Muriel Newman: Impulse shopping

We get lots of shopping tips from avid oily rag readers, who espouse the virtue of having a shopping list as a way to avoid the many temptations that retailers cunningly put before their customers. While there is no doubt that shopping lists are crucial for oily rag shoppers, it is also helpful to understand the research associated with impulse buying. Most of this research has been carried out by retailers wanting to increase sales by better understanding the impulsive instincts of shoppers. We think that by being aware of the tricks of the trade, oily rag shoppers will be better prepared to avoid them!

Women (we guess because most men don’t like shopping, unless it’s for things like cars, fishing tackle, or the latest electronic gadgets!)

Larger shopping parties, especially those with an army of children saying, “can I have …..” and those sneaking stuff into the shopping trolley.

Those on higher incomes and more discretionary spending.

Those with a sweet tooth!

Let’s not forget that behind the very innocent and very appealing in-store displays is a retailer who wants you to spend more. Like politicians plotting and scheming ways to win your vote, retailers spend a good deal of time trying to figure out how to ensure you leave the store with more of their stuff than you had planned. For those who are interested in finding out more about the research, see the Shopping Tips section of the oily rag website at www.oilyrag.co.nz.

One last thing, we are holding a “Win a Free Book” competition on www.oilyrag.co.nz. The two minute survey asks you to pick from two covers of a kids book we are about to release. All those taking part will go into the draw to win a free copy of the book.

You can contract Frank and Muriel Newman via the oily rag website (www.oilyrag.co.nz) or by writing to Living off the Smell of an Oily Rag, PO Box 984, Whangarei. The book, Living Off the Smell of an Oily Rag, is available from all good bookstores – and from the website.

* Frank and Muriel Newman are the authors of Living Off the Smell of an Oily Rag in NZ. Readers can submit their oily rag tips on-line at www.oilyrag.co.nz. The book is available from bookstores and online at www.oilyrag.co.nz.

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