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When you spot a genuinely good design idea, it’s hard not to envision it being implemented everywhere. Life could be a lot better and more comfortable for everyone. Well, some creative store owners have taken this to heart, deciding to put their customers first.

Our team at Bored Panda has collected photos from all over the internet, featuring some of the most genius ideas that shops have ever implemented. Avocado ripeness detectors and cozy spaces for owners to leave their pets in are just the tip of the iceberg. Scroll down to check them out!

We got in touch with Matt Johnson, PhD, a marketing psychology expert specializing in topics such as consumer psychology and serendipity, to learn about what customers value the most while shopping. Read on for Bored Panda's interview with Johnson, including his thoughts on why not every store is going to rush to embrace all of these smart designs.

#1

This Pharmacy Has A Magnifying Glass So People Can Read Medicine Labels And Details More Easily

This Pharmacy Has A Magnifying Glass So People Can Read Medicine Labels And Details More Easily

dojowit Report

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PattyK
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bless their heart! The print on those boxes can be smaller than miniscule!

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#2

This Mall Food Court Has A Station To Wash Your Hands

This Mall Food Court Has A Station To Wash Your Hands

wasit-worthit Report

#3

UK Supermarket Has A Tag You Can Add For Carts With Wonky Wheels

UK Supermarket Has A Tag You Can Add For Carts With Wonky Wheels

qwerty11055 Report

Marketing psychology expert Johnson explained to Bored Panda that customers value convenience, personalization, and sensory experience the most in supermarkets. That first factor—convenience—is key. "Customers want to move efficiently through the store, find what they need, and check out quickly," he said.

However, personalization also plays a growing role here. Shoppers appreciate tailored experiences, from product recommendations to layout designs that reflect their preferences.

"The sensory environment also matters: things like clear signage, pleasant lighting, and even how produce feels and smells all contribute to making the experience enjoyable. Innovations like avocado ripeness detectors or refillable detergent stations appeal to customers because they enhance convenience and sustainability, both of which are becoming increasingly important. Ultimately, customers appreciate anything that makes their shopping trip faster, more engaging, and aligned with their values," Johnson explained.

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#4

This Super Market Had Tiny Paper Bags Instead Of Plastic Containers To Reduce Waste

This Super Market Had Tiny Paper Bags Instead Of Plastic Containers To Reduce Waste

treanegno Report

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Lara Verne
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lot of stores selll grapes in paper bags. Just some people don't understand this concept and put grapes in paper bags into plastic bag......

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#5

This Water Fountain At My Local Mall Has Dog Treats, And Two Water Fountains For Dogs, In Addition To The Water Fountain For Humans

This Water Fountain At My Local Mall Has Dog Treats, And Two Water Fountains For Dogs, In Addition To The Water Fountain For Humans

verasgunn Report

#6

Refillable Detergent In Prague, Czech

Refillable Detergent In Prague, Czech

starlightexpress3005 Report

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Rose the Cook
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What is surprising is that the bulk stuff is brand name. Usually with this type of system the material on offer is unbranded.

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Bored Panda asked Johnson why some stores don't implement the customer-friendly ideas that their competitors might have already embraced. He was kind enough to walk us through how businesses approach these sorts of changes. (Spoiler warning: profits are a huge aspect to consider when making any investments.)

"Smart, customer-friendly store ideas—like avocado ripeness detectors or refillable detergent stations—may seem like no-brainers, but their adoption is often slower due to a mix of inertia and cost. For one, change is expensive. Even if a new feature would delight customers, it requires upfront investments in infrastructure, training, and marketing, which can be risky for stores with thin profit margins," the expert told us.

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"Additionally, many businesses prioritize short-term gains over long-term customer satisfaction. They may be wary of adopting innovations unless there’s a proven return on investment."

#7

Cardboard Rings For This 6-Pack Instead Of The Plastic Ones

Cardboard Rings For This 6-Pack Instead Of The Plastic Ones

thehow2dad Report

#8

Grocery Store Shows When Local Produce Is In Season

Grocery Store Shows When Local Produce Is In Season

nothingswritten Report

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Pernille
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This needs to go in every supermarket, and children should learn it along with cooking in school. I believe that eating in season and local is one of the ways we can help the climate most, although I do miss bananas, and have completely lost the ability to measure anything around the house.

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#9

Local Shop Gives Old Vegetables For Pets For Free

Local Shop Gives Old Vegetables For Pets For Free

nixass Report

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zatrisha
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are not really old vegetables, just the cut leaves. The customers cut them off and put them in the box so that they are not weighed - and if you have a rabbit, you can take it with you for free.

