You’ve heard it for years: Never go grocery shopping without a list. But did you know that even list users typically have two lists? There’s the list in their hand and the list in their head. As reported on MSN.com, a new study found that 75 percent of shoppers entered the store knowing they were going to buy more than planned. The researchers labeled the extra spending, “in-store slack.”
As for the cause of unplanned purchases, 38 percent of shoppers cited “forgotten needs “ while 52 percent blamed “unplanned wants.” The other 10 percent apparently didn’t know why; they just knew they would buy more than what was on their list.
The researchers also found that people with longer itemized lists tended to buy fewer extras, as did those who shopped fewer aisles.
I definitely know I’m going to buy more than what’s on my list. But I would describe the reason as “unknown deals.” I’m in the habit of checking to see if some of the things we buy regularly are on sale; if so, and if it’s a non-perishable, I’ll stock up.
What about you? Do you tend to buy more than you planned when visiting the grocery store? If so, why?
Sometimes I buy just what is on my list, but then there are other times I run across a sale too good to pass up. My daughter-in-law goes into the store with a list and comes out with just what is on it.
Here’s how I avert the “two lists” issue – I use Peapod and have my groceries delivered! There is very little impulse shopping this way. Peapod does charge for delivery but it is cheaper than renting a car-sharing vehicle for 2 hours (I have no car).