Since February 21, 2024, there has been an innovation in tranquil Kempen that is much more than just a convenience: the so-called chat checkouts in two supermarkets. This initiative, which was suggested by the city's senior citizens' advisory board, is intended to counteract the loneliness of older people. The chat rooms are an example of how local communities are finding creative solutions to social challenges in an increasingly digital world.
A bridge between generations
The chat cash desks are open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and offer a space in which everyday life is deliberately slowed down. Here customers can pay for their purchases without the usual time pressure and have a conversation. The 22-year-old saleswoman Marie Riese, who works at one of these checkouts, emphasizes the positive atmosphere and the customers' joy in exchanging personal stories. This offer seems to be particularly important for the older generation, who see the opportunity to chat as a valuable part of their social life.
The answer to loneliness
Katja Klein from the Kempen City Council for Senior Citizens immediately recognized the potential of the chat fund. At a time when loneliness is a widespread problem, especially among older people, the chat funds offer a low-threshold opportunity to make contacts and be part of the community. Shopping in the supermarket becomes an opportunity for interpersonal encounters.
Counterbalance to online trading
Market manager Benedikt Steves sees the chat checkout as a clear advantage over online trading. Personal interaction in local retail strengthens the sense of community and offers added value that goes beyond pure consumption. The chat checkouts symbolize the effort to maintain and strengthen local retail as a place of encounter and exchange.
A new approach to retail
The introduction of the chat rooms in Kempen could be a model for other cities and municipalities that are looking for ways to promote social cohesion. The model shows that retail can play an active role in creating vibrant and supportive communities. The positive feedback from customers and the commitment of the employees underline the success of this approach.
Questions and answers about the chat funds:
Question 1: What are chat funds?
Answer 1: Chat checkouts are special checkouts in supermarkets where customers can pay and chat without any time pressure.
Question 2: Why were chat funds introduced in Kempen?
Answer 2: They are intended to counteract the loneliness of older people and promote social interaction in the community.
Question 3: How do customers react to the chat checkout?
Answer 3: The response is predominantly positive, older people in particular appreciate the opportunity to exchange ideas.
Question 4: What distinguishes chat checkout from online trading?
Answer 4: Chat checkouts offer personal interaction and strengthen the sense of community that is missing in anonymous online trading.
Question 5: Can chat rooms serve as a model for other cities?
Answer 5: Yes, they can be an example of how local retail can promote social cohesion and community.
Here is a report from Schweinfurt:
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Conclusion
The chat rooms in Kempen (and other cities) are an exemplary project that shows how creative approaches can be used to meet the challenges of modern society. By creating space for interpersonal encounters, they make a valuable contribution to combating loneliness and strengthening social interaction. The initiative shows that retail can not only be a place for consumption, but also an important social meeting place. The positive response strengthens the hope that the chat fund concept will also find favor in other municipalities and thus contribute to a lively and inclusive society.
Sources: 24rhein.de ; BR24 ; WDR
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )