Target is a big-box retailer that does things right. The company is dedicated to delivering an enjoyable shopping experience to its customers. Underneath it all, they understand shopping psychology and use it to persuade customers to spend money in their stores. Here are 10 ways Target gets you to buy their products. Some of the items may seem insignificant, but when they all add up, they produce a great incentive.
Store Layout
Target excels at providing an enjoyable shopping experience to its customers. The aisles are nice and wide, which makes walking through the store easier with less pedestrian traffic. Compared to other big-box stores, shopping at Target feels more comfortable and spacious. You feel like you could stay in the store and shop longer; you are more likely to buy something.
Reasonable Prices
Shoppers favor Target for their reasonable prices. Along with having a wide variety and diverse selection of products, Target’s prices are lower than those of independent businesses. Additionally, there are coupons, sales, and special promotions that can offer customers a great bargain. But when the prices are low, you may end up spending more by purchasing more items.
Trendy Products
Shoppers choose Target as their go-to store because their products are trendy. The company sells products that are in fashion, like mid-century modern design. If you’re conscious about home style, you’d do better going to Target. If you wanted to save money, you’d go to Walmart. Target lures its customers in with the most fashionable products, many of which are made by popular designers.
Smartly Placed Items
Another way Target encourages you to spend money is through its strategically placed and smartly designed items. For example, products that go together are positioned close to one another, which makes you more likely to buy them. Shampoo and conditioner are typically located next to each other because they are often used together. If you need shampoo, you’ll likely need conditioner. Buying more items means spending more money.
Neatly Organized Items
Part of the enjoyable shopping experience Target puts together is the neatly organized items. The shelves are packed with products and their employees go to great lengths to keep the store clean and tidy. The aesthetically pleasing product placements make you want to stay shopping longer. The more time you spend in the store, the more items end up in your cart, and the more money you are likely to spend.
Clear Categories and Signage
Part of Target’s organization is the signs above the aisles. You can easily identify where each section is, making navigation of the store a breeze. The categories are clear and concise. Tech, grocery, home goods, kitchen, etc.—these are all sections of the store. Shopping at Target often feels better than shopping at grocery stores because they usually display many items on their sign. You’re more likely to struggle to find what you are looking for. Not at Target, though!
Discounted Items
One way Target maintains loyal customers is with its frequent sales. The store regularly slashes prices on select items. There are also clearance items and special promotions. Customers love saving money and when they get an item at a discounted price, they are more likely to pull the trigger and make the purchase. This is yet another way Target gets you to spend money.
Starbucks Coffee
Target enhances the shopping experience by offering its customers optional food and drinks. Specifically, Starbucks is a highlight. What sounds better than drinking coffee as you casually shop? People are drawn to the great coffee and end up shopping longer, especially when they have their thirst and hunger in check. The in-store Starbucks is another way that Target optimizes the shopping experience.
Clearance Item Placement
When you walk into Target you are immediately greeted with clearance items. Since the products are trendy, you can’t help but be drawn to a cool item or an irresistible bargain. Throughout the store, Target strategically positions its clearance and sale items to attract customers. Shoppers love great deals. Target has studied the psychology of shopping and continues to refine the shopping experience to encourage customers to purchase its products.
Friendly Customer Service
There’s nothing more frustrating than asking a clueless employee where something is, and them not knowing where it is. It’s even more frustrating when they are not pleasant. Target works to ensure that its employees are happy, and when they are, they are friendlier to customers. These experiences make Target an overall enjoyable shopping experience, convincing shoppers to return.
