Here is why you can't buy only one thing at Target, say psychologists
There is a reason why you find yourself with more than what you have planned in your basket.
When shopping at Target, it is difficult to resist the desire to throw different articles in your basket, even when you are on a mission for something specific. Maybe you collect a pair of sandals that stretch joy or a candle that smells too good to pass - and before knowing it, your The cart is full And you still haven't secured the paper towels for which you initially came. If that looks like you, you are not alone. There is actually a reason for which you cannot buy only one thing at Target - and that has to do with psychology. Read the rest to know why experts say that you cannot withstand pulse purchases at this retailer.
Read this then: Walmart and Target have a secret hiding place for customs clearance articles .
There is a real term for your target dependence.
Although you can think that it is just a lack of self -control that forces you to spend more at Target, that's not all for you. The large area retailer has contributed to your purchasing habits, creating something called "the target effect".
According to Urban Dictionary, buyers use this term to describe what we all experience: leave the target with much more than we planned .
In psychological terms, the target effect is a form of the transfer of Gruen, a retail strategy which intentionally overwhelms buyers to make them buy more.
"The effect of Gruen - also known as the target effect and the transfer of Gruen - implies an intentional transfer of the purchasing experience focused on the consumer's objectives to the retailer's agenda to stimulate sales" , " clinical psychologist Carla Marie Manly , PHD, tells Better life .
So how do they do that, ask yourself? They have one target Approach (planned word game).
The retailer draws from your desire to "please you".
Target forces you to buy more thanks to a series of different strategies, many of which you imply feeling good while you shop. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB
"For many, traveling to target to buy household items is an experience or an event, even considered a reward instead of a chore," said Ross B. Steinman , PHD, professor of psychology at Widener University . "Although consumers can get into the goal with the best intentions to stay in their budget, the many stimuli strategically placed in the store - colors and sounds, delivered and offers - often overwhelm them."
These factors can then disturb your decision -making process, leaving you more inclined to throw this decorative pillow in your basket.
Let's go to the scene: you pick up said pillow, check the price and debate if it is worth it. After a few moments, you rationalize your purchase by telling yourself that you deserve something special. Although you are certainly entitled to a treat from time to time, Steinman says that Target actually promotes this state of mind.
"From a psychological point of view, the integrated brand marketing environment of Target is an enveloping stimulus which has the potential to increase self -orientation of consumers, thus leading them to show less self -control and a more indulgent consumer behavior during shopping, "he said.
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Stores are strategically implemented.
Target is also configured to encourage you to spend more time doing shopping.
If your local store has a Starbucks, you will notice that it is located at the front so that you can have a drink before navigating (and the inviting smell of fresh coffee certainly does not hurt).
While you are walking in the store, the large amenities are easy to navigate and the service flow is simply logical, passing from clothing to shoes to toys, etc. Again, all of this is designed.
Manly adds that Target is not the only one to use these strategies, and you may notice that you fall under this fate in different stores.
“The retailers have learned and completed on the effects of the layout and design of store displays. Whether you are in a large, flowing shopping center, the department store, or a costco , you are probably subject to the Gruen effect, "she said.
As far as you are encouraging you to buy specific items, Target capitalizes on the visual nature of humans, using intriguing displays and provisions.
"The retailers know the art and the science of the attention of consumers for the articles" must have "." Manly explains.
"Most of us have had the experience of running in a store to buy a specific article that ends up turning into a basket filled with items you didn't know but you should have," added Manly.
You can fight back.
According to Manly, Target cannot release these strategies.
"Although [ Victor ]] Gruen —The architect after this effect is named - the retailers' manipulation strategies were carried out, this successful and stimulating strategy is likely to persist because of its positive results, "she said.
If you want to fight against the Gruen effect on your next target excursion, the first step is to make a list, but the key is to stick.
"When you have a very determined purchasing method, tackling a list based on items you really need - you are much more likely to avoid purchases of pulses favored by manipulative layout strategies ", Note Manly.
Manly also recommends being strategic when shopping and considering your mood. "Wry with shopping when you are not hungry or in a bass ; Purchases of pulses tend to skyrocket when we are hungry, lonely, upset or blue, "she said.
