How to Avoid Impulse Buying at the Grocery Store

Grocery stores are designed to create impulse buying. They use flashy endcaps, sale signs and flags along the aisles and candy and toys in the check-out to grab the customer's attention. Bright colors and packaging try to catch your eyes and coupons encourage you to purchase. The purpose is to get you to over-buy, so here are some ways to try to avoid it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Eat before you shop. If you are full when you arrive at the store, you'll be less likely to purchase out of hunger or craving. Often if people are hungry while shopping they tend to purchase unhealthy snack-like foods.
2. Make a shopping list before you leave the house and STICK TO IT! Only go down aisles you need and look for specific items that are on your list to avoid impulse purchases or catchy sales.
3. If your list is smaller, pick up a basket instead of pushing a cart. This way you can't purchase more than you can carry.
4. Avoid junk and candy aisles, even the candy check-out lanes. The check-out is the last place customers see in the store and they are packed with junk food and grab-and-go items. Most stores have alternative aisles available without the catchy last-minute grabs.
5. If you do find yourself picking up an impulse purchase or sale item, take the time to evaluate. Why do you want this item and do you really need it? Maybe look over the nutrition information to decide if it's a healthy choice. It's OK to buy one or two unplanned items, just try to limit yourself.
6. Don't bring the kids! Kids love junk food (no surprise right?) and will want to buy anything and everything they can convince you to buy. You can be more efficient and stick to your list better if you shop alone.