There was an article in the New York Times on Sunday that talked about how places like Costco count on us to impulse buy random stuff. This brings forth two very interesting points. The first point is that, yes, Pete the Planner reads the New York Times. The second point is that you aren't only fighting yourself to not impulse buy while shopping, but also the stores you shop at.

They want you to enjoy looking at the pretty TV. They want you to buy enough salsa to feed everybody in Cleveland. They want you to buy the 2 liter bottle of Grey Goose (I'm guilty of that one). Costco and other wholesale clubs can be a dangerous place. If you have a hunkerin' for some ice cream, it better be one heck of a hunkerin'.

What's your number? Mine is $50. Every time I go to Target, it's $50. Some people drop $75 and some drop $200. I'm sure that Target counts on impulse buys as well but, Costco somehow gets us to impulse buy 55 gallon drums of Mayonnaise.

Wholesale clubs are fine for some things, but watch it. Just because they give you samples of it, doesn't mean you need to buy it in bulk.

Pete the Planner

24 Rolls of Toilet Paper, a Tub of Salsa and a Plasma TV (New York Times) January 28, 2007