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Meanwhile, Johnson noted that we also have to consider the psychology of habit. "Both shoppers and store owners often default to what’s familiar. Changing a system that 'works' can feel unnecessary, even if it’s not ideal. But as competition heats up, the stores that embrace these customer-first ideas will likely pull ahead—until, eventually, the rest will have to catch up or get left behind," he told Bored Panda.

If you're interested in learning more about marketing psychology, feel free to take a look through Johnson's branding and human nature blogs. You might also be interested in watching his TEDx talk on YouTube, about serendipity in the age of advanced AI.

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#10

The Mall Of America Parking Ramps Have Parking Availability Lights To Let People Know If There’s A Spot Available

The Mall Of America Parking Ramps Have Parking Availability Lights To Let People Know If There’s A Spot Available

Meet_your_Maker_LL Report

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Fembot
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very common in Spain and such a great idea. Now if everyone would learn to park straight?

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#11

The Publix In My Hometown Gives Out Fruit To Kids For Free

The Publix In My Hometown Gives Out Fruit To Kids For Free

reddit.com Report

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WindySwede
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the small picture I thought someone have put onions there 😅

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#12

This Grocery Store Has Carts In The Back In Case You Buy More Than You Were Expecting

This Grocery Store Has Carts In The Back In Case You Buy More Than You Were Expecting

RumCheddar Report

Shopping in person, rather than online, isn’t just about buying the things you plan on getting. It’s an experience. And that experience shapes how you feel about the store, the products it sells, and the brand in general.

To put it simply, a positive experience and a good atmosphere are going to make it more likely that you’ll be a loyal, returning customer. Why would you not return to a place where you feel comfortable, happy, and catered to?

A negative shopping experience, on the other hand, is likely to push you away. And, if you have easily accessible alternatives in your local area, you’ll probably consider shopping at a competitor’s store. At least to see what they offer and how it compares.

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Consumers are (arguably, at least partly) rational, and they’ll generally opt for stores that are closer, cheaper, offer better quality products and more variety, and offer other considerations.

#13

Noticed Cardboard Hangers Instead Of Plastic Hangers While Working On My Shift

Noticed Cardboard Hangers Instead Of Plastic Hangers While Working On My Shift

reddit.com Report

#14

Recent Target Model With A Prosthetic Leg

Recent Target Model With A Prosthetic Leg

jshaver41122 Report

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leendadll
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Target now sells Halloween costumes which incorporate people's wheelchairs.

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#15

They're Growing Their Own Vegetables At My Local Supermarket

They're Growing Their Own Vegetables At My Local Supermarket

25benja Report

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Colleen Glim
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This would be an awesome way to provide fresh veg without having to worry about whether it’s in season or not

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Thinking realistically, not every store will be able to cater to every customer’s whims. It would be too expensive, for one. And few companies boast (nearly) unlimited budgets. On top of that, if you try to appeal to everyone, you might end up creating a very chaotic and confusing interior in your store.

Furthermore, by catering to one group of customers, you might push others away because they dislike your creative ideas. You have to look at what will make the average local shopper happy (or, well, happier), and refine their experience based on that.

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If you enjoy eating avocados but keep picking under- and over-ripe ones, a ripeness detector at your local supermarket can be invaluable.

Similarly, if you have a beloved dog you take everywhere, then you’d probably look favorably upon shop owners who implement pet-friendly solutions.

#16

My Local Supermarket Here In Germany Has Special Shopping Carts For People In Wheelchairs

My Local Supermarket Here In Germany Has Special Shopping Carts For People In Wheelchairs

MrFlow Report

#17

This Grocery Store Prints The Label Directly Onto The Ginger With A Foodsafe Ink To Eliminate The Need For Packaging Or Labels

This Grocery Store Prints The Label Directly Onto The Ginger With A Foodsafe Ink To Eliminate The Need For Packaging Or Labels

Swee_et Report

#18

This Grocery Store Cart Has A Cup Holder, Slot For Your Phone, And An Aisle Guide For Popular Products

This Grocery Store Cart Has A Cup Holder, Slot For Your Phone, And An Aisle Guide For Popular Products

kevo0088 Report

On the flip side, even if you think that your local supermarket is awesome for growing herbs and veggies in the building, you might be weirded out by their little mushroom habitats. Or you might be confused by all the high-tech gadgets that many other shoppers are enjoying. (We’re still on the fence about how useful smart carts that scan everything you put in them really are.)

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Consider other things that go into making a worthwhile shopping experience, too, like the lighting, music, signage, and color palette. One store might opt for unintrusive ambient music, while another might cater to pop music fans.

One shop might go for the most efficient LED lights possible to keep costs down and ensure maximum visibility, while another retailer might opt for warmer lighting to make their customers feel more cozy.

Some might choose to use fewer signs to make their customers lose their way so they buy more random things, while others want more, clearer signs so as to not waste anyone’s time.

