What is impulse buying?

Impulse buying refers to the phenomenon where a consumer makes an unplanned purchase, often influenced by emotions, excitement, or immediate desire rather than necessity or careful consideration. This type of buying behavior is typically characterized by spontaneous decisions made at the point of sale, such as choosing to buy a candy bar while checking out at the grocery store.

The emotional drivers behind impulse buying can include feelings of happiness, stress relief, or even boredom. Retailers often capitalize on this behavior by placing enticing products near cash registers or using eye-catching displays to encourage such purchases. Understanding impulse buying is crucial for marketers as it can inform strategies to effectively promote products that appeal to consumers' emotions or create a sense of urgency.