I often wonder wander through airport terminals and guess at how much money those seemingly always empty shops make on any given day. Many times, I’ve thought how it’s nice to have shops in which to to browse, but rarely do I buy anything – although I have been tempted. Turns out, there is method to airport retail madness.
According to The Economist, the hour before your plane leaves is when you’re most vulnerable to an impulse purchase. Airports call this the ‘golden hour’.
The mood of travellers about to take off is heightened, and because they are a captive audience, they can be prone to splashing cash on overpriced food, magazines, books and luxury items, such as watches, jewellery, luggage and clothes.
High-end boutiques offer free glasses of champagne to entice potential purchasers instore. Newsagents flash buy two get one free signs, others offer big ‘discounts’ for frequent flyers – all are a cheeky attempt to relieve you of the money they know you’ve saved for your holiday. So, do yourself a favour, and save it for your holiday.
Do you ever get caught out making airport purchases?
Related articles:
Seven travel money wasters
Saving for a holiday
Money saving tips from travel agents
