Americans are spending less and maybe shopping wiser, at least when it comes to impulse purchases. According to a new survey, 38% are spending less on impulse buys this year, up from 14% in 2022.
The poll of 2-thousand U.S. adults finds:
- They’re also making fewer impulse purchases per month, with the average respondent buying just six a month. That’s down from 12 a month in both 2022 and 2021.
- Spending on impulse buys is also down, the average person is spending $151 impulsively a month. That’s less than 2022’s monthly total of $314 and $276 in 2021.
- As a result of their scaled-back shopping habits, seven in 10 Americans have saved money.
- Inflation has led 77% of respondents to be more careful about their budget this year.
- About a third (35%) say some of their impulse shopping is to avoid the feeling of FOMO, much less than the 67% who said the same in 2022.
- Almost half (48%) say they shop the most from their phone, with 43% saying they’re more likely to spend impulsively while lying in bed shopping.
- Over half (58%) say they’d only make an impulsive purchase if an item is on sale and 53% “always” or “often” look for deals or coupons before buying.
The most common impulse buys of 2023:
- Clothing - 55%
- Food/groceries - 50%
- Household items - 42%
- Shoes - 32%
- Takeout - 23%
- Books - 21%
- Toys - 20%
- Technology - 19%
- Coffee - 18%
Source: SWNS Digital