I'd just like to defend 'thick' checkout staff
being a tillmonkey myself. I work for Asda, and it is in our contract for us to ask those mind-numbing, ridiculous questions. Not got your bags? I need to (yes, contractually) ask if you want a 5p one or a free one. Then I am obliged to ask if you want help packing. It doesn't make anyone thick, it just makes us robots - and it's just as grim asking as it is answering. Try doing it all day.
( Bats, Tue 20 Oct 2009, 12:51, 1 reply)

I see
I used to absolutely loathe being asked "Do you want any help with your packing?" at the till at Sainsbury's, but I can't recall being asked recently. Either they've stopped doing it or I've managed to mentally block it out.
(Vice Admiral Sir Charles Cockbrush KCB MBE DSO, who is finding it increasingly difficult to log into b3ta.com wants to duck your aunt and kick your puppy, Tue 20 Oct 2009, 13:35, closed)

Indeed
You've blocked it out, Sainsbury's checkout staff are contractually obliged to ask you that. We don't actually care though, so ignoring it's fine.
(forthejest thinks this is the Endgame, Tue 20 Oct 2009, 19:10, closed)