5 Ways You're Being Set Up by Your Supermarket

These sneaky tactics help supermarkets have consumers do their bidding.

Related To:

1. FIFO: Or, rather, the rule of First In, First Out. Retailers stock perishables so older items are pushed to the front, where consumers will reach them first. When shopping for items like ground beef or milk, check the back of the stack for later sell-by dates — and a fresher product.

2. Samples: The more time consumers spend with a product, the more likely they are to spend. Samples awaken the senses, triggering the impulse to consume.

3. Eye-level positioning: Take note of options above and below eye level, as the items consumers spot first on shelves are likely expensive brands that can afford the costly real-estate location afforded to premium pricing. Bulk items tend to be positioned along the lower shelves of an aisle, out of the line of sight.

4. Extra-large shopping carts: Buying more than we need has been made possible by our ability to easily contain it.

5. Store soundtracks: The music heard in a store is designed to trigger positive associations and encourage more time spent in the store — retailers know that more time in a store means more time to spend money.

More Shopping Tips
10 Ways to Save Time at the Supermarket
Lower Your Shopping Bill
7 Habits of Smart Supermarket Shoppers

Next Up

How to Store All the Fresh, Healthy Foods So They Last Longer

Correct storage strategy is key — here's how to put away produce and meat so it doesn't spoil quickly.

7 Tips to Organize Your Decorating and Baking Supplies

Much of the organizing of decorating and baking supplies comes down to labeled bins you can nest and stack.

Everything You Need to Know About Dry Ice

Be sure to keep this in mind before transporting it in your car.

14 Tips to Organize Your Pantry

Keeping your pantry organized will help with menu planning and shopping. A quick glance will tell you what you need and what you have space for.

How to Clean a Grill

Cleaning grill grates before or after grilling is a must: This helps prevent food from attaching and keeps leftover grit from sticking to your food. All grills should be cleaned at the start of the season to keep everything in tip-top shape.

How to Buy the Best Chocolate, According to Professional Chefs and Chocolatiers

Here’s everything you need to know before buying your next bar or box.

What Is Nontoxic Cookware?

Before you ditch your nonstick pans, here's what you need to know about reducing toxins in your cookware collection.

The Rules of Make-Ahead-and-Freeze Meals

With this extensive guide, there’s no need for you to — er — freeze up.

The Best Substitutes for Vegetable Oil

Find the best swap for high-heat cooking, baking, dressings and more.

Avoid These 7 Common Composting Mistakes

So, you started composting at home. Here’s how to do it right.

Latest Stories