Favorable observation is a fleeting feeling, survey finds

On average, the buzz of a good bargain lasts about three and a half hours, according to a new study.

A survey of 2,000 Americans examined their shopping habits and determined the exact amount of time post-purchase glow lasts, with 216 minutes being the average.

One in 10 respondents are on cloud nine for the rest of the day, with almost a quarter of respondents riding the wave of a good deal for at least four hours (22%).

Conducted by Talker Research for Ollie’s, the survey found that shoppers won’t be shy about their loot either: 59% would brag about finding a good deal with friends (51%), their partner (40%) and their broad members. family (27%).

With 60% claiming they can find a deal on every item, it’s no wonder 54% crown themselves the best bargain hunter they know, up from 34% last year.

But what makes a good deal? Similar to last year, the average respondent needs to save 36% on an item to be worth their time.

The survey also found that one in five drive an even harder bargain, claiming the item should be at least half off.

Time is money for a third of respondents who would only wait up to a week for an item to go on sale before they would end up buying it at full price (32%).

To get the most out of their trip, 48% shop with a plan and mostly or completely stick to it.

30 percent admit to deviating from their plan when they enter the store, while one in five complete their shopping trip completely.

On average, Americans spend about 14 extra minutes while shopping just to “look around.”

More than half of Americans will never pass up a good deal, even if they don’t need something (56%), which is why the same percentage say they should avoid certain parts of a store to limit spending Theirs.

And they’re not denying the fun they’re having either, with three-quarters of respondents saying they enjoy shopping (74%), especially in grocery stores and clothing stores (68% each).

Hobby shopping (48%) and home shopping (45%) also rank high as enjoyable types of shopping.

“We’re all about the thrill of bargain hunting,” said John Swygert, chief executive officer of Ollie’s. “We know that finding a great deal can be fun and exciting, and we love being part of that experience for our customers. It’s even better when they share the deals they find with friends and family, spreading the joy of shopping even further.”

Finding a good deal isn’t just for fun, as 82% are looking for deals more often than ever before to combat inflation (down from 85% last year).

Is it enough? Eighty-five percent of respondents said the prices of common items have increased where they live over the past year (compared to 91% the year before).

Americans still rate gas (47%) and fast food (46%) as the most overpriced items (56% and 45% last year, respectively).

However, the cost of clothing (33% vs. 41%) and personal care items (32% vs. 39% last year respectively) are less of a concern this year.

Food items such as meat or fish (42%), eggs (34%) and milk (30%) are also priced higher than respondents are willing to pay.

However, respondents shared some of the items worth splurging on, with mobile phones still the top choice (21% compared to 23% last year), followed by gadgets (20%) and computers or laptops (20%) .

For some, food items are also not a compromise, emphasizing the desire for quality coffee (16%), meat or fish (14%) and snacks (12%).

“As inflation and prices for everything consumers need continue to skyrocket, finding ways to stretch your dollar further is an important skill for consumers,” Swygert said. “That’s why we’re more focused than ever on helping the communities we serve save money and find the best deals to avoid paying too much for the goods they want and need.”

THINGS THAT HAVE HIGH PRICES 2024	THINGS THAT WERE HIGH PRICES 2023
1. Gasoline – 47% 2. Fast food – 46% 3. Meat/fish – 42% 4. Automobiles – 35% 5. Mobile phones – 35% 6. Eggs – 34% 7. Clothing — 33% 8. Personal care items – 32% 9. Snacks – 31% 10. Medicine – 31%	1. Gasoline —- 56% 2. Fast food – 45% 3. Meat/fish – 43% 4. Eggs – 43% 5. Clothing — 41% 6. Milk – 40% 7. Personal care items – 39% 8. Snacks – 38% 9. Automobiles – 38% 10. Medicine – 38%

WHAT is worth paying more for in 2024?	WHAT is worth paying more for in 2023?
1. Mobile phones – 21%	1. Mobile phones – 23%
2. Equipment – 20%	2. Equipment – 22%
3. Computers/laptops – 20%	3. Personal care items – 22%
4. Personal care items – 19%	4. Computers/laptops — 18%
5. TV – 18%	5. Clothing — 18%
6. Washing materials – 17%	6. Medicine – 17%
7. Coffee – 16%	7. Automobiles – 17%
8. Clothing – 16%	8. Washing materials – 16%
9. Shoes – 16%	9. Shoes – 16%
10. Skin care – 15%	10. Jewelry — 16%

Survey methodology:

This random double-choice survey of 2,000 Americans of the general population was commissioned by Ollie’s Bargain Outlet between June 7 and June 11, 2024. It was conducted by market research company Talker Research, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).