#19

You Can Take A Slide Instead Of The Escalators In This Mall In Prague

You Can Take A Slide Instead Of The Escalators In This Mall In Prague

Nires Report

#20

These Shopping Carts With A Compartment For Pets

These Shopping Carts With A Compartment For Pets

letspetpuppies Report

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Rose the Cook
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a better design than the earlier one and unlikely to offend people who don't like dogs in food shops. Still needs more room for the shopping though.

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#21

Small Tents In A Store To See What They Would Look Like

Small Tents In A Store To See What They Would Look Like

FiremanMorales Report

The layout of the store matters a lot, even if we’re not consciously aware of some of these design decisions. Placing candy bars and snacks near the (self) checkout is a ‘subtle’ way of getting customers to buy more of these products.

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If you’ve been shopping for a while, your willpower is likely to be depleted a bit: you’ve been making a ton of decisions about what (not) to buy. So, your body and brain are craving something sweet. Hence the checkout snack counters.

(We’re not judging anyone, though. We’ve fallen prey to this tactic more than a few times. But that’s why we don’t go shopping on an empty stomach anymore.)

#22

This Supermarket In Italy Has Carts Made For Dogs

This Supermarket In Italy Has Carts Made For Dogs

Willhelm2202 Report

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Mayblater
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’d love it! I’d need the ones in the home improvement store to fit mine though.

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#23

Shopping Cart Cleaning Machine In Germany

Shopping Cart Cleaning Machine In Germany

pogogq Report

#24

My Local Grocery Store Chain Started Selling Fruits And Vegetables That Are Misshapen, Blemished, Or Ugly For A Discounted Price

My Local Grocery Store Chain Started Selling Fruits And Vegetables That Are Misshapen, Blemished, Or Ugly For A Discounted Price

x1pitviper1x Report

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Lost Panda
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Japan is real bad about waste like this. Most stores won't let it in the door if it isn't a picture perfect specimen. Pisses me off...

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According to Tradis Design, in many parts of the world, customers often start browsing on the right-hand side of the store, then head toward the back, and then return to the left-hand side.

However, Gadsby notes that, in the United Kingdom, customers generally look left and then right when they enter a store, so you might want to consider putting the freshest, brightest, and most vibrant produce on the left side of the entrance.

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#25

Local Bookshop Sells Mystery Books. The Wrapping Describes The Themes Only

Local Bookshop Sells Mystery Books. The Wrapping Describes The Themes Only

aspz Report

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Mayblater
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would def do this! That’s why my (8) sisters won’t let me blind date. Also, we all really love my husband. I would read and learn from whatever though . Ask my shampoo bottle

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#26

Avocado Ripeness Detector In Supermarket

Avocado Ripeness Detector In Supermarket

unhappylittletrees1 Report

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Epona
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This 1000% needs to be implemented everywhere. I wish this was in the grocery stores I shop at!

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#27

The Lidl Grocery Store I Went To In Crete Has A Preserved Archeological Site In Their Parking Garage

The Lidl Grocery Store I Went To In Crete Has A Preserved Archeological Site In Their Parking Garage

stanxv Report

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Pernille
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is getting more and more common. I love that they incorporate the old with the new, especially in places where you can't plant a tree without finding archeology.

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When you’re shopping online, your priorities are going to revolve around similar things as in person, such as convenience, price, reliability, and speed, but in slightly different ways.

How easy is it to order and pay for the items you’re looking for? Is it a twenty-four-step process or something more convenient? How good are the deals compared to shopping in person? How trustworthy is the vendor and the platform? How quickly will your products arrive and is it marginally better than physically going to a store near you?

#28

Beer Made From Leftover Strawberries That The Supermarket Rejects

Beer Made From Leftover Strawberries That The Supermarket Rejects

NickDipples96 Report

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Kira Okah
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beer, juice, sauce - this is what happens to all "wonky" produce that won't survive a supermarket trip. That is how it has always been, it's not wasted.

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#29

This Mall In Paris Has A Lock-Up For Your Motorcycle Helmets

This Mall In Paris Has A Lock-Up For Your Motorcycle Helmets

reece1210 Report

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Christine Walker
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah...mystery explained. I saw one of these last week in Toulouse and didn't know what it was for!

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#30

The Dressing Room In This Store Has Multiple Settings To Change The Type Of Lighting

The Dressing Room In This Store Has Multiple Settings To Change The Type Of Lighting

salamanca2792 Report

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Julie S
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They have this in one of the underwear shops in the UK, depending on what kind of sexy lighting you want.

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Which of these store ideas caught your attention the most, dear Pandas? Which ones do you personally consider to be the perfect blend of creativity and usefulness? Which ideas do you wish your local shops would implement?

On the other hand, what do your local shops do really well that you’d love to see elsewhere, too? Let us know what you think in the comments section!

