We have all been guilty of buying things we simply don't need. However, the urge to make that purchase is often due to 'psychological tricks', with shoppers exposed to these every single day.
Whether it be phone calls, adverts on the TV or online, or things mentioned on the radio, our habits can he hugely altered by these 'tricks'.
Supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl often use these clever little plots to keep shoppers in store for longer, picking up more than they nipped in for, reports the Mirror. You may not realise you are subject to these wee tricks, but they can certainly be effective. To help you be aware, one expert has shared ways to keep a better eye out.
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Consumer Psychologist Dr. Cathrine Jansson-Boyd from Anglia Ruskin University told The Mirror that Aldi and Lidl's popular middle aisles is a prime example of a mind trick.
The expert explained how the "jumble sale" layout of the products makes us feel like we are bargain-hunting, and that gives shoppers an "adrenaline rush".
Cathrine said: "So you start with the 'serious' shopping, with vegetables and meats and then halfway through you feel ready to have some fun.
"The middle aisle breaks up the shopping experience as there are endless amounts of different items and people love it because it's like a jumble sale and jumble sales are where you usually go to find bargains.
"This structure means that we will dig through and look for random things and have the perception, because of the layout, that it's cheaper.
"Finding bargains gives us a slight adrenaline rush like we're getting a reward for something and this feeling doesn't instantly drop off, so the feelgood factor will continue as you move around the rest of the shop and you'll leave the store feeling good about yourself."
However, the psychologist warns that people should approach the middle aisles of these supermarkets with "caution", as sometimes the deals aren't as good as they seem.
She continued: "We should be very careful with that as a consumer, just because we perceive it to be cheaper doesn't necessarily mean it is."
Finally, Dr. Jansson-Boyd zeroes in on Lidl and how they differ slightly from Aldi - as they sell branded products alongside their own ranges.
Cathrine explains that because these items are often on offer, people will buy more, even if they are not needed - as they are perceived to be a "real bargain".
The expert added: "That's Lidl's real draw, they have something else to offer alongside their own products and the branded items like Hagen Daaz ice creams or washing powders are generally sold cheaper, so people go in there thinking they'll find a 'real bargain'.
"It doesn't matter what it is because shoppers will think if it's in here, it must be a bargain and if I don't grab it now, it will be gone."
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