Not like small town Iowa

So growing up my mom and I would often do grocery shopping together, among other things. Sometimes we would go to Aldi to get groceries because they are cheaper. Well I wanted to be thrifty today and needed groceries. Needed is an understatement. Well I knew where an Aldi store and it wasn't far from the other places I wanted to hit today. First I arrived forgetting I needed a quarter to have a cart. I nicely asked the woman who was finished with hers if I could give her my two dimes and nickel for her cart. She complied. Next I shuffled around the store picking out my items. I am making my way through the last aisle when two guys approach me. The man proceeds to ask me if he can pay me for my cart of groceries. I wasn't interested in having a conversation or going grocery shopping again so I politely responded "No thank you." He then proceeds to beg by offering me a $20 gift card. Just for your information, he was offering to pay for my grocery cart filled with groceries, but I was still in the store and hadn't paid for them. I again respond, "No thank you, not today," and continue down the aisle. I then notice that they are following me. They follow me until I take my place in the checkout line. Then, they wait by the door for a short time, staring at me. Hmm...I then quickly place my cell phone, pager, important bank cards and cash in my front vest pocket. Then I notice their is a cop by the door too. THANKFULLY! The two men left shortly after seeing the cop. I safely made it out of the grocery store and home. This was my first "city-like" experience and the lesson learned: Don't go to Aldi by yourself.