Cigarette warning labels encourage smokers to light up, brain scientists say, as the part of the brain that creates cravings is stimulated by the sight of the warning. This nugget comes from Buy*ology: Truth and Lies About Why We Buy, a book by Martin Lindstrom, based on a three-year-long neuromarketing study that measured brain activity in 2,000 volunteers worldwide. Apart from being an interesting "fact", this research provides another reason for retailers to watch shoppers closely. People frequently do not behave as you (or your suppliers) expect them to. Understanding how they behave will give you an edge, no matter how small.
Look at the ceiling and top wall of this McDonalds restaurant. There is a picture of two good looking healthy people having fun and some bright primary colours. Ask yourself what is the purpose of this picture? In the latest issue of Retail Newsagent in a feature on merchandising, Andrew Knight of RI tells its independent readers that they need to think about using sharp pictures of non-packaged products linked to people consuming goods. Perhaps this has been taken to the next level by the fast food chain - that is selling the feeling of being happy and healthy rather than the products. A second, related tip from the same feature is made by most contributors - it is vital to keep windows clean and clear of clutter. "I believe that less is more," says Roli Ranger, a retailer from Ascot, Berkshire. He has posters for promotions in between the windows that are regularly updated and discreet signs in the windows. Third, a highly visible well-stocked promotion at the entranc...
Interesting, I found Why We Buy: The Science Of Shopping by Paco Underhill a facinating read. It covers a similar area of life from a different view point.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course John Stanley is quite inspirational. http://www.johnstanley.cc/