The Game Theory of Queuing in a Supermarket

Game theory is the study of strategic decision-making in situations where the outcome depends on the actions of multiple individuals or groups. In queuing in a supermarket, game theory can be used to analyze how customers decide when and where to join a queue and how store managers can design the queuing system to optimize customer satisfaction and efficiency.

One example of a game-theoretic model for queuing in a supermarket is the “queueing game,” customers choose which queue to join based on their beliefs about the expected waiting time in each row. Store managers can use this model to optimize the number and placement of checkouts and the number of staff working at each checkout to minimize customers’ expected waiting time.

Another example is the “competition game,” in which stores compete for customers by offering different prices, services, and waiting times. The customers will choose the store that maximizes their benefits. Store managers can use this model to adjust the prices and services to attract more customers and increase revenue.

In general, game theory can help store managers design more efficient and fair queuing systems and help customers make better decisions about when and where to shop.