8 Ways Grocery Stores Trick Shoppers Into Spending More
FotoSCAPE

8 Ways Grocery Stores Trick Shoppers Into Spending More

The traits of a nice grocery store usually center on the store's variety and organization, but there's a handful of other tactics grocers use that are specifically designed to tempt shoppers into spending more money.

Continue on for a look at 8 different grocery store tricks designed to fill up carts.

Essentials are located in the back

If the essentials are the furthest thing from the entrance, shoppers are more likely to be distracted by something else in one of the aisles. The meats and dairy are always at the far back of the store.

Staple items are priced low

Bread, milk and eggs are often among the cheapest items in the grocery store, partly because they are purchased the most often. Stores use low prices on popular items to lure customers in, which makes them likely to purchase the rest of their groceries in the same place.

Name brands are positioned at eye level

The middle section of shelving is not only the most expensive for suppliers, but it’s also the most sought-after since they're the first thing shoppers see when looking up from their carts.

Bakerys are placed near the entrance

The smell of it freshly baked breads, cakes and other treats induce a comforting feeling. No wonder grocery stores start baking before they open at the beginning of the day – the savory smells linger near the entrance.

Stores trust customers to self-weigh certain items

In theory, control over exactly how much you buy should make it easy to save money. Unfortunately, most people are horrible at estimating the weights of random items and professionals at eating with their eyes. Bulk coffee and candy sections are great for retailers because they make it easy to fill a bag to the brim.

Floral sections are on full display

Flowers may not be what most people go to the grocery store for, but the bright colors and sweet smells can brighten moods and lower anxiety. That's the perfect combo to put shoppers in the browsing mood.

Produce is located at the front

Psychologically, the bright colors and fresh feel of the produce section puts shoppers in a more positive mood. That’s why it’s typically closest to the door.

Fun-sized items cost more

The convenience of those smaller cans of soda is great, but it comes at a price. The unit cost of these individually and smaller portioned items is typically significantly higher than buying in bulk.

Recommended for You

Disney, Universal and Warner Bros. Discovery sue Chinese AI firm as Hollywood's copyright battles spread
Los Angeles Times

Disney, Universal and Warner Bros. Discovery sue Chinese AI firm as Hollywood's copyright battles spread

News
'He's been an underdog his whole life': Meet UCLA interim coach Tim Skipper
Los Angeles Times

'He's been an underdog his whole life': Meet UCLA interim coach Tim Skipper

News
Bondi backtracks after 'hate speech' blowback
UPI

Bondi backtracks after 'hate speech' blowback

News
House oversight hearings challenge climate innovation, EPA intervention
UPI

House oversight hearings challenge climate innovation, EPA intervention

News
Tom Brady to play in Saudi flag football tournament alongside current and former NFL stars
AP News

Tom Brady to play in Saudi flag football tournament alongside current and former NFL stars

News
Russia conducts war games in Belarus
UPI

Russia conducts war games in Belarus

News
California tied with Louisiana for highest US poverty rate, new report says
Los Angeles Times

California tied with Louisiana for highest US poverty rate, new report says

News
Country music's Gavin Adcock and Zach Bryan face off in Oklahoma
Los Angeles Times

Country music's Gavin Adcock and Zach Bryan face off in Oklahoma

News
Brewers become first MLB team to clinch playoff spot this season
AP News

Brewers become first MLB team to clinch playoff spot this season

News
Star-filled gala raises $20M for criminal justice reform
UPI

Star-filled gala raises $20M for criminal justice reform

News
Trump says he would have lowered flags for Minnesota slayings if asked. But he didn't call governor
AP News

Trump says he would have lowered flags for Minnesota slayings if asked. But he didn't call governor

News
All the looks from the 2025 Emmys red carpet
Los Angeles Times

All the looks from the 2025 Emmys red carpet

News
Bad Bunny will stream additional Puerto Rico show on Sept. 20
Los Angeles Times

Bad Bunny will stream additional Puerto Rico show on Sept. 20

News
As Charlie Kirk crisscrossed the country, security levels varied from venue to venue
AP News

As Charlie Kirk crisscrossed the country, security levels varied from venue to venue

News
Senior diplomat expresses regret over raid at Hyundai plant
UPI

Senior diplomat expresses regret over raid at Hyundai plant

News