Check out four weird ways stores trick you into spending more money.These kind of things always end up being an issue for me, especially if I take Husbando shopping with me.  If we go grocery shopping, he inevitably gets hungry.  If we go clothes shopping for me, we always have to get "a little something" for him.  So now, I've tried to learn a little bit to fight back and save my money.

 

1.  They have the mannequins make eye contact with you.

Instead of looking straight ahead, a lot of mannequins are set up so they're looking at YOU when you walk by.  And without realizing it, you feel obligated to stop and check out what they're wearing.  Luckily for me, I'm very good at avoiding eye contact with people and mannequins.

 

2.  They use your sense of smell.

Researchers have found we spend more time shopping if a store smells like flowers or citrus. I guess it's supposed to make you feel fresh or spring like?  I don't know.  I know my perfume has been kind of rose like in the past, maybe that's what encouraged me to buy it.

 

3.  They play songs that make you nostalgic.

If you're in a store's target age range, the music they play is usually inspired by songs that were popular when you were 18.  Meaning covers of old songs, or songs that just sound similar to stuff that was popular when you were in high school. So basically, every store I go to is trying to make me feel like I'm in the most awkward time period of my life? Why? I didn't have any  money back then.

 

4.  They print "sale" signs in red.

Almost ALWAYS, because studies have shown red lettering subconsciously makes us more excited about a sale.  I know you've noticed that.  It seems like every sale sign is red! I don't know if I get more excited about the color red... it makes me think of ketchup.  Maybe if it's a ketchup sale? 50% OFF ALL FANCY KETCHUPS!

 

And one trick for spending LESS is to go shopping ALONE.  When you're with another person, you spend up to 17% more.  This is why I try to go grocery shopping without the human food hole known as Husbando.

Shoppingly yours,

Behka

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