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Retail therapy: A strategic effort to improve mood

Author

Listed:
  • Selin Atalay

    (GREGH - Groupement de Recherche et d'Etudes en Gestion à HEC - HEC Paris - Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

  • Margaret G. Meloy

    (University of Pennsylvania)

Abstract

"Retail therapy" is often applied to the notion of trying to cheer oneself up through the purchase of self-treats. The negative moods that lead to retail therapy, however, have also been associated with greater impulsivity and a lack of behavioral control. Does this lead to mindless shopping when consumers are "down" and regret later? The current work documents that a bad mood does lead to greater purchase and consumption of unplanned treats for the self. However, it also provides evidence that the consumption of self-treats can be strategically motivated. Those individuals who do indulge can also exercise restraint if the goal of restraint also leads to improved mood. Finally, retail therapy has lasting positive impacts on mood. Feelings of regret and guilt are not associated with the unplanned purchases made to repair a bad mood. The implications of the research are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Selin Atalay & Margaret G. Meloy, 2011. "Retail therapy: A strategic effort to improve mood," Post-Print hal-00596836, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-00596836
    DOI: 10.1002/mar.20404
    as

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    Keywords

    consumer behaviour; retail;

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