Trent at The Simple Dollar has put together an extensive post about the ways that stores subtly trick you into buying more crap than you need. Admittedly, we are what you’d call a frugal shopper who sticks with zen-like focus to the contents of her list, but we realize that some of you are not. With you in mind we link to Trent’s article. He includes not only the tactics used but some ways to “fight back.” Here are two.

1. Don’t use a shopping cart unless you need it. A shopping cart, most of the time, is just a place to put stuff you don’t need. If you’re carrying it, you’re a lot more likely to consider whether or not it’s a worthwhile purchase.

2. Make a shopping list and stick to it. A shopping list makes you focus on the items you intended to buy; without it, you are much more prone to wandering and stumbling into “great buys” that you don’t really need.

These are both really good ideas. Another way to cut down on your shopping is to move into a 5th floor apartment with no elevator. Everything you see at a store you will picture carrying up the stairs. If that it doesn’t work and you are a compulsive shopper, at least you’ll have a great butt. —MEGHANN MARCO

15 Ways Department Stores Try To Trick You Into Spending More Than You Need To – And 10 Ways To Fight Back [The Simple Dollar]

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