Impulse buying is all about creating an exciting shopping experience that encourages spontaneous purchases. Customers are naturally drawn and respond well to visually appealing displays and areas that spark a positive emotional response. In fact, impulse purchases can account for 40-60% of in-store sales, making them key to increasing transaction totals. Here’s how retailers can use simple strategies to boost impulse sales:

Store Path Design

When customers enter your store, they typically head straight to what they came for. By using intentional store layouts, you can guide them past eye-catching products. Plan your layout to create moments where customers can pause or take a visual break, and place impulse items in these areas to increase the chance of them making an unplanned purchase.

Affordable Items at Checkout

For impulse buying near checkout, keep items under $20. These lower-priced products are easier to grab without much thought. You can also use the space for products on sale or offer deals like “Buy One, Get One Free” or loyalty rewards (See how Astro can manage these for you!). Promotions like these encourage shoppers to browse more of your store and consider buying beyond the sale items.

Impulse Items Next to High-Demand Products

Place impulse products next to your best-sellers. For example, place stuff-able toys in a clip strip on the freezer. Customers are already engaged with the high-demand items, making it more likely they’ll grab something extra. This also shows them how they can use their main purchases in other areas of their daily routine.

Know What Customers Want

Impulse products are not one-size-fits-all. What customers buy impulsively depends on their needs and interests. You know your customers best. If your customers are looking for calmness products, try placing items like chews, relaxation supplements or enrichment toys near high-traffic areas. Or if they love seasonal items, a special display for seasonal treats or products might catch their eye. Keep experimenting with different products to find the winning formula.

The key to encouraging impulse buying is creating a store environment that makes shopping fun and enjoyable. A well-designed store with dynamic displays will keep customers engaged and more likely to make unplanned purchases. Start with a few of these strategies and see what works best for your store. It’s not just about more sales—it’s about creating a memorable experience for your customers.