PAUL B. BROWN

IF this holiday season you find yourself spending more on presents than you planned, we know just where to put the blame: store merchandisers, who have considered just about every way to separate you from your money.

In the current issue of Psychology Today, Michelle Bryner reveals some tricks of the trade:

¶"Most shoppers turn right, probably because most are right-handed. The right-hand thoroughfare attracts the highest traffic anywhere in the store. It is the perfect location for high-profit merchandise."

¶Stores like Target and Old Navy that provide a shopping cart or basket to hold potential purchases sell more than those that don't.

¶Shoppers tend to move quickly through stores. To slow them, retailers provide mirrors wherever they can "because most people like to check out their hair as much as they do the clothes."

¶Those neatly folded piles of clothes intimidate some shoppers, who are afraid of messing up the stacks. "So today's salespeople are trained to leave a few items unfolded, encouraging shoppers to look and touch."

¶The best place to put the cosmetic counter is across from the shoe department. "Waiting for their size, shoppers are a captive audience."

FOR THE HARD-TO-BUY-FOR Still wondering what to give that special someone?

Feelings: I felt psychology is very detailed. I had done know how many psychology is hidden in shopping.

I  get interest more in psychology  through reading this article.

Unknown words

retail :   the selling of goods to consumers; usually in small quantities and not for resale

thoroughfare: a public road from one place to another  

the source: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/17/business/17offline.html?_r=0