Reviving the Boxems: A Sustainable Throwback to Grocery Shopping History
Ever heard of “box boys” or “boxems”? If you haven’t, you’re not alone—it’s a term that harkens back to a time when grocery stores didn’t pack your goods into plastic or paper bags but instead into sturdy boxes. Baggers, or “boxems,” as they were affectionately called, played a key role in ensuring groceries were packed just right, often balancing eggs, bread, and canned goods like a game of real-life Tetris.
I recently had the privilege of learning about this history firsthand from a customer in his 90s. As I packed his groceries, he complimented my skills and told me he’d done the same job decades ago. Back then, everything went into boxes instead of bags, and they proudly called themselves “boxems.” Curious, I looked it up later and discovered he was absolutely right! It was a popular term in mid-20th-century grocery culture.
What If We Brought Boxes Back?
Hearing his story made me think: What if we all started bringing reusable boxes to the store instead of bags? With Amazon boxes piling up in many of our homes, it’s an easy, eco-friendly way to reduce waste and connect with a piece of history. Boxes are sturdy, stackable, and hold up better than flimsy bags when transporting heavy or awkwardly shaped items.
By reintroducing boxes, we could reduce the demand for single-use bags and pay homage to the “boxems” of the past. Plus, wouldn’t it be cool to walk out of the store with everything neatly packed into an Amazon Prime box instead of wrestling with a mountain of paper or plastic?
The Modern-Day Boxem
Imagine turning this into a trend. Shoppers walking in with their favorite reusable boxes, local stores encouraging it by setting aside empty boxes for customers, and a new wave of “boxems” mastering the art of packing again. It’s sustainable, nostalgic, and practical.
Making Grocery Shopping Personal Again
What I loved most about my interaction with the customer wasn’t just learning about the history of boxems—it was the personal connection we shared. Grocery shopping used to be a highly personal experience, with employees taking pride in every aspect of service, down to how items were packed.
Bringing back the use of boxes could rekindle that personal touch. It’s a small step that could lead to more thoughtful, intentional shopping experiences. Plus, it’s a great way to strike up conversations about the good old days, sustainability, and even a few tips on the best way to stack cans.
How to Start the Boxem Revival
1. Bring Your Own Box: Next time you go grocery shopping, grab an Amazon box or any sturdy reusable box from home. Make it a habit!
2. Encourage Your Store to Participate: Suggest your local grocery store keep extra boxes from shipments for customers to use.
3. Share the History: Tell friends and family about the box boys and boxems. It’s a fun way to spread the word and keep history alive.
4. Make It Trendy: Snap a photo of your beautifully packed box and share it on social media with the hashtag #BoxemRevival.
Full Circle
It’s funny how a simple story from a 90-year-old customer can spark an idea that connects the past, present, and future. Reviving the “boxems” isn’t just about grocery shopping—it’s about remembering where we came from, embracing sustainability, and bringing a little more thoughtfulness to our daily routines.
So, the next time you head to the store, think outside the bag. Grab a box and pack it like a pro. Who knows—you might just inspire the next generation of boxems.
