Across the aisle, a tray of chocolate and banana smoothies sits invitingly next to a weekly paper's booth, offering help placing personal ads. This night, there doesn't seem to be too much action in the produce section. Unlike at previous events, there are no name tags identifying customers who have come to the store to socialize. But Stern, who's overseen several singles nights, has learned to pick out the shoppers from those who might be looking for love. She says the store's business increases 20 to 30 percent during the events, which are held about four times a year.
People lead very busy lives today.
They're interested in meeting people with similar lifestyles and similar values. Like the two thirtysomething men spotted striking up a friendly conversation in the cereal aisle, debating the merits of Groovy Grahams and Peanut Butter Bumpers. The Bumpers won. Tonight's turnout is somewhat more depressed than in the past, in part because the event was postponed because of an unexpected snowstorm. But I've actually enjoyed learning about the food.