SUPERMARKET PSYCHOLOGY

SUPER MARKET PSYCHOLOGY

I mentioned in the 7 Sunday habits that shopping in your local grocery store would be a better idea, instead of the typical big box supermarket. Here is another reason why this may be a surprise to you or maybe its not. When you realize how these stores are psychologically set up to get you to spend more money and take a nice long walk and it's not so you get your steps in.

VISUAL

You will notice that all the stores are all set up the same that's because they all have the same intentions in mind. Have you ever wondered why or maybe you didn't think of it until now. This is one of the reason why I am doing these blogs, it’s to share information I know and to make you aware if you're not already. I love to create life hacks in lessons I have learned along the way to make my life and your life easier. Let's agree, there focus is you the customer (consumer) and it's to trick you into and make you believe your getting a deal and how much you will spend!

First thing you will see when you walk in, like in the picture above of me is the produce section and most often the flower shop. All the feel good stuff right when you walk in. It leaves us feeling good and like we are making good decisions right away. Emotionally setting us up for that positive customer experience. All the nice bright colors stimulate and are checking into our visual senses. Sometimes the bakery is there too, to stimulate the smell senses in the gut. Oh! The smells will have us shopping with our stomach. TIP: eat before you shop never go on an empty stomach or hungry.

SOUNDS

Do you hear that, listen carefully that lovely calming music, yes that's right there is a reason for this type of music to be playing to keep you shopping at a slower pace. Spending more time in the store is the ultimate goal.

As well as the exit doors are in areas so you have no immediate exit, no natural lighting, and no clocks. Reminds me of when I worked in the casinos same set up.

THE STAPLES

Notice where the main staples are, this brings most people to the supermarket in the first place. if you guessed in the back of the store, that's right, at the back of the store. You have to walk through most of the supermarket just to get to it. This is done on purpose. Staple foods, like your bread, milk, and butter. Everything is placed in the back, in a ring around the store, if you think about it now you are probably like Oh! Yah right, I see that now. By following this trail it will lead to all the ends of the aisle where everything is strategically placed as well, based on seasons and occasions.

SEEING MEANS BUYING

Top big brand companies pay big bucks to have their products place right where you can see them first. The no name brands are typically closer to the ground. Some markets have mats, stickers with product marketing on the ground to slow you down. Sometimes actual stands with product and if you have a cart, you have to maneuver around it causing you to stop and look possibly purchase products right in front of you.

CHILDREN

You will notice that the markets target kids and know that parents sometimes just can't say no so they carefully place the sugared and fun cereals right at your child's eye. Some markets will even put colorful flashy stickers or floor games right where they want to attract your children.

SPACE

How often do you fill up the shopping cart, never mind that, how about the basket. I have noticed an increase in the size of the shopping carts, reason why is so you can fill it up, think back to primal time, it's a hoarding frenzy because we never knew when we will need something and we need to use all available space subconsciously. We will do this without even being aware of it.

So basically you're screwed if you don't go in to the supermarket without a plan. They want you to see it and than buy it. They have people to do research and studies on how to market and place items in particular places. As humans everything we do is usually out of habit or pattern. Pay close attention to how you shop same same right.

HOW TO MAKE SHOPPING SMART

1. Have a plan. This can be hard I know I never use to go in with one on me either now I use one. TIP: Try to write one out sitting and taking the time to use a paper and pen is real means your taking the time for yourself as well as a create a good list. put the phone away no list in your phone. When I started to write a list it has saved me a lot o f money. Here's another hack I mentioned in the 7 habits, I only shop down a few aisles the ones with the green signs if i find myself in big box stores. Shopping in the local markets will save you as well they are smaller and you won't be buying things you usually don't need.

2. Don't shop hungry, I carry protein bars or a snack in my car and will eat one either on the way or when I'm shopping.

3. Shop the perimeter. Sticking to the outside of the supermarket is where all the most healthiest foods are and its where all the things you really need is. Besides frozen veg and laundry detergent and stuff like that.

4. Wallet and Waistline. Foods that are in the best interest don't have an ingredients list and usually are not in a package. Have you ever seen the calorie count in an apple or a Banana on it while your shopping. Packaged food will cost you more money than fresh foods.

My conclusion to what I have learned is I do my best to always shop smart and healthier these days I wasn't always like this, not getting sucked into the ploy of the super markets being more aware and ultimately my goal is to keep my health and most of my money in my pocket.