Shopping etiquette

So after braving the post Boxing Day sales crowds today I couldn't help but noticing that some (or a lot of) people clearly need to be reminded about some pretty basic shopping centre etiquette (which is even more important with large crowds).

For some reason many people seem to think that stopping in shop doors is perfectly acceptable. It IS NOT.

People also seem to think that stopping in the middle of the walk way and blocking the flow of traffic is also perfectly acceptable. It IS NOT.

A lot of people seem to think that just walking around in a daze and constantly getting in everyone's way all the time is also acceptable. Again, it IS NOT.

Another thing that people seem to think is ok is letting their brood of kids run feral and trip up everyone. It's not.

If people do any of the above they are fair game to an elbow in the ribs (it's the only way to let them know they're in the way) and an insincere apology (only if you're feeling generous though) that points out that the elbow could've been avoided if they hasn't been blocking the flow of traffic. Of course, elbowing the kids isn't acceptable (it's not their fault their parents let them run around like feral little animals), but if they're particularly bad don't try to dodge them if they're about to run into you. Let them run into you and bounce back. That usually means they'll avoid you from then on. Although that still doesn't help with their parents. My favourite way to let parents know their kids are being feral is to carry on just like their kids (minus the running everywhere). Do it loud enough with whoever you're shopping with and the kids are either told to behave or are quickly moved away (plus the whole "stop poking me!" "Stop walking into my finger!" Etc thing is fun).

But of course, if everyone simply remembered that stopping the flow of traffic is selfish and inconsiderate and actually controlled their kids better then the whole sales shopping experience would be so much more pleasant ... plus there'd be a lot less elbowing people and embarrassing parents with misbehaving kids.