I think Time magazine hit a home run with this article.
According to the Journal of Consumer Research, if touch you an item while shopping, you are more likely to buy it. I know for a fact that that's true. If I pick up a dress, inspect it and like it, well, the game is over. I know I'm going to want it in my house. I want the dress to be part of my life. I mean, we touched! Whew. Sorry, I got carried away. I NEVER try on clothes when I'm shopping. I hate dressing rooms. So I am a sucker for touching and inspecting the clothes on site and making a decision.
So what's a frugalista to do? . Is touching fabric a crime? Am I destined to spend more because I like prowl while shopping? Is it better to stay away from shopping centers? Are you a toucher? Tell me all about it!
I say touch away. I think it makes me spend less. But that's because most things in my price range feel like burlap and I tend to put them back on the rack.
If it's out of my range, but I'm still considering it, I'll leave it in the store. If I'm still thinking about it days later then I go back and buy it - kind of like the handgun waiting period.
Posted by: Coco | April 23, 2009 at 01:29 PM
I do touch but what gets me is the "try on" if I try it on and it looks good, I must have it.
PJD
Posted by: Product Junkie Diva | April 23, 2009 at 03:13 PM
I like to touch and try on garments. I think the touching is the deal breaker. Being a toucher is the reason I haven't been able to get into shopping on line yet. Your writing
style made the blog interesting readig.
Senior Diva
Posted by: Senior Diva | April 23, 2009 at 03:42 PM
yes, just stay away! i work at target (in the pharmacy) and only go there for work, or maybe to get groceries. but when my mother-in-law was in town, she wanted to pop in and buy a purse. so i tagged along. and what did i do? bought a purse too. drats!
Posted by: Maggie | April 23, 2009 at 11:15 PM
@Coco: You are hilarious.
@PJD: So you are frisky with the clothes. Heavy petting just won't do for you! LOL
@Senior Diva: Thank you, Ms. Diva. I love online shopping, too, though. Maybe I just like shopping?
@Maggie: Yeppers, social spending is the killer! Is the bag cute? You know I'm nosey.
Posted by: The Frugalista FIles | April 24, 2009 at 07:41 AM
Hrm - but if you don't touch the clothing, how can you inspect the seams and overall garment construction?
I have put stuff back because it wasn't well made. Since it costs $35 for me to hem a skirt, I want to know that the item will be worth keeping!
Posted by: GLM | April 24, 2009 at 03:29 PM