Suprablog HQ

Psychologically, the commercial world is rather daunting. Stores are built not only to appeal to the public but to also overstimulate one or more senses. We see this in large department stores as well as grocery stores and even small shops. I repeatedly see customers in a trance-like state in the shoe store I manage. I call this behavior ’shopper’s fog’. The symptoms seen from afar are rather humorous: disorganized walking, mumbling, poor eye contact, talking to one’s self, being oblivious to signage and personel, as well as compulsively destroying displays.

Does that sound like you while shopping? Would you like to avoid and even change this behavior? These seven steps can help.

1. Make a list (and follow it!) What this does is to keep the mind focused on what you need rather than what your eye wants.

2. Look for signs. Find what you need by using signs and going to your destination. An example of this is going to the pants section in the tall area.

3. Speed it up! When preparing your list, organize it by aisle. In store, don’t wander looking for what you need wasting your and other shoppers’ valuable time.

4. Bring reinforcements. Bring along a companion and send them on ‘missions’ getting things on the list. With kids especially this becomes a fun and productive activity and teaches good shopping habits.

5. Smile and wave. Greet personel and acknowledge them. Good etiquite is being polite and courteous right back at employees offering you assistance.

6. Observe with your eyes. Displays are made to attract and appeal to the customer. Don’t look at displays with your hands unless you are going to put it back the way it was.

7. Utilize services. Ask for help whenever you need to. Make sure you are polite and courteous and the assistant will help you in whatever he or she can. This makes your shopping trip go smoother and helps improve employee’s customer service skills.

So if you can’t stand shopping because it makes you feel like a zombie or you love shopping but it just takes too long or you have a bad time shopping, try my advice. I can assure you it works on both the shopper side and the company side. You won’t feel in a fog, and you’ll be a joy to associates.