Working in a Supermarket: Satire Meets Consumerism in Retail's Backstage

By Enrico Mattioli

IT’S NOT JUST A BOOK; IT’S AN EXPERIENCE.

‘Working in a Supermarket’ is a satirical novel that takes you on a whirlwind journey through workplace dynamics and social hierarchies. This gripping novel, woven with sharp satirical threads, offers readers a rare glimpse into the raw underbelly of corporate culture and the human psyche.
This is where the stage meets the supermarket aisles: our protagonist, Eggnog, a former actor, draws parallels between the world of theater and serving customers. He feels like he's part of a cast, not just staff. In many ways, working in a supermarket is like putting on a show every day, where every expression becomes part of the daily performance.
Dive deep into a narrative that dances on the line between fiction and relatable reality. The protagonist, Eggnog, is every one of us - navigating through workplace politics, internal conflicts, and social expectations. The tales of Mr. His Side and Mr. Hell, two characters who are endearing and exasperating, add a touch of humor, irony, and introspection to the story.
Set against the cinematic backdrop of Rome's iconic Cinecittà, ‘Working in a Supermarket’ transcends geographical boundaries. Perfect for overseas readers, whether immersed in the skyscrapers of New York or the busy streets of London, the universal dynamics contained within these pages will resonate deeply. It is a testament to all who have faced the complexities of contemporary life. With its biting satire, this novel brings to light the absurdities inherent in our society.
But it's not all satire and sarcasm. This isn't just about shelves, cash registers, or routine shopping. It’s a vivid tapestry of dreams, connections, and the unspoken passions of those who breathe life into every aisle. ‘Working in a Supermarket’ elegantly captures the poetic beauty of the mundane.
At its core, this book is about the human experience - the struggles we face, the choices we make, and the paths we tread. Through wit and humor, it poses profound questions, urging readers to introspect about their own place in the world. Why read 'Working in a Supermarket'? In a world overflowing with pretense, here's a narrative that offers an honest, unfiltered view, with strokes of humor, and raw emotion. It's not just a book; it's an experience. One that will leave you pondering, smiling, and wanting more.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Sep 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9781446737385

Book preview

Working in a Supermarket

Satire Meets Consumerism in Retail's Backstage

ENRICO MATTIOLI

Copyright © 2023 Enrico Mattioli

All rights reserved.

ISBN 978-1-4467-3738-5

Contents

Chapter one

Chapter two

Chapter three

Chapter four

Chapter five

Chapter six

Chapter seven

Chapter eight

The author

When I was a young boy,

I was passionate about acting and believed

I would one day step through the doors of the cinematography faculty.

In reality, I didn’t stray too far from that dream.

Years later, I found myself clocking in at the shopping center next door.

CHAPTER ONE

Fate has a way of intervening in the most inopportune moments. I was in the theater for rehearsals when it all happened. Zucca, the other extra, came in with a telegram: "Please present yourself on Monday, July 31st, at 50 Via Nardi, for urgent matters concerning you."

I received the same message.

We lived on the same floor of our apartment building. Both of us were sending out job applications to reassure our families. Security companies, postal offices, and large retail chains: I never expected Zucca's mother to play a role in our fate. She intercepted the mailman who, finding no one at my home, was heading back to the office. She told him she was a neighbor, signed the receipt, and had the letter delivered to her. Everyone has their own dissonance within.

It was the height of summer. On our way, Zucca and I grappled with an unexpected twist that neither of us had anticipated: Had two job applications, both without references, ever simultaneously been considered in human history? We reached the headquarters and presented our telegrams to a secretary who instructed us to wait. Zucca was called in first. When my turn came, I faced a distinguished gentleman with a beard: the human resources manager.

When he proposed a job-training contract leading to a permanent position, I reacted with tepid enthusiasm, mentioning I had vacation plans and inquired if we could reconvene after my return. He chuckled, presuming it was a jest, and I convinced myself that my response had been rather clever. Later that afternoon, another notice arrived: "Please arrive on an empty stomach for a medical examination on Wednesday, August 2nd, at 9:00 a.m., at Pinzi Clinic, Nicolai Street No. 2. Bring a copy of this telegram with you."

Zucca secured a position at a different branch. From then on, our interactions were limited to brief exchanges on the apartment landing, heading in or out for work. The camaraderie we once enjoyed waned. Eventually, his family relocated, and it was a long time before I heard anything about him again.

One never forgets their first day at work. The supermarket's main entrance opened onto a bustling square choked with traffic. However, the address on the telegram directed me to a tree-lined avenue, at the end of which a rickety gate marked the entrance. Going through, I found myself in the goods reception area of an expansive warehouse.

The area felt like an ancient forum, where suppliers, vendors, and artisans met and kept tabs on each other, amid a hellish, even musical, racket. It took a while before someone registered my presence. An employee soon approached, guiding me to the office. There, I was introduced to the department head, an unpredictable young man who was the section manager. He looked as if he had been waiting specifically for me and proceeded to give me a guided tour of the supermarket.

Behind the checkout barrier, a man in a red cassock distributed discount coupons. From a polystyrene fountain, cotton candy flakes erupted. Nearby, a faux fireplace blazed with genuine flames, while easy-listening melodies set the mood for shopping. Baskets were strategically positioned alongside the carts.

- Seventy-five percent of customers with a basket always make a purchase, compared to those who go without - the section manager informed me.

- Ah… - I murmured, feigning interest.

- You see, we're in the business of sales - he continued - and with the right effort, you'll soon be a pro at it too.

Once past the entrance, the fruits and vegetables section greets you. Adjacent was the fish market, followed closely by the deli. The manager introduced me to colleagues who, though seemingly engrossed in their tasks, appeared listless.

Behind the greetings passed off as politeness and the nods of welcome, there was a study, a science, and an academic school: nothing was left to chance. The feeling of a grand celebration was wrapped up like a gift, adorned with phosphorescent ribbons.

However, looking closer at the staff, it was apparent that behind the polite smiles lay a simple gratitude for employment.

Before reaching the canned goods section, we encountered the butcher shop. I anticipated an introduction from the boss, but instead received a warning: - No, I won't introduce you to them. The butcher shop is a separate section. The butcher is a figure halfway between a murderer and a surgeon. Don't forget that!

He continued with more trade secrets: - Placing a seemingly pointless item at the entrance ignites the purchasing impulse in a shopper. Signage is calculated to make customers meander, luring them towards strategically placed products. And the essentials? They're at the very back, so by the time you reach them, your cart's already brimming.

I kept nodding, but my interest was quickly waning. During the interview with the personnel manager, he described a spacious dining center for