Using Phones While Shopping Raises Chances of Overspending, Claims Research

According to the study published in the Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, listening to music or making calls while shopping can literally prove costly

People who use their mobile phones for making calls or listening to music while shopping are more likely to make unplanned purchases and forget items they had planned to buy, says a study. The research team observed this effect even when phones were only used for part of the shopping trip.

"Mobile phone use that is unrelated to shopping negatively affects shopping behaviour was in stark contrast to beliefs held by consumers," said study author Michael Sciandra from Fairfield University, US.

"Mobile phones are quickly becoming the principal distractor for many consumers and they offer a unique form of interruption. Our findings may influence consumers' attitudes towards mobile phone use while shopping and persuade them to reflect on how these devices impact our lives, both positively and negatively," Sciandra added