjusts accordingly. On busy days, such as Fridays and Saturdays, when nearly half of the weekly sales occur, additional help is called in. Even those who arrive just before closing time require immediate assistance. Adolphs takes care of fresh produce and herbs, while managing sweets and magazines. She enjoys snacking, though her habits are tempered by her hobbies, cycling and hiking. She finds particular satisfaction in helping older customers, even when they struggle with remembering their PIN numbers. “They sometimes get stressed,” she says, but she remains patient and understanding. The rhythmic sound of the scanner continues, a constant companion in her daily work. It does not bother her, nor does it distract her. Instead, it reinforces the sense of purpose she feels in her role.