I just got back from Trader Joes—one of my new favorite places to grocery shop. I was once again thoroughly impressed with the customer service during checkout.

It went something like this:

Cashier: You can rest your arms (pointing at the open spot to put down my basket).

Me: Oh, thanks.

Cashier: I like your shirt. (I was wearing my MuteMath concert T-shirt from a few years ago)

Me: Hey thanks!

After the transaction had been processed and the cashier was handing me my bag...

Cashier: Are you enjoying this weather?

Me: I sure am!

Cashier: Well continue to enjoy it...it's beautiful!

This was a very pleasant conversation. It was nothing out of the ordinary. It was, however, authentic.

Everyone understands that customer service is an important part of doing business—especially in retail. But a trend that is starting to annoy me is when everyone at an establishment says exactly the same thing. For example, if you walk in to a Chick-fil-A, everyone says "how may I serve you" or "my pleasure." This might seem pleasant at first but after awhile it comes off as artificial and robotic.

The lady at Trader Joe's was speaking to me as an individual and not going by any script. And for that...I thank her.