The cart is a ubiquitous tool used by almost every shopper in every supermarket worldwide. It has become an integral part of shopping, and we barely give it a second thought as we navigate the aisles. But have you ever wondered about the history of the shopping cart? Or how much it has increased in size over the years? Well, wonder no more.

The history of the shopping cart dates back to the 1930s when Sylvan Goldman, a grocery store owner in Oklahoma, struggled with a problem – how to increase sales. He noticed that shoppers would only buy what they could carry, limiting their purchases and affecting his bottom line. So he came up with an idea – a basket on wheels. Goldman wanted to help his customers shop with ease and enable them to buy more. Thus, the shopping cart was born.

The first shopping carts were rectangular wire baskets mounted on wheels. They were uncomfortable to push, clunky and could only hold one small basket of goods. But they were a hit with customers. People loved the convenience of being able to carry more and shop for longer without getting tired. Soon, other grocery stores started to implement shopping carts, and the rest is history.

Fast forward to the present day, and the shopping cart has undergone many changes and improvements. Shopping carts are now made of lightweight materials like plastic and aluminum and are easy to manoeuvre. They can hold up to four times the size of the first shopping carts, and some even come with child seats and cup holders. The design has also evolved, with some carts now featuring folding seats and compartments for handbags and phones.

Interestingly, the size of the shopping cart has also increased. In the 1930s, the standard shopping cart measured 18 inches by 36 inches. Today, most shopping carts are 3.5 feet long and 2.5 feet wide, with a capacity of up to 72 gallons. The increase in size has been gradual and driven by consumer demand for more space to carry larger items, such as bulk purchases and oversized items like furniture.

Another factor contributing to the increase in cart size is an increase in the average size of shoppers. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average height of an American adult has increased by about an inch over the past few decades. This increase in height means that shoppers need larger carts to comfortably reach items on higher shelves and avoid bending over, which can lead to back pain.

Overall, the shopping cart has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the 1930s. It has undergone several changes in design, material, and size, making shopping much more comfortable and convenient for millions of people worldwide. One thing is for sure – the shopping cart is here to stay. It is a simple yet essential tool for every shopping trip, enabling us to get the most out of our shopping experience. So, the next time you are at the supermarket and grab a shopping cart, take a moment to appreciate its history, evolution, and the convenience it brings to your shopping experience.

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