Overview
- New coverage highlights digital entrance gates at chains like Rewe, Edeka and Kaufland that deliberately slow shoppers to increase browsing time.
- Experts describe loss aversion in promotions as a key lever that pushes customers to grab offers to avoid a perceived miss rather than to gain a deal.
- Music below resting heart rate and themed tracks, plus food scents, are used to relax customers and trigger appetite that drives unplanned buys.
- Placement and pricing tactics persist: staples at the back, premium items at eye level, short checkout belts that add stress, charm pricing like €1.99, XXL packs and premium-styled private labels.
- Consumer advice centers on practical defenses such as wearing headphones, shopping with a strict list, checking unit prices, avoiding trips when hungry and questioning loss-leader lures.