Thursday, January 11, 2018

Grocery Store Tricky Tactics

We all go to the store.  We all HAVE to go to the store at times.  Hopefully, we have a well laid out plan before going.  WELL, that doesn't mean the store isn't going to try to get more of your money than you planned on parting with!  They don't have to say a word either - they just know what the heck they are doing, AND they do it well!

The assault begins the moment you walk in the door.
Generally there will be a display with some sort of 'seasonal' item.  You may not buy any, but it gets you to slow down and look.  This type of tactic is called 'speed bumping'.  It is much the same as a speed bump on the road - you slow down and proceed with caution.

Scents have a big impact on us too.  Many stores have scent machines that they use - to get pleasant scents into the air.  Most rely on a much simpler method - place good smelling stuff at the front of the store!  Just about every grocery I go to has a floral department at the front, as well as the bakery and the deli.
I have a couple stores in my area, that I believe use fans to waft the smells outdoors.  You are hit with the wonderful aroma of baked goods in the parking lot!
Special smells like flowers and baked goods, generally relax us and take us to another time in life.  These people are smart!

IF you eat healthy, they know you shop differently.  Most likely you won't be browsing the center aisles, and you will be shopping the perimeter.  Oh but they still try to get you.  They make all the end caps very appealing and bright to get your attention.  Pay attention next time - most of the end cap stuff isn't very good for you - but you sure do look at it!
We tend to think that if it is on the end cap it's a SALE!  That generally isn't even close to being true.

Height is a huge strategy they use.  The most expensive items are at eye level or at kid level.  Candy, cookies, sweet cereals, etc. are often at the level of kids (or at least kids in carts).  They figure the average height for women is 5'4" and that is where they want you to look.  Lesser priced items (store brands) are most likely higher or lower on the shelves.
A new thing is now called vertical staging.  The stores have figured out - that WE have figured out what they are doing.  NOW they make several vertical rows (top to bottom) of product to keep you purchasing more expensive brands.


Have you ever noticed that milk, eggs, cheese, butter, juice and meat are almost always at the back of the store?  The grocers say that is because that is where the refrigeration and freezers are - ummmm - build them up front!!!  They could put them up front - BUT then you wouldn't have to traipse through the entire store.
There is a method to their madness!
It has basically been this way since the first grocery stores open.

The stores always have music playing.  Do you intentionally pay attention or does it just kind of grab you?  Many stores play what a lot of us call 'oldies' or disco type music.  According to grocery stores "disco is the sound of money".  No matter how old you are - that music has an uplifting beat, and you often catch yourself tapping a foot or humming along.  The lighter your mood, the longer you will wander around.

So the next time you go in for a gallon of milk, and spend a small fortune - I guess you could TRY to blame it on the store!!!!  LOL
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It is so important to know the layout of your store (then you don't stray), go in with a list and stick to it, shop with cash if possible (not as app to overspend), and WEAR BLINDERS!!!!!
Don't make many trips a week.  Shop once and be done!
DON'T shop hungry either!
They will tell you that they JUST want you to have a pleasant experience at their store -  NOPE - they want your money, and as much of it as they can get.

Be wise - shop wise - and save money.

18 comments:

  1. I agree about pumping the smells outside of the store. I live fairly close to Kroger and if the wind is just right we can smell when they are frying chicken. It makes us want to run over and buy some! We never do as I tell hubby that we'll end up with the old chicken and not the fresh. ha!

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    1. I hear you. I live 2 blocks from a Burger King and if the wind is just right - all I can smell outside is grilled burgers.

      That would be my problem too - I would probably get the older stuff! LOL

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  2. First smell are the flowers when I walk into Kroger now. Then the bakery is in back. Yes they have me with the smells you are so right. Aldi's is kind of nice for that -no bakery. They do have flowers by the cash register though.

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    1. Vickie when I walk in Kroger there is the flower and produce dept. on opposite sides of door - then you run right smack dab into the bakery and deli. I am doomed on all counts!

      Aldi is much better about that. Most of the strategies don't seem to work there. Thank goodness.

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  3. They are all very clever. But I try to perimeter shop as much as possible.

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  4. Such great advice, Cheryl. I love to smell; the hyacinths. They smell sooo good! I never pass up a chance to smell them. LOL

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    1. I have only purchased bouquets a couple times as gifts - but they do smell good.
      I love hyacinths too. Those, lilac and peonies are my favorites.

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  5. My big weakness is wanting to buy a magazine. Usually I resist. I have so much to read now and usually it doesn't take long to look at those magazines. Nancy

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    1. I used to be that way - but have changed over the years. Magazines are so darned expensive now.

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  6. Bluey does all our shopping. I write on a blackboard what we have run out of and anything else I want him to buy. He then checks all the paper catalogues for specials. He is happy to go from store to store and get the best deals. He only comes home with what is on the list. He even gets female sanitary products, as long as he is given the brand name and I show him the packaging. I guess store tactics dont work on him. I hate shopping so this really works for me too.

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    1. WOW. That is pure discipline. I always stray a bit, and buy something that isn't on the list. He's good.
      Oh my, grocery shopping is my big enjoyment!!! I don't like shopping for other things - but put me in a grocery store and I am in heaven!

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  7. I am pretty savvy about all of the above tactics the stores use, but I just LOVE to sing and dance in the aisles when the music is playing! It actually speeds up my shopping, because I am so focused on getting the words and my dance routine right, I have to tune out everything except my grocery list. I used to shop at a store years ago where the staff loved to watch me shop--they said I always had such a good time, it was a joy to see a happy customer.

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    1. Evelyn I am sure that would be entertaining to see! I am often quietly singing, always humming in the store - but no dance routine.
      It is too bad more people don't thoroughly enjoy their adventures each day.
      Stay happy!

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  8. That quote is too funny! I'm still laughing:)

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    1. It is funny, but sadly true!

      I can remember many times going in with an amount in my head and it comes out much higher.

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  9. Cheryl, I'm a first timer here today, but I've followed every way I can now and I'll be reading your posts for frugal ideas and information. Great tips!

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    1. Hello!!!! So glad to hear from you and glad to have you on board.
      I hope you pick up some things that help you, and PLEASE share your ideas as well.
      Look forward to your posts.

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