There’s nothing haphazard about product placement in supermarkets. When it comes to the grocery store, each item is placed in a well-considered location. If this concerns you, the following suggestions will help you spend less money at the grocery store while also teaching you about some common marketing ploys.
Make a shopping list and use coupons to save money: You will not overspend if you only buy the items on your shopping list. After all, who needs all those high-priced impulse purchases? Look through your weekly supermarket flyer for “loss leaders.” These are clearance items that are being sold at a “loss” in order to “entice” you into the store to purchase more expensive items. Plan your shopping list around the items that are on sale and stock up. Extra savings can be had by combining coupons and rebates with sales items. The trick is to never buy anything at full price.
First, shop the store’s perimeter: Items like milk, bread, meats, dairy, and fresh fruits and vegetables are usually found near the store’s perimeter. You’ll fill your cart with the groceries that are most important to your family if you shop for these items first. After that, you can finish collecting the remaining items on your list. Sales items should be displayed in “end cap” displays at the front and back of each aisle, according to marketing experts. It’s their hope that you’ll wander the aisles looking for these end caps, tossing random items into your cart as you go. This is less likely to happen if you shop the perimeter first and stick to your list.
Look above eye level: Higher-priced name-brand items are displayed at eye level. This is because marketing executives believe that rather than looking for a bargain, shoppers would prefer to reach for attractive packaging in a convenient location. Furthermore, items that appeal to children are placed at a child’s eye level. You’ll find bargains if you look higher or lower on the shelves.
Eat before you shop: Have you ever noticed that the smell of freshly baked goods is the first thing that hits you when you walk into the supermarket? There’s also a reason for this. The aroma of fresh bread and other treats will make you hungry because baked goods are located near the store’s entrance. Hungry people are more likely to shop rashly.
Leave the kids at home: Leaving the kids at home means fewer people will fill the cart with their must-have items.
Shop with cash: If you leave your credit and ATM cards at home and only bring enough cash for the food on your list, you’ll never be tempted to overspend.
Even if you only use a few of the suggestions, you will save money. Don’t succumb to convenience or temptation. Take the time to create a list and be aware of common marketing techniques.