The inception of my shopping list collection dates back to 2014, though it was not a conscious decision on my part. I cannot recall the first list I came across, except for the fact that it contained only a few items. This particular list was left behind in a basket, and in a moment of clarity, I saw it in an entirely new light. It felt as if someone’s entire world had been encapsulated in this modest entity. This realization stayed with me, prompting me to gather a few more lists in a relatively short span of time. It seemed like I had stumbled upon something remarkable.
It is truly astonishing how many shopping lists one can find when you start actively searching for them. To the average observer, they may appear scarce, but as soon as you train your eye, they become far more frequent sightings. There have been instances where I discovered four or five lists in a single visit. This sometimes involved rummaging through shopping carts stored in the parking lot or purposefully strolling through the aisles, fixated on the ground. Strangely enough, no one seemed to take notice or care about my peculiar behavior. Supermarkets are a haven for eccentricities; people simply avert their gaze.
While I hadn’t given much thought to the existence of other shopping list collectors, I have recently become aware of a small community of us. Collections in the UK, the US, and Europe have been featured in books, websites, exhibitions, newspaper columns, and even Ted Talks. This leads me to believe that collectors can be found worldwide, from North Korea to Nigeria and New Zealand. The allure and fascination of shopping lists are truly universal.
Although it seems like I am in good company, I have every confidence that my collection is one-of-a-kind. All of my shopping lists adhere to two fundamental rules: they were all found at the Waitrose supermarket on Holloway Road in London, and they were all found by me. The lists are primarily abandoned or forgotten rather than intentionally discarded. People simply leave them behind, rendering them useless and out of mind. I have often checked trash bins, assuming that people would responsibly dispose of their lists, but it is surprisingly rare to find intentionally discarded ones. Personally, I can’t recall ever losing a shopping list while shopping, though I have certainly left them at home on numerous occasions. However, there is a possibility that some shoppers intentionally leave their lists to be found and read by others. Perhaps these lists serve as a way to mark their territory or to share their culinary preferences with the world? In some instances, it is possible to identify recurring handwriting styles and consistent items on the lists, indicative of individuals who frequently abandon or misplace their lists. These lists offer a unique insight into their authors’ world of exquisite food preferences.
On September 13th, Cheerio will publish “Shopping Lists: A Consuming Fascination” by Ingrid Swenson, delving further into this captivating subject. To support the Guardian and Observer, you can order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.
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