It seems harmless enough: stepping into a shop while chatting on your phone. But for many French shopkeepers, this small habit has become one of their biggest frustrations—and they’re speaking out about it.
A growing irritation
Running a business means dealing with people all day long. Most interactions are pleasant, but certain customer habits can test even the most patient vendor’s nerves. One, in particular, has shopkeepers across France shaking their heads: customers staying on their phones while placing an order.
Whether in a café, bakery, or clothing store, staff often find themselves repeating questions or correcting mistakes because customers are too distracted to pay attention. As Eric Trouvé, a café owner, told TF1 Info, “When we ask if it’s with water or without, they don’t hear it. For me, in public spaces, politeness is simply about thinking of others.”
When distraction leads to mistakes
For some businesses, the issue is more than just annoying—it directly affects the quality of service. A baker explained how lunchtime rushes become chaotic when people are glued to their phones: “At midday it’s tricky. Customers on the phone aren’t really listening, so there are mix-ups between tuna and salmon, for example. Later, when they get home, they complain the order is wrong.”
In frustration, she even tried discouraging phone use in her shop to avoid errors and keep the line moving smoothly.
A matter of respect
For shopkeepers, the issue isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about basic courtesy. The act of hanging up, making eye contact, and exchanging a few words is part of the social fabric that makes daily interactions smoother.
From cafés to bakeries to boutiques, the message is clear: if you want good service, put the phone away, even for a minute.
And in the end, it benefits everyone—staff who feel respected, and customers who walk out with exactly what they ordered. Sometimes, the simplest gesture of politeness can make the whole experience better for both sides.
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A passionate journalist, Iris Lennox covers social and cultural news across the U.S.