Sally likes to shop for inexpensive items that do not have high importance to her. She loves to shop for items in the checkout line and frequently shopping online. What kind of shopper is Sally?

• A. A follower
• B. An impulse buyer
• C. A recreational shopper
• D. A loyalty customer

Answer: (B)

Impulse buying is when purchases are spontaneous and unplanned, usually for inexpensive items that feel low-risk and are easy to justify in the moment. Sally’s pattern fits this: she prefers inexpensive, low-importance items and she shops at the checkout line and online, both of which are classic triggers for impulse purchases. The checkout area often showcases small, tempting items, and online shopping makes it easy to add quick, low-cost items with minimal friction, fueling spontaneous buys.

This isn’t about following others or shopping for the experience itself. A follower would be buying to imitate someone else’s choices, a recreational shopper buys for the fun of shopping, and a loyalty customer sticks with a preferred brand or program. Sally’s described behavior centers on quick, impulse decisions rather than loyalty or deliberate, planned purchases.