Everyone is raving about going retro these days, but in these difficult financial times, one other, unnoticed throwback is making a comeback.The shopping list.
Consumers aren’t making impulsive purchases and are trying to curb their spending. Sticking to a list can help shoppers control the urge to splurge, and that frugality will pay huge dividends to those on a tight budget.
The old-fashioned list has gone 21st century and is made easier with many of the new technologies that are available. While plenty of people still scratch lists on envelopes and napkins, more and more online services are changing the way consumers shop.The online lists have been launched in recent years by grocery chains and independent companies, and are available to be accessed through all types of media, including messaging services and smart phones. The features include links to online coupons and auto-suggest features based on items listed in the past.
For example, GroceryWiz.com helps users create and save shopping lists; family members can add items from different locations — even if they log on using different computers.
Seventy-five percent of shoppers say they’re making food decisions at home, as opposed to making the decision in-store, according to a February study conducted by the market research firm, Information Resources Inc. That compares to the 30 percent figure generally seen during better economic times, IRI says. According to a March online survey by Miller Zell Inc., a retail consultant, nearly two-thirds of shoppers are preparing lists at home. –
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