Part 5/7:
Another psychological phenomenon at play is loss aversion. After investing considerable time in a shopping endeavor, there is a strong inclination to leave with something to validate that investment of time. For instance, even after an exhaustive search for a couch that never materializes, shoppers often feel compelled to buy a few plants or kitchen utensils simply to avoid leaving empty-handed. This need to make a purchase can lead to buying items that were not initially on the shopping list.