Supermarkets tend to put more expensive products at eye level, so you are more likely to notice them over cheaper products.
Slow music is played on purpose, to encourage you to take your time, not rush, and spend more time (and money) in store.
A lot of essential items are likely to be stored in the back isles, forcing you to walk around the shop, to persuade you to spend more money on other things you may not necessarily need – making a shopping list of what you need and sticking to it can help avoid this.
Supermarkets tend to place fruit and veg at the front so by the time you get to the other isles, you are more likely to be tempted to get snacks and less healthy food. Supermarkets try to give you a false sense of being healthy, to justify buying junk, or less healthy options.
Having products at the tills encourages customers to impulse buy, even if you don’t necessarily need it. This is likely to be true for those waiting in a queue, as you are more likely to consider buying additional things you see. Supermarkets also tend to target customers with children, by placing sweets, treats, chocolate and children’s magazines near the tills to get parents to spend more.
Next time you shop, pay attention to the flooring – you might notice some supermarkets purposely lay smaller floor tiles to influence you to slow down when you shop. The sound of the trolley wheels on small tiles are likely to give you the impression that you are rushing, even if you are not! This can subconsciously influence you to slow down and take your time in each isle.
Ever tried supermarkets’ own range? While supermarkets’ own brands are going to save you decent cash, be mindful of their premium brands. Very often, your extra cash is mostly going to cover the cost of fancier packaging to give you the feel of higher quality products.