Supermarket trolleys may seem like simple tools for shoppers, but they can significantly influence customer buying behaviour. As a business owner, understanding how these trolleys impact the shopping experience can help you make smarter decisions about the type of trolleys you provide. In this blog, I’ll share five key insights into how supermarket trolleys affect customer behaviour, and why selecting the right trolleys from Mills Display can make a difference for your store.

1. Trolley Size Influences Purchase Quantity

One of the most direct ways shopping trolleys influence customer behaviour is through their size. Research has shown that larger trolleys often encourage shoppers to buy more. When a customer uses a large trolley, they perceive they have more space to fill, and this can lead to buying extra items that they didn’t initially plan to purchase. On the other hand, smaller trolleys may limit the number of products a customer picks up, as they subconsciously adjust their buying to fit the available space.

Compact supermarkets, however, might find it more practical to offer smaller trolleys or basket trolleys. These provide a balanced shopping experience, where customers aren’t overwhelmed by an oversized trolley but still have enough room for essential items. The key is offering the right mix of trolley sizes to match your store’s layout and customer base. At Mills Display, you can find a wide variety of trolley sizes to suit your supermarket’s needs.

2. Comfortable Design Encourages Longer Shopping Trips

The comfort and ease of manoeuvring a shopping trolley can significantly impact how long customers stay in your store. Trolleys that are easy to push, with smooth wheels and ergonomic handles, make shopping a more pleasant experience. When customers feel comfortable navigating your aisles, they are more likely to spend extra time browsing, which can lead to higher sales.

Conversely, if a trolley is difficult to push or feels uncomfortable, customers may rush through their shopping trip, buying only what they need. To keep customers in your store longer, it’s essential to invest in trolleys that provide a smooth, enjoyable shopping experience. Mills Display offers a selection of trolleys designed with customer comfort in mind, helping you create a shopping environment that invites customers to linger.

3. Trolley Availability Affects First Impressions

First impressions are crucial, and the availability of trolleys at your supermarket’s entrance is one of the first things customers notice. If customers have to wait for a trolley or find that there aren’t enough available, this can cause frustration and affect their overall shopping experience. Ensuring that your supermarket always has a well-organised, readily available supply of trolleys is key to maintaining customer satisfaction.

This not only applies to large supermarkets but also smaller, compact stores where space is limited. Having the right type and quantity of trolleys can set a positive tone for the shopping experience from the moment a customer walks in. A neat and tidy trolley bay, with easy-to-access trolleys, can make all the difference. Mills Display can help you maintain a seamless flow of well-maintained trolleys to meet customer demand.

4. Trolley Design Can Promote Impulse Buys

Certain features of shopping trolleys can also prompt impulse buying. For example, trolleys with built-in compartments or easy-access areas for small items encourage shoppers to grab products they hadn’t planned to buy. These compartments are often located near the handle, making it easy for customers to toss in snacks, drinks, or other small items while navigating the store.

Impulse buying is a common behaviour in supermarkets, and the design of your trolleys can play a role in boosting these additional sales. By providing trolleys that encourage convenient, unplanned purchases, supermarkets can subtly increase their overall sales. Mills Display offers a range of trolleys with smart design features that can help boost customer spending through impulse buys.

5. Kid-Friendly Trolleys Improve Family Shopping Experience

For families, shopping with children can be a challenging experience. Supermarkets that offer kid-friendly trolleys, such as smaller trolleys for children or trolleys with seats for toddlers, can make a family’s shopping trip more enjoyable. When children are engaged and comfortable, parents are less likely to rush through the store. This allows families to spend more time browsing and potentially buying more.

Kid-friendly trolleys show that your supermarket is thinking about the needs of all its customers. For compact supermarkets, offering a few child-friendly trolleys can make your store more welcoming to families. Mills Display provides a variety of family-friendly trolley options that help make shopping easier for parents and fun for kids.