Plastic Shopping Baskets: Why They are a Necessity to the Overall Buying Experience
Here at Joalpe UK, we know the importance of setting the stage for the best customer shopping experience and an increase in consumer purchasing. How do we know this? The customer shops for 2 main reasons:
1) Because they need to quickly grab necessities, and
2) Because they want to browse aisles with some intent to purchase. With both of these scenarios, there is a chance for the retailer to capitalise on the consumer in their store; and overall, increase their profits.
Some small psychological factors play into getting and keeping customers in your store. We have retail solutions tailored to attracting the right kind of consumer behaviour, including Joalpe’s Quality Shopping Baskets.
The Power of Perception: Inside the Consumer’s Mind
Like going on a date, trying a new restaurant, or going shopping, all of these events have something in common. FIRST IMPRESSIONS. If you walked into a store to find it disorganised, cluttered, and the employees are unfriendly, you would either turn around and leave, or finish shopping and not come back. Joalpe International UK understands that these first impressions are the first step in the buying process. As the first thing the consumer grabs when entering the store, we ensure our shopping baskets are always fitted to the needs of both the customer and retailer. Ultimately, holding the power of purchasing.
Quality Shopping baskets can make the difference between a satisfied and unsatisfied customer by:
The Symbolism of Convenience
Having a basket readily available for consumers increases the amount of items they tend to fill in their basket. Studies like the Market basket analysis (MBA) show this as a ‘data mining technique’ which ultimately helps retailers understand and serve their customers by predicting their purchasing behaviours. MBA uncovers associations between products by looking for combinations of products that frequently co-occur in transactions; one big conclusion includes the shopping behaviour with shopping materials they are provided with.
Prioritising consumer behaviour and improving the consumer experience should be the largest focus of a retailer. This also is on a case-by-case basis, as the products hold the power in which basket to choose. Many find a plastic shopping basket with a handle to be the most convenient option for purchasing, and Joalpe International UK offers fully-customizable retail baskets for any shape, size, and colour that the store needs.
Influence on Purchase Decisions
The ‘carry effect’ is another study that relates directly to the consumer behaviour and how they are influenced by shopping basket design. These include:
This effect shows how basket design can subtly increase how much and how long customers shop. Along with this, mental accounting plays a huge role in basket availability and aesthetics with consumer spending habits. This psychology suggests that consumers typically categorise their spending, which can influence the volume of impulse buys when presented with larger baskets.
Design Matters: What is Right for My Store?
There is a large importance of ergonomic design in plastic shopping baskets as their overall shape and weight is key for improving the consumer’s experience. Factors such as overall handling comfort, basket size, and weight capacity significantly influences user experience and shopping behaviour. For instance, a well-designed basket that is easy to carry and holds more items can encourage longer shopping sessions and increase the likelihood of impulse purchases. This does not discredit small baskets, though. Psychology also suggests that pushing a large basket when the items for sale are small or only a small quantity is offered, can actually deter customer purchase. For example, if your store only sold small trinkets, having a large basket would be uncomfortable. A small basket or even a mini basket would be more appropriate.
Beyond the Basket: Environmental Considerations
In addition to finding the most comfortable shopping basket for your customers and retail space, it is important to note that there are growing concerns about plastic waste and environmental sustainability. Offering more sustainable plastic baskets and starting recycling programs is a good way to combat these concerns. As consumer attitudes shift towards sustainability, the choice of shopping baskets can significantly influence perceptions of a store. Retailers using traditional plastic baskets may face negative perceptions, whereas those adopting sustainable practices can enhance their brand reputation and customer loyalty.
Conclusion
Joalpe International UK knows that the shopping basket is not just a tool for carrying products but an element in enhancing the overall buying experience for the customer. By focusing on the ergonomic design, accessibility, and aesthetic appeal, we know that our baskets contribute positively to first impressions and customer satisfaction. It is also important to understand the impact on the environment, and our commitment to sustainability. Ultimately, our approach to shopping baskets is a reflection of our commitment to quality and customer mindset, aiming to influence purchase decisions positively for your store.
