Thunder in the Produce Aisle

[Brian Lutz]

While going back and reading a thread on Chowhound that I contributed to some time ago, one of the posts on that thread complained about the use of seemingly random cheesy thunder sound effects in the produce aisle at a Publix store. These sound effects come from an automatic misting system that sprays water on the cold produce cases at regular intervals, and serve as a warning that the system is about to spray. A number of the Safeway stores around here use these systems with the thunder sound effects. I'd be curious to know how widespread these systems are, and what other sound effects might be used elsewhere (the local QFC uses a similar system, but replaces the thunder sounds with a simple doorbell.)

[Alpha8472]

I have heard the thunder in Safeway stores. Albertsons used to use a doorbell sound on their newer and remodeled stores. The former remodeled Albertsons stores around me still use the doorbell sound. I prefer the doorbell sound over the fake thunder sound.

I believe some older supermarkets in my area lack the automatic spray. Employees use small hoses to spray produce.

[krogerclerk]

They have been fairly universal to Kroger in the Atlanta division since the mid-90's. BiLo even uses the effects in their produce departments.

[drpep]

At the Tops Supermarket in Ithaca, NY they play "Singing in the Rain" before the misters start. I've also heard thunder.