The front end of a grocery or retail store is prime real estate. This area, including the entrance, checkout aisles, and customer service counter, maximizes impulse purchases. Items placed here are often convenient, eye-catching, and presented as last-minute “must-haves.” However, they are also overpriced or unnecessary. Resisting these temptations can save you significant money over time. Being aware of these strategically placed products helps you shop smarter. Here are 10 types of items commonly sold at the front of the store that you should often resist buying.
1. Chilled Drinks Near the Checkout
Single-serving sodas, bottled water, juices, and energy drinks are in coolers near the checkout lines. They tempt thirsty or tired shoppers waiting to pay. However, these individual beverages are almost always much more expensive per ounce than larger multi-packs or bottles found in the main drink aisles. Resist the urge for an immediate cold drink. Plan and bring your water, or buy larger packs for better value.
2. Candy, Gum, and Mints at the Register
The checkout aisle has candy bars, gum, mints, and other small treats. These are classic impulse buys, targeting both adults and children during the wait to pay. While a small indulgence seems harmless, these items are typically sold at full price, rarely discounted. The cumulative cost of frequently grabbing these checkout sweets adds up. Keep a small snack in your bag if you often get hungry while shopping.
3. Magazines and Tabloids
Magazines and tabloids with splashy headlines are strategically placed to catch your eye while you’re waiting in line. They encourage browsing and impulse purchases. These items are often expensive for the amount of content provided, and many are quickly discarded. If you enjoy specific magazines, consider a subscription, which is usually much cheaper per issue. Or, check if your local library offers free digital or physical copies.
4. Trial-Size or Travel-Size Toiletries
Small, travel-size versions of toiletries like shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant are often displayed near the front or in checkout aisles. While convenient for travel, they are extremely expensive per ounce compared to full-size products. Unless you need one for an immediate trip, it’s far more economical to buy full-size versions and decant them into reusable travel containers you already own. Don’t pay the premium for tiny packaging.
5. Batteries (Especially Small Packs)
Small packs of common battery sizes (AA, AAA) are near checkouts as a “helpful” reminder. However, these convenience packs are usually much pricier per battery than larger multi-packs available in the electronics aisle or at warehouse clubs. Batteries have a long shelf life. Buying them in bulk when you don’t immediately need them is a smarter financial move. Plan for your battery needs.
6. Gift Cards Displayed Prominently
Large racks of gift cards for various retailers and restaurants are a common sight near the store entrance or checkout. While useful as gifts, they can also be impulse buys that lock your money into a specific store where you might not find the best value or items you truly need. Sometimes, people buy them for themselves without a clear plan, or they get lost or forgotten. Purchase gift cards thoughtfully, not on a whim.
7. Seasonal or Holiday-Themed Trinkets
Around holidays or specific seasons, the front of the store becomes a hotspot for themed trinkets, small decorations, and novelty items. These evoke festive feelings and encourage impulse buys. While often inexpensive individually, these small, often unnecessary purchases can accumulate. Consider if you truly need another holiday-themed mug or decorative item before adding it to your cart.
8. Reusable Shopping Bags Sold at Checkout
While reusable shopping bags are environmentally friendly, buying them impulsively at the checkout each time you forget yours adds up. These bags are often marked up. The most frugal approach is to invest in a few sturdy reusable bags and make a habit of keeping them in your car or by your door so you remember to bring them. Don’t let forgetting your bags turn into a recurring unnecessary expense.
9. Lottery Tickets and Scratch-Offs
Lottery tickets and scratch-off games sell at the customer service desk and checkout counters. While offering the slim chance of a big win, they are a form of gambling where the odds are heavily stacked against the player. Regularly spending money on lottery tickets is a sure way to drain your budget with very little likelihood of a positive financial return. View it as entertainment with a cost, not an investment.
10. “As Seen On TV” Gadgets and Novelties
End caps or special displays near the front often feature “As Seen On TV” gadgets or trendy novelty items. These products are designed for impulse appeal, promising quick fixes or unique entertainment. However, they are of questionable quality or utility and overpriced. Resist the urge to grab these items without careful consideration and research. Many end up unused or broken quickly.
Navigate the Front End with Purpose
The front sections of stores capture your attention and encourage last-minute, unplanned purchases. Items placed here often prioritize convenience or impulse appeal over actual value. By being aware of these strategic placements and the types of products commonly featured, you can make more conscious decisions. Stick to your shopping list. Question the necessity and price of front-of-store temptations. Resisting these strategically placed items is a key habit for protecting your budget and avoiding unnecessary spending.
What items at the front of the store do you find most tempting or hardest to resist? What are your strategies for avoiding impulse buys at the checkout? Share your thoughts below!
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