High-end retailers place their most expensive products right in the entryway of the store,

Some high-end retailers place their most expensive products right in the entryway of the store, where consumers will see them first, and place their more popular, better-selling items further back. Why?

Full Answer Section

      Psychology of Browsing:
  • Intrigue and Curiosity:Expensive items can pique a customer's curiosity, drawing them further into the store to explore. This increases the chance of them encountering other products along the way.
  • Aspiration and Attainment:Seeing luxury items can trigger feelings of aspiration and a desire to achieve success. This can subtly influence purchasing decisions throughout the store.
  1. Customer Segmentation:
  • Targeting High-Net-Worth Individuals:Placing expensive items upfront caters to customers who specifically seek luxury goods and are willing to spend more.
  • Building Brand Loyalty:High-end stores often cultivate a loyal clientele. Showcasing their most prestigious offerings reinforces brand identity and strengthens customer relationships.
  1. Impulse Purchases and Upselling:
  • Breaking the Price Barrier:Customers who are initially drawn to expensive items might be more receptive to upselling or purchasing other, relatively less expensive items later in the store.
  • The Sunk Cost Fallacy:Once a customer considers a high-priced item, they might be more likely to make additional purchases to justify the initial investment (fallacy being they shouldn't abandon the initial "investment").
It's important to note that not all high-end stores follow this strategy. Some might choose to showcase their most popular items upfront to draw in a wider audience. Ultimately, the placement strategy depends on the specific brand identity and target market of the retailer.  

Sample Answer

     

There are several reasons why some high-end retailers strategically place their most expensive products at the entrance:

1. Setting the Tone and Creating an Image:

  • Luxury Ambiance: Expensive products create an aura of luxury and exclusivity from the moment a customer enters. This sets the tone for the entire shopping experience.
  • Anchoring Perception: High-priced items establish a baseline for value in the customer's mind. Everything else in the store might seem like a "good deal" in comparison.