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Comment by CamelCaseName | Hacker News Reader

When I go to a physical store I frequently end up buying things I didn't really intend to, but with Instacart, I only end up with the things I actually wanted.

Specifically what products do you end up buying? I have always wanted some insight as to who buys these items near the register and why, as I rarely see anyone pick them up.

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They're not necessarily talking about just those items. The entire store is designed so you buy things you weren't intending to buy. You never said/thought: "Ooh look ice cream's on sale..." and failed to resist?

Exactly, I rarely add anything from the checkout lane area, but I'm often enticed to buy unplanned stuff from the ethnic foods aisle, and now and then I'm taken in by the end-cap displays featuring product pairings, especially if I've been inclined to try a similar combination.

People will do that without even realizing it because they (we, I) instantly come up with some rationalization for why they "really" want it.

That is even easier with a website that has detailed data about your shopping.

Gum and mints, for me. Sometimes batteries if I need them, even though they are cheaper at WalMart or Target.

I don't personally buy things like tabloid magazines, but I'm sure grocery stores have spent lots of time researching this to optimize the placement of these products

Half of my pantry is food I found in the clearance and damaged goods sections. I never go to the store with the intent of buying three big cans of enchilada sauce, but the bent ones are half off and I'll use them eventually...

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