Post by account_disabled on Feb 27, 2024 10:01:53 GMT
We tend to think that we only buy what we need, but whether we are buying food, clothes or gadgets, supermarkets influence our decisions, using the power of psychological persuasion.
We all remember walking into a store only to discover that its layout has changed, maybe the toilet paper is no longer where you expected, or you had trouble finding the ketchup. But why do stores like to move everything around? Well, it's actually a simple answer.
According to The Coversation , changing the location of items helps customers be exposed to different items as they wander around looking for the things they Chinese American Phone Number List need or want. This strategy can often significantly increase unplanned spending as we add extra things, often on impulse, while spending more time in the store.
Impulse buying
Some studies suggest that up to 50% of all groceries are sold on impulse, and more than 87% of shoppers make impulsive purchases. Which involves several factors such as the need for excitement and lack of self-control, “buy one get one free” offers, discounts and in-store promotional displays are also known to play a key role.
An attractive promotion can cause a wave of temporary pleasure, and this makes it more difficult to make a rational decision. We are overwhelmed by the perceived value of the “savings” if we buy the item here and now, so we ignore other considerations, such as whether we really need it. Instant gratification can be hard to ignore.
Supermarkets influence our consumption decisions
Likewise, bundling is another technique that salespeople use to trigger impulse buying. This activity consists of packaging complementary products alongside a main one, with a substantial discount.
Games consoles, for example, are often sold with two or three games, and supermarkets have food packages and even websites dedicated to a wide range of these sets.
Go shopping, friend or foe
While these strategies can help increase profits as supermarkets influence our decisions, they can also contribute to problems. Impulsive buying can undoubtedly affect a consumer's mental well-being, as it increases feelings of shame and guilt, which can lead to anxiety, stress and depression.
And it is potentially more serious when it leads to excess, especially if people spend money they don't have. Although there are positives as well, online shopping has been found to give a boost of dopamine, which is released in our brains when we anticipate pleasure, because while we wait for our orders to arrive, we tend to feel more excited.
supermarkets influence our decisions supermarket
If this pleasant feeling is handled well, then there is nothing wrong with it. But, unfortunately, it doesn't always end there. That fleeting sensation makes it possible to develop a shopping addiction. This can happen when we continually want to experience the feel-good “dopamine hit,” so a pattern of wanting more and more develops.
On the other side of the coin, shopping can help restore a person's sense of control. When feeling unhappy or anxious, we tend to think that everything is out of our control, but making decisions such as which store to go to or whether we like an item can give us back a sense of personal control and reduce distress.
What if supermarkets influenced our positive decisions?
Of course, shops and supermarkets influence our decisions and will not want to lose this ability, however they could, if they wish, help in a positive way.
For example, there is a pressing need to combat obesity in most countries around the world. That is why the UK government has decided to restrict promotions of unhealthy foods - those high in free sugars, salt and saturated fats - from October 2022.
We all remember walking into a store only to discover that its layout has changed, maybe the toilet paper is no longer where you expected, or you had trouble finding the ketchup. But why do stores like to move everything around? Well, it's actually a simple answer.
According to The Coversation , changing the location of items helps customers be exposed to different items as they wander around looking for the things they Chinese American Phone Number List need or want. This strategy can often significantly increase unplanned spending as we add extra things, often on impulse, while spending more time in the store.
Impulse buying
Some studies suggest that up to 50% of all groceries are sold on impulse, and more than 87% of shoppers make impulsive purchases. Which involves several factors such as the need for excitement and lack of self-control, “buy one get one free” offers, discounts and in-store promotional displays are also known to play a key role.
An attractive promotion can cause a wave of temporary pleasure, and this makes it more difficult to make a rational decision. We are overwhelmed by the perceived value of the “savings” if we buy the item here and now, so we ignore other considerations, such as whether we really need it. Instant gratification can be hard to ignore.
Supermarkets influence our consumption decisions
Likewise, bundling is another technique that salespeople use to trigger impulse buying. This activity consists of packaging complementary products alongside a main one, with a substantial discount.
Games consoles, for example, are often sold with two or three games, and supermarkets have food packages and even websites dedicated to a wide range of these sets.
Go shopping, friend or foe
While these strategies can help increase profits as supermarkets influence our decisions, they can also contribute to problems. Impulsive buying can undoubtedly affect a consumer's mental well-being, as it increases feelings of shame and guilt, which can lead to anxiety, stress and depression.
And it is potentially more serious when it leads to excess, especially if people spend money they don't have. Although there are positives as well, online shopping has been found to give a boost of dopamine, which is released in our brains when we anticipate pleasure, because while we wait for our orders to arrive, we tend to feel more excited.
supermarkets influence our decisions supermarket
If this pleasant feeling is handled well, then there is nothing wrong with it. But, unfortunately, it doesn't always end there. That fleeting sensation makes it possible to develop a shopping addiction. This can happen when we continually want to experience the feel-good “dopamine hit,” so a pattern of wanting more and more develops.
On the other side of the coin, shopping can help restore a person's sense of control. When feeling unhappy or anxious, we tend to think that everything is out of our control, but making decisions such as which store to go to or whether we like an item can give us back a sense of personal control and reduce distress.
What if supermarkets influenced our positive decisions?
Of course, shops and supermarkets influence our decisions and will not want to lose this ability, however they could, if they wish, help in a positive way.
For example, there is a pressing need to combat obesity in most countries around the world. That is why the UK government has decided to restrict promotions of unhealthy foods - those high in free sugars, salt and saturated fats - from October 2022.
