Walter Finch
WITH the world starting to realise that dating apps are an unalloyed abomination, the inventive people of Spain are turning to a new alternative – supermarket hook-ups.
According to a growing trend, the Spanish supermarket chain Mercadona has become an unlikely hotspot for singles looking for love.
The idea gained traction after television personality Vivy Lin shared a TikTok video suggesting that many people visit Mercadona between 7pm and 8pm specifically to meet potential partners.
This claim was further supported by a participant on the popular dating show First Dates, who revealed that she used to frequent the supermarket during those hours when she was single.
Social media users have since run with the concept, creating a whole lexicon of grocery shopping signals.
For instance, choosing chocolate or sweets is said to indicate a desire for a casual fling, while opting for legumes suggests a search for a more serious relationship.
And apparently, carrying a pineapple upside down in your shopping cart is a universal sign that you’re open to a chat.
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If you spot someone doing the same and find them attractive, a playful bump of the carts might be the perfect way to strike up a conversation.
Others have suggested that the perfume section of El Corte Ingles at lunch time (around 2pm to 3.30pm in Spain) if you want to find a high-powered mate.
There are approximately 400 Mercadona supermarkets in Andalucia, meaning no one should have to go too far if they want to check out the trend for themselves.
