Roselle Umlas
One of the most unlikely yet useful places to get a little bit of insight about someone is the supermarket. Or just generally wherever they shop.
You see, our shopping habits can reveal a lot about us, maybe more than we’d think. The way we shop isn’t just a transactional activity; it’s also an avenue that gives us a peek into our unique personality traits.
In this article, I’ll show you ten things your shopping habits shed some light on your personality. They are surprising, yet totally make sense!
1) How you stick to the budget
I’ll start with something that will probably resonate with a lot of people, and it’s about, you guessed it, the budget.
Most of us set out with an idea of how much we’re willing to spend. Some people treat that like a hard and fast rule, while others see it as a loose ballpark figure.
And there are also those who don’t have a number in mind at all. They’re like, hmm…if it’s worth the price, I’ll buy it however much it costs!
If you’re the type who scrutinizes every price tag, compares costs, and always sticks to your shopping list, you’ve got a good sense of discipline and responsibility. It suggests you’re a pragmatic person who values financial stability and likes being in control.
On the flip side, it could also mean you’re less likely to take risks. People who are too cautious about their shopping might not step out of their comfort zone often, not just in shopping but also in other areas of life.
Meanwhile, if you’re quite loose with the budget, it could mean several things: you’re spontaneous, financially reckless, or simply that you have the financial freedom to do that.
2) How you make last-minute purchases
I’m talking about those chocolates at the checkout counter that you suddenly reach for on your way out. You know, the ones that supermarkets so cleverly place there, hoping you’ll grab one as you stand in line feeling bored or exhausted?
Does that sound familiar? If so, this implies that you’re an impulsive person who lives in the moment. Impulse buyers are fun-loving, adventurous, and spontaneous individuals.
However, this habit can also suggest a lack of self-control. Impulse buyers are often governed by immediate gratification, which might mean they struggle with long-term planning or delaying gratification.
This spontaneous nature can be exciting but can also lead to unforeseen situations, just like that extra chocolate bar you didn’t really need!
3) How you stick to the same brand
Do you find comfort in purchasing the same brands over and over again? This might mean you’re a loyal and reliable person. Just like you trust in your favorite brands, people can trust you to be consistent and dependable.
On the downside, brand loyalty might suggest a resistance to change. You might not enjoy new experiences or find it challenging to adapt to change.
I’ve been guilty of this, especially during those days when money was tight. Because when you’ve got limited resources, you want to spend them wisely.
And with a brand I already know, I’ve got that security. It’s a case of “why fix something that isn’t broken?”
4) How you choose quality over quantity
Speaking of brands leads me to this next point – do you prioritize expensive yet quality brands over cheap ones that are easier to buy in bulk?
This goes not just for shopping, but even for restaurant choices. You’d gladly shell out a hefty price for a restaurant that offers excellent food, premium service, and a classy ambiance than go for fast food.
This suggests you have a discerning personality. You value excellence, have high standards, and aren’t easily satisfied by mediocrity. You’re not afraid to seek the best in life.
However, this trait might also indicate a tendency towards perfectionism. It could mean that you’re harder on yourself and others, expecting nothing but the best.
5) Your preference for online shopping
Ah, this one’s me to a T. I’m one of those who really appreciate the convenience online shopping offers.
If you’re like me, that means you appreciate efficiency as well. And you’re quite open to using technology in other aspects of your life. You’re forward-thinking, so you’re always game to try anything new that makes your life easier.
However, that also suggests you’re less social or outgoing. The preference for online shopping could indicate a preference for solitude, or perhaps an avoidance of social situations.
Again, that sounds like me, because while I do enjoy browsing at physical stores, I get annoyed with overeager salespeople who follow me around, trying to make a sale!
6) How frequently you shop
Do you find yourself shopping often, even when you don’t need anything specific?
This could mean you’re an outgoing person who sees shopping as a form of social activity or leisure. Frequent shoppers often enjoy being around people and tend to have a high need for novelty.
However, this can also mean you’re prone to boredom and need external stimulation to keep things interesting.
It might also point to how you use shopping as a response to your emotions. You might give yourself a “treat” to celebrate a piece of good news, or to make yourself feel better when you’re sad.
Either way, it’s worth looking at how reliant you are on shopping to deal with emotions.
7) How you love scoring bargains
Now let’s get into a shopping habit that feels really emotional. It’s all about bargain hunting.
That means you can’t resist a good deal or sale. Why? Because you enjoy the challenge of looking for one and the high that comes with finding it. You just love the thrill of getting the most bang for your buck!
It also shows you’re resourceful and patient, willing to hold back on your desires if it means getting a bigger advantage in the end.
On the downside, it could mean that you tend to devalue items that are full-priced or luxurious. You might have a hard time splurging on yourself and could tend to prioritize quantity over quality.
I used to be a hardcore bargain hunter. But while I still love that rush of scoring 2-for-1s or finding a designer dress in a thrift shop, I’ve also learned to treat myself sometimes. I now know that balance is a wonderful thing!
8) How you buy only what you need
Just as I love finding bargains, I’m also largely what we call a minimalist shopper. That means I only buy what I need.
It’s pretty easy to see what this says about me (and people like me). We prefer simplicity.
We value functionality over excess, and we have a clear sense of self – we don’t need to have the social standing that comes with having a lot of things.
However, we might also sometimes come off as rigid or unadventurous. My husband has pointed this out to me. He’s my complete opposite when it comes to shopping. Where I’m a minimalist, he’s a frequent shopper.
So, we have a little push-and-pull thing going on – I remind him to curb his shopping, while he reminds me to splurge sometimes and live a little. I think it’s a pretty sweet dynamic!
9) How you choose eco-conscious products
Ah, this one’s a type I can spot a mile away. Because their cart is filled with organic, sustainable, or ethically produced goods!
They are what we call the “eco-conscious” shopper. And they are likely minimalist shoppers, too. Eco-consciousness is what actually drove me to become a minimalist shopper myself.
Because it’s all about keeping our carbon footprint small and making as little an impact on the environment as possible.
So aside from buying only what we need, we like buying reusables, energy-efficient and package-free products, and items made from sustainable or recycled materials.
Eco-conscious shoppers are empathetic and have a strong conscience, a deep connection to the environment and society at large. However, this could also mean that they are sometimes overwhelmed by the world’s problems and carry a sense of guilt or burden.
10) How you follow trends
Lastly, we get to one of the most common types of shoppers – the trendy people.
If your cart often contains the latest trends, whether it’s food, clothes, or tech gadgets, this could mean you’re a highly social and adaptive person.
You value being seen as hip, current, and in-the-know, and you probably enjoy being a part of a group or community.
But be careful – it might mean that you’re easily influenced by others and find it hard to make independent choices. I know how tempting it can be to go with the crowd – but remember, it’s important to trust your own instincts, too!
Final thoughts
Who knew that your shopping habits could say so much about you? But as you can see, they really do.
So the next time you’re shopping, pause and think about what your choices might be saying about you. They might shed light on certain behaviors you have and lead you to a deeper exploration of your innermost self.
That said, this list isn’t meant to be definitive, merely a fun and insightful guide. Of course, being the complex people we are, there are other factors that influence our shopping habits.
