Retail Outlets Promote Impulse Buys of Sugary Items in Check-Out Aisles

Placement of these items may drive impulse buys, and because these stores sold products for children, parents and caregivers should be aware of these practices at the outset.

WeightControl.com Interview with:
Corey Hannah Basch, Ed.D., M.P.H., CHES
Professor and Department Chair Public Health
William Paterson University

Dr-Corey-Basch
Dr. Basch

WeightControl.com:  What is the background for this study?  What are the main findings?

Response: There are many factors that influence food choices, which are not limited simply to access and availability. This study focused on exposure to opportunities for unplanned food and beverage purchases, specifically candy, snack foods, and sugary beverages are available in checkout lines in a convenience sample retail chain stores in New York City that sell products for children.

The main findings are that most of the stores in the sample sold at least one form of convenience foods at the checkout. In addition, “corral-style” checkout lines had a more diverse sample of snack foods available throughout the line.  

WeightControl.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: The findings from this study coincide with existing research that the availability of non-nutritious food items and sugary beverages are available in checkouts in retail settings. This study focused exclusively on retail outlets that were not grocery or convenience stores.  Placement of these items may drive impulse buys, and because these stores sold products for children, parents and caregivers should be aware of these practices at the outset.  

WeightControl.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this work?

Response: Future research can focus on promoting informed decision-making strategies for children and caregivers,  potential engagement with retail outlets to promote nutritious foods, and policy implications for municipalities that prioritize public health.  

No disclosures

Citation:

Basch CH, Fera J. Candy, Snack Food, and Soda in the Checkout Lines of Stores Selling Products for Children in New York City. J Community Health. 2021 Mar 12. doi: 10.1007/s10900-021-00975-4. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33710452.

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Last Updated on March 13, 2021 by weightcontrol