Dear Okemos Meijer (and all other Michigan Meijer stores with weird and seemingly useless rectangle baskets on your carts),

First off, BIG fan! First-time writer long-time shopper (I was a Meijer Oasis Kid).

Related: That Okemos, Michigan Clock Tower Has A Secret

So, anyhoo, let's talk shopping carts. Look, you've been in the shopping cart game longer than most since you were one of the first to adopt them in 1938—but you know that. Please help me answer a question that has kept me up at night: What is that rectangular-shaped, tiny basket between the real cup holder and the fake cup holder?

Scott Clow / Canva
Scott Clow / Canva
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Seriously, what is that little rectangular basket made for? I get that the loops on either side of it can carry bags, but please, what's up with the rectangle?

Scott Clow / Canva
Scott Clow / Canva
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I understand that the cup holder you had placed on the right side was meant to shake a can of pop until it burst, and the one on the left was placed there so team members could watch security footage of people dropping their drinks right through the bottomless hole.

I've wasted so many hours pondering this question I've taken the time to put together a few guesses. Please let me know if any of the following are correct:

Convenient In-Cart Placement of a Cell Phone Drop / Launching Pad

Scott Clow / Canva
Scott Clow / Canva
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Having tried to place my phone in this spot vertically (see above), I know that using this space for such a purpose can result in your precious device leaving the cart and plummeting to the aisle floor.

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But this can't be what you, the fine people of Meijer, had in mind when selecting this cart design.

The "Work, Shop, and Stand in the Middle of the Aisle" Meijer Laptop Platform

Scott Clow / Canva
Scott Clow / Canva
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No? How about this one?

The "Mom I Don't Want to Be Here" Gaming System Resting Station

Scott Clow / Canva
Scott Clow / Canva
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I thought this could be it, but let's face it: Kids rarely go to the store with their parents anymore, and if they do, they just wait in the car now.

Related: Michigan, Before the Internet: 4 Ways Kids Stayed Busy at Meijer

They have no idea what wonderland they are missing inside Michigan's Meijer stores. Either that, or they realize their parents will make them scan and bag the groceries since you went nearly cashierless.

The "We're Out of Cereal and I'm Hungry Now" In-Cart Breakfast Nook

Scott Clow / Canva
Scott Clow / Canva
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This one has merit, but after taking a few bowls for a test drive (sorry about the mess in aisle 17) I realized this couldn't be what you intended for this oddly placed rectangular basket. Plus, who carries a spoon with them?

The "Who Needs a Bathroom to Clean a Child" Wet Wipe Holder

Because Who Wants to Clean That Up in a Bathroom Wet Wipe Holder
Scott Clow / Canva
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No? Come on! But what? WHAT IS IT MEANT FOR????

Final Guess: The "Herb Garden While You Get Dog Food" Planting Kit?

Scott Clow / Canva
Scott Clow / Canva
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Is it meant for hanging greenery? If not, it's a missed opportunity. Honestly, Meijer, I think I'm close to the Wet Wipes. Let me know.

P.S. Go to pet supplies and tell the fish I said hi.

P.S.S. Thanks for making Sandy a penny.

Sandy the Mechanical Meijer Pony

The First Meijer Store and Meijer Memorabilia

"The American Horse" Sculpture: Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids

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