#31

This Supermarket Grows Its Own Mushrooms

This Supermarket Grows Its Own Mushrooms

drstrangelov3 Report

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Carp Fish
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you have the right growing environment, and it looks like they do, growing mushrooms is easy.

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#32

This UV Handrail Sterilizer On An Escalator In Hong Kong

This UV Handrail Sterilizer On An Escalator In Hong Kong

ceowin Report

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Mayblater
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Does anyone know how long it needs to be under the uv. Is it dependent on the consistency.thickness or permeability?

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#33

My Local Foodland Has Bread Ties That Are Made Of Cardboard Instead Of Plastic

My Local Foodland Has Bread Ties That Are Made Of Cardboard Instead Of Plastic

Phyierpickle Report

#34

You Can Test Hiking Shoes On Different Terrains In This Sporting Goods Store

You Can Test Hiking Shoes On Different Terrains In This Sporting Goods Store

_NeoSpace_ Report

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S Mi
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A few here even have literal walk in deep freezers to try winter equipment

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#35

My Local Giant Grocery Store Has A Robot Named “Marty” That Roams The Store Looking For Spills And Trash

My Local Giant Grocery Store Has A Robot Named “Marty” That Roams The Store Looking For Spills And Trash

DemonstrablyFinagle Report

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Glen Ellyn
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think this would scare the bejeebers out of me if I turned into an aisle and saw this. 🤭

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#36

This Paper Bag That Shows You How To Pack It

This Paper Bag That Shows You How To Pack It

Sugalips2000 Report

#37

This Mall Has A “Husband Depository” With Massage Chairs And Phone Chargers

This Mall Has A “Husband Depository” With Massage Chairs And Phone Chargers

co1063 Report

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Kelly Scott
Community Member
3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No way. If I have to shop for the food I cook and feed him, he's going to suffer along with me.

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#38

My Local Grocery Store Has An Air-Conditioned "House" Outside For Dogs To Stay While People Shop

My Local Grocery Store Has An Air-Conditioned "House" Outside For Dogs To Stay While People Shop

TonsilStoneButter Report

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Donald
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even if this wouldn't make my dog freak out I still wouldn't use it unless it is completely sterilized after each use. Not everyone vaccinates their dogs, Parvo and Bordetella are no joke. Same reason I won't take him to dog parks aside from the risk of someone having a psycho dog there.

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#39

My Local Department Store Colorizes Its Shopping Baskets Based On Whether You Need Assistance Or Not

My Local Department Store Colorizes Its Shopping Baskets Based On Whether You Need Assistance Or Not

Chhathedral Report

#40

Dollar General Has A Dedicated Squeezing Chicken To Summon A Cashier To The Register

Dollar General Has A Dedicated Squeezing Chicken To Summon A Cashier To The Register

jnadols1 Report

#41

This Smart Rental Store In My Friend’s Building

This Smart Rental Store In My Friend’s Building

Bitten69 Report

#42

This Store Allows You To Buy A Book, Read It, And Then Return It For A 50% Refund

This Store Allows You To Buy A Book, Read It, And Then Return It For A 50% Refund

dudsa15 Report

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Amanda Rose
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is a place called a library where you don't have to pay to read their books.

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#43

This Home Depot Has Little Mini Bathtubs For Display Purposes

This Home Depot Has Little Mini Bathtubs For Display Purposes

SchrodingersCatPics Report

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Mayblater
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The second any home improvement store goes out of business., I’m grabbing one

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#44

Australia Is Now Doing Missing Persons On Milk Bottles

Australia Is Now Doing Missing Persons On Milk Bottles

AutisticMarsupial Report

#45

This Department Store In Germany Has A Surf Wave For Trying Out Products

This Department Store In Germany Has A Surf Wave For Trying Out Products

Ok_Ambassador8394 Report

#47

My Grocery Store Has A Cranberry Bog

My Grocery Store Has A Cranberry Bog

heyjustsoyouknowbro Report

#48

This Sign At My Local Pharmacy Teaches How To Do A Basic Waltz

This Sign At My Local Pharmacy Teaches How To Do A Basic Waltz

BrGsaW Report

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OneHappyPuppy
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can do this just fine. But when it comes time to turn with the moves, I'm lost. Yeah, I can't dance for the life of me...

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#49

Heated Dog Parking While Shopping

Heated Dog Parking While Shopping

pimzon Report

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Mayblater
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No one would ever make it into the store if they could just hand and watch the puppers

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#50

7-Eleven In Japan Has Little Stools To Make It Easier For Little Kids To Grab Ice Cream

7-Eleven In Japan Has Little Stools To Make It Easier For Little Kids To Grab Ice Cream

KAMEKAZE_VIKINGS Report

Note: this post originally had 98 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

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