Some grocery guidelines prohibit note taking or cell phone use while on the premises. When allowed, I find an unmanned aisle, or go to the restroom, and use my phone to dictate notes. A DVR can also be used to record timings, names, etc., though I use it less and less in ms'ing. Another method is making notes on a shopping list, or sales ad. For years, I have jotted down the price of each item that goes in the cart. Many moons ago, I learned shorthand, which keeps any interested person from reading my notes.