Many people's image of the shopping trolley, or "wheelie-bag", is a distant memory of something cumbersome and tartan that their mum or grandma used for bringing home the groceries.
However, in recent years shopping trolleys have been re-invented as a stylish lifestyle essential for all ages and tastes, and not just for shopping!
Why Would Anyone Want a Shopping Trolley?
There are many and varied reasons for having a shopping trolley:
Going Green: You could use your trolley to shop locally: visit your local butcher, greengrocer and baker (if you are lucky enough to have such things) and take the bus home. Maybe you live near enough to walk your trolley to the supermarket - it's great exercise and not having a car boot to fill might stop you buying too much. You might also use fewer plastic bags - another plus for the environment.
Healthy Living: Pulling a shopping trolley is easier on the back than carrying bags. They're a handy way to carry heavy books to work, school or college; and perfect for picnics in the park. Take the burden out of walking the kids to school - pile their bags, coats and lunch-boxes into your trolley and enjoy keeping your family fit.
Looking Good: With some very stylish trolleys on the market, they make a great alternative to the overnight bag and ideal for hanging out at festivals. Just remember to co-ordinate with your shoes!
Trolley Specifications
There are numerous shopping trolleys available, with an amazing variety of styles, design features and prices.
The trolley essentially comprises the wheels, the handle and the bag, each with variations:
- wheels for negotiating steps;
- two, four or six wheels;
- swivel wheels;
- removable inside bag for washing
- thermal pockets for keeping things warm or cool;
- bags that zip down the sides for easy access;
- bags that will hold up to 20kg in weight;
- bags that carry up to 56 litres in capacity;
- waterproof bags;
- bags in a range of funky colours and designs;
- newspaper pocket;
- handles designed to hook over supermarket trolley;
- height-adjustable handles;
- integrated umbrella holder;
There are also trolleys with specific functions/design features:
- trolleys that are also a seat;
- trolleys for people under 5’1”;
- trolleys for transporting cats or dogs
- trolleys for carrying laundry
- foldable trolleys;
- lightweight trolleys;
Which Shopping Trolley to buy?
There are certain features that you might consider a priority; for example a generous capacity and weight allowance is important if you intend to use it for your serious grocery shopping. Remember that your trolley will be much heavier when full and special wheels could really help your back if you need to negotiate a bus or lots of steps.
Be aware that most trolleys specify a maximum capacity rather than a weight limit. However, a weight limit may be more useful in order to avoid over-loading and damaging the trolley. It is worth making a separate enquiry about weight limit if it is not specified.
You can buy a trolley for as little as £8.99. The one I saw for that price only carried 16 litres.
Argos and Ikea have trolleys at reasonable prices, £15.00 to £20.00. A review of one of the Argos trolleys did mention a wheel falling off, but the other reviews were good.
The Marketeer and Hoppa shopping trolleys start around £20.00 to £25.00. They come in a range of designs. The Marketeer floral Paris trolley is especially pretty. It costs around £28.00, has a 40 litre capacity and good reviews.
The Rolsers, described as "the Rolls Royce of shopping trolleys", range in price from £38.00 to £94.00. They are made in Spain where trolleys are very popular. If you can handle the price, they are beautiful and look as though they could handle serious shopping.
Playmarket have the most expensive trolley that I could find; for £125.00 you can buy the Playmarket Go Up Swivel Shopping Trolley. These are high specification trolleys; wheels swivel for manoeuvrability and fold for carrying up steps, a separate thermal bag, safety reflectors on the back and a washable internal bag.
Like a good handbag or pair of shoes, your shopping trolley should fit your requirements so think carefully about what your needs are before you buy!
Celia Compton - A writer of integrity, with a background in music, therapy, teaching, public sector administration, gardening, intentional community ...
