Confectionery, magazines and soft drinks are the top categories purchased frequently by the most shoppers on an impulse basis, according to a Front-End Focus consumer study.

Of the respondents, 90 percent told researcher Dechert-Hampe & Co. they occasionally purchase items from the checkout, which makes up more than one percent of total store sales.

The study, sponsored by Mars Chocolate North America, The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co., The Coca-Cola Co. and Time-Warner Retail Sales & Marketing, shows shoppers tend not to switch lanes or shop across lanes. Almost 30 percent of consumers surveyed said if the front-end item they were looking for was not available, they would not buy anything else on that shopping trip.

Dechert-Hampe & Co. advises retailers to merchandise confectionery on both sides of every aisle to influence impulse buyers.

source:  www.candyandsnackstoday.com