Here are the common retail tactics to watch for, and smart strategies to keep your spending in check.

When you’re working toward financial goals or managing a tight household budget, every dollar matters – including what you spend on groceries. Supermarkets are designed to encourage longer visits and bigger purchases, but understanding their methods can help you shop smarter.

With some planning and awareness of retail psychology, controlling your grocery spending becomes much easier. Here are practical tips to help you succeed.

Understanding retail tactics

Research from Consumer NZ reveals that supermarkets use numerous techniques, ranging from obvious to subtle, to influence shopping behavior. Common strategies include:

• Positioning essentials like bread and milk at the store’s rear, forcing customers to navigate past other products
• Displaying promotional signage on items that haven’t actually been discounted
• Offering bulk-buy deals that entice shoppers to purchase more than needed
• Placing budget-friendly options on lower shelves while positioning premium products at eye level for easy grabbing

The good news? For every retail tactic, there’s a counter-strategy that puts you back in control.

Create a shopping list (then stick to it)

Planning ahead is your best defense against impulse purchases. Before heading out, set your budget, plan your meals for the week, and write a detailed shopping list. Staying committed to that list keeps you focused and prevents unnecessary spending.

Shop on a full stomach

Whenever possible, avoid grocery shopping while hungry. Research highlighted by Psychology Today found that hunger, fatigue, or stress makes people willing to pay more for food. Shopping while hungry often leads to unplanned items landing in your cart.

Acquaint yourself with store layout

Consumer behavior expert Paco Underhill notes in his book Why we buy: The science of shopping that approximately two-thirds of supermarket purchases are unplanned. Understanding your store’s layout helps you navigate efficiently and avoid the numerous temptations strategically placed throughout.

Monitor pricing and package sizes

When time allows, track promotional patterns. You might discover that advertised discounts aren’t as substantial as they appear. Check unit pricing to confirm you’re getting genuine value, particularly when considering larger package sizes.

Buy produce from specialty shops

While one-stop shopping saves time, supermarket vegetables typically cost more. Local greengrocers generally offer fresher produce at lower prices. Take a visit to the Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market!

Purchase seasonal items in bulk

Seasonal produce is usually cheaper and can be frozen for later use. Our local markets, for instance, often have abundant vegetables at reduced prices. Buying and freezing these items extends their value for months.

Track spending with your phone

Don’t hesitate to return items at checkout if you’ve exceeded your budget. Better yet, use your smartphone calculator while shopping to maintain a running total. This practice also encourages more deliberate decision-making before adding items to your cart.

Consider online ordering

According to Bodo Lang from the University of Auckland’s Business School, online shopping still features attention-grabbing elements, but the temptation is typically weaker. Real-time spending totals make it easy to remove items and stay within budget. Even accounting for delivery or click-and-collect fees, this approach often results in overall savings.

Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided in this article is intended as an overview and as general information only. While care is taken to ensure accuracy and reliability, the information provided is subject to continuous change and may not reflect current developments or address your situation. Before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article, please use your discretion and seek independent guidance.