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.