The psychology of grocery shopping is shifting. For decades, supermarkets relied on impulse buys to boost their profit margins. They placed candy at the register and endcap displays of cookies in the main aisles. Shoppers casually tossed these extra items into their carts without checking the price. That casual spending habit is disappearing. As the cost of basic food staples remains painfully high, consumers are changing their behavior. Shoppers report fewer impulse buys as totals rise. Families are adopting strict defensive strategies to protect their bank accounts.
