We have all been that person who goes to the supermarket for milk and cereal and comes out with three bags of groceries we didn’t need. Supermarkets are designed to entice shoppers into spending their money with subliminal tactics employed in every aisle. We take a look at 16 psychological tricks supermarkets employ to make us spend more:
Large Trolleys
If supermarket trolleys seem more significant, it is because they are. Larger trolleys can trick you into filling them up more, ultimately leading to a larger bill. The next time it looks like you haven’t bought much, stop and look more closely before adding more stuff to your supersized trolley.
Tempting Treats at Eye Level
Products placed at eye level are more likely to catch your attention, especially for children. These spots are often reserved for high-profit-margin items like candy or sugary cereals. It is best to speak to your child beforehand and let them know how many items they can choose, and if they possibly skip the aisles, you know they are likely to want things.
The Allure of Fresh Produce First
You will notice that most supermarkets place fresh fruits and vegetables at the store entrance. While these foods are healthy, it’s a common strategy to create a positive first impression and encourage customers to spend more throughout the store.
Enticing Bakery Smells
The aroma of freshly baked bread is complex and challenging to resist, something supermarkets know well. The bakery department is encouraged always to have small quantities of bread in the oven so the scent wafts around the building. Some places even have a fake bread smell coming through the AC to woo customers. The psychology is that the smell triggers your hunger and makes you crave impulse purchases.
Hidden Daily Essentials
Everyday necessities like milk, bread, and eggs are strategically placed at the back of the store. This forces you to walk past aisles filled with tempting items, increasing the chance you’ll add something extra to your basket on your way to getting what you went in for.
Deceptive Multi-Buys
Buy-one-get-one-free offers might seem like a deal, but they can lead to overbuying and food waste. You should carefully consider whether you’ll use both products and whether they are the healthiest option, as many are often high in sugar and fat.
The Power of “Limited Time” and “While Supplies Last”
Both these phrases create a sense of urgency and trick customers into thinking they’ll miss out if you don’t buy something immediately. The reality is that these items will be far from exclusive as they use these tactics to eliminate something they have an over-supply of.
Confusing Package Sizing
Supermarkets might offer similar products in slightly different package sizes with unclear price comparisons. This makes it difficult to assess which option is the best value quickly. For example, the small print on the price tag should tell you how much it is per pound or gallon.
Shrinkflation
You may notice that some products stay the same, but the quantity seems smaller, which is known as shrinkflation. Supermarkets trick people into thinking they are getting the same value for money until you open your tiny candy bar and see how much you have been ripped off.
The Decoy Effect
Supermarkets often use the “decoy effect” that deceives customers into buying an expensive product just because the item next to it is even more expensive. The expensive item makes the “regularly priced” product seem like a bargain in comparison, even if it’s still overpriced.
Strategic Sale Signs
Bright sale signs might grab your attention but only sometimes translate into a bargain. Supermarkets hope that the word “sale” is enough for people to pop an item into their trolley, but the small print says otherwise. You should always compare prices carefully before assuming a discounted item is cheaper than its shelf neighbors.
Impulse Buys at Checkout
The checkout line is prime psychological territory for supermarket bosses. You will notice that all items at the checkout are treats or small toys placed strategically to tempt you into last-minute purchases. That candy bar you resisted around the store stares straight at you while you wait for the person in front to unload a giant trolley full of groceries.
Free Samples
Free samples may seem generous, but they can be a trap. A sample is often just enough to get your attention, and then a craving kicks in to make you buy more. Do you think customers give things away for free just to be nice?
Calming Music
Supermarkets often play slow, calming music that relaxes you while shopping. This music can make you spend more time browsing, increasing the chances of adding unnecessary items to your cart.
The Weekday Price Fluctuation
Some supermarkets adjust prices based on the day of the week, with weekends bridging higher prices. You can try shopping on different days to see if your supermarket uses these tactics and change your regular grocery store to say they do.
The Loyalty Card Gamble
Loyalty card programs offer rewards and discounts and track your purchases. Supermarkets use this data to target promotions that will make you buy more, even when you don’t need to stock up.
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