Who knew shopping would get so scientific

Growing up, one of my favorite days of the week was Thursday.  That's because it was the day we went grocery shopping.  I loved walking the aisles with my mom, looking at displays, sampling new products and talking with the butcher, the baker, the produce stocker, the deli carver, you name it.  Our trips took at least an hour or more because we were shopping for the week and we wanted to get everything we needed.  My mom had a list and a few coupons from the Sunday paper.  She had a general idea what she wanted to cook, but was open to whatever looked good or was on sale. I could usually talk her into trying something that wasn't on the list if I could make the case for it.  Guess you could say I was destined to work in the marketing industry?

Fast forward to today and we find people going online to research menus, products and coupons before they go shopping.  They are also increasingly turning to online product reviews. And according to new research out from the e-tailing group and PowerReviews, shoppers say they prefer the silence and solitude of online research to talking with sales associates.  Shoppers say online research saves them time, makes them feel more confident and provides more credible info.

What about you?  Are you going online to research before you buy? If so, what products or services are you most likely to research first?

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Comments
AlexisV wrote re: Who knew shopping would get so scientific
on 14 May 2010 9:18 AM

I rarely research products online, but when I do it's usually for a larger purchase such as a computer, camera, etc. For most other products, I usually refer to my friends and family as opposed to online sites. However, I do like to look at store web sites to preview what they have in the store and what sales they are offering before I go.

Elizabeth wrote re: Who knew shopping would get so scientific
on 13 May 2010 9:47 AM

I'm a little of both.  I love to look online for new recipes, or ways to make old recipes healthier.  But when I go to the grocery store I like to walk up and down every aisle, just to see what's out there.  Sometimes I find the most interesting things just by taking the time to look around.  

Kristen wrote re: Who knew shopping would get so scientific
on 13 May 2010 9:34 AM

I find that product reviews are a shortcut to research for me. Whether it's clothes I'm ordering online, or electronics I'm considering, reading about other shopper's real life experience with a product speaks volumes to me.

And I ALWAYS search for coupons before I buy anything online. It's like a sport to me to find the best deal...20%, 30%, free shipping or more. It's very satisfying to save money.

Laura Mae wrote re: Who knew shopping would get so scientific
on 12 May 2010 2:31 PM

Thankfully I'm married to a guy who LOVES to cook...and he likes to do the grocery shopping too!  But on those weeks that I have to do the shopping, or am in charge of a meal or two I definitely go on line and look for quick and easy (and cheap) recipes to help make my list with!  I just wish finding coupons for the grocery store was easier than wading thru the Sunday circulars!

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