Loyalty cards seem like a clear benefit for any shopper. You get access to special member pricing, earn points towards future rewards, and receive personalized discounts. In exchange for your repeat business, the store gives you money-saving perks. On the surface, it’s a win-win situation. However, the psychological and behavioral impacts of these programs can…
Details
Happy hour is a cherished ritual, offering after-work relaxation and discounted drinks and food. Most establishments run legitimate, straightforward happy hours that provide real value to customers. However, some bars and restaurants use tactics that can make their deals feel “sketchy” or deceptive. These promotions might use vague language, serve lower-quality products, or have hidden…
Details
In our digital world of dynamic pricing, targeted online ads, and sophisticated retail apps, the humble coupon can seem like a relic from a bygone era. Why would major brands and retailers continue to print and distribute little slips of paper (or their digital equivalents) when they have so many other marketing tools? The answer…
Details
Grocery coupons are seen as a wholesome, all-American way to save money. We associate them with careful budgeting and frugal housewives of a bygone era. However, behind this clean image lies a surprisingly “dirty” history of fraud, misuse, and organized criminal activity that has cost the industry billions of dollars. These problems didn’t end with…
Details
Los Angeles is a city of culinary extremes. It’s home to Michelin-starred fine-dining establishments with astronomical prices and formal service. However, the true heart of LA’s food scene often beats loudest in its unassuming neighborhood joints. These local spots, run by passionate chefs, serve food with so much flavor, authenticity, and skill that it often…
Details
Walking into a supermarket, you’re immediately greeted by a flurry of signs promising deals, freshness, and unbeatable value. But how many of these signs help you save money or make better choices? The truth is that many supermarket entrance signs are designed to influence your shopping behavior subtly. Understanding these misleading supermarket signs can help…
Details
School cafeterias in the 2000s were a world of their own, filled with foods that defined a generation’s lunch experience. For many, these meals were a daily ritual, a break from class, and a chance to bond with friends over shared favorites. But if you put some of those classic cafeteria foods in front of…
Details
Restaurant promotions are designed to attract customers, boost sales, and create buzz. However, even the most well-intentioned deals can sometimes go awry, leading to backlash, negative press, and a swift retreat. For diners, these stories are more than just industry gossip—they’re cautionary tales about what can happen when a promotion isn’t fully thought through. For…
Details
Rising grocery bills are hitting everyone’s wallets, but there’s another side to the story that often goes unnoticed: many major retail chains are quietly cutting wages or reducing hours for their employees, even as they hike prices for shoppers. This double whammy affects not just workers, but also families trying to stretch every dollar at…
Details
Coupons are supposed to help you save money, but sometimes they do the exact opposite. If you’ve ever found yourself buying a product you never intended to purchase just because you had a coupon, you’re not alone. Marketers design certain coupons to encourage impulse buys, upsell you on unnecessary items, or get you to spend…
Details