Hów Do Blind People Do Shopping?

[AndiFlatland]

A few days ago, I was in my local Sainsburys, when a clearly blind woman (and I don't think she was even 'partially sighted') with a long white stick with a small round bobble on the end came round the end of the aisle, having picked up a few items. I watched her briefly, fascinated by how well she was able to get around the store and find exactly what she wanted, without any assistance.
Do they have some special technique for locating what they're looking for, and knowing exactly what variety of the items they're picking up? (eg. of the dozens of different cans of fruit and vegetables, the cans being mostly the same shape and size).

[1ozzy]

It's programmed into the bobble at the end of their stick.

Those with guide dogs let them choose.

[Buenchico]

Woodelf might be the best person to answer your question (as he's totally blind) but, in the meantime, here's a US video that shows how a person with very limited sight copes:

[Buenchico]

Here's a similar video from someone with total blindness:

[rowanwitch]

Lots of ways, mums friend booked a shopping assistant who went round the store with her, later she switched to voice ordering on her pc, A gentleman in my local Sainsbury just asks if anything has been moved and he seems to manage after that. People are often very good at adapting. You can't let a guide dog choose or you will come home with a basket of his or her favourites.

[1ozzy]

I've met some very responsible dogs.

[follyfancier]

a lot of products have Braille dots on them now

[johnny.5]

I was in Asda once when a blind man with his guide dog asked me to help him by reading the strength guide on a bottle of disinfectant as they had not got his usual brand in stock.
I tried but the printing was too small and I apologized as I did not have my glasses with me
he replied you're not much help you blind ***
we both laughed

[1ozzy]

After watching a blind persons guide dog nose and kick items off the shelves, then urinate on some of them I asked
" would you like some help"?

"Nah, just browsing" was the reply.