Supermarkets use clever tricks to tempt consumers into buying more — and more expensive — products. Here’s a list of some of the most common tactics:
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Hungry people buy more, which is why freshly baked bread is often sold in-store. If no bread is baked, an artificial bread scent may be used.
Free samples also trigger hunger and create a sense of obligation toward the seller. -
Supermarkets don’t necessarily aim to make you unhealthy. However, highly processed factory foods often offer higher profit margins, which supermarkets favor.
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(Note: Step 3 was missing.)
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Large shopping carts make a few items look like not enough has been purchased, encouraging impulse buying. Use a basket instead — it also gives your arms a mini workout!
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Most supermarkets place fruits and vegetables at the front. This paradoxically boosts junk food sales. After choosing healthy items, people feel they’ve “earned” a treat like chocolate, cookies, or chips.
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Supermarkets want you to buy more than what’s on your list. That’s why staple items are placed far into the store, forcing shoppers to pass through tempting aisles first. Try sticking to the “outer ring” of the store, where most of the essentials are located.
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Products at eye level sell far better than those on lower shelves. That’s why supermarkets place higher-margin items at eye height. Budget brands with lower margins are often placed at the bottom.
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At the checkout, both adults and their children are tempted into last-minute impulse buys — like chocolate bars and small snacks. A whining child in line can be uncomfortable, making it harder for parents to resist giving in.