Have you ever thought of the fact why you bought a certain item? Did you buy the product as you really need it or maybe because you became a victim of the subtle manipulative strategies which are often used in shops to persuade you?
To start with, it seems to me that shopping sometimes provides entertainment, but it is absolutely essential to always control that you don´t spend too much money on certain products, as for some people who "shop till they drop" getting into debts or financial problems are very dangerous consequences. What is more, it is often a nuisance, if you buy a certain good but afterwards find it in a different shop where it is available *(for)at a much lower price.
As opposed to the above ideas, many people are of the opinion that shopping is one of the most important things in life and spend often far too much time on shopping.
Apart from that, various manipulative strategies are used in order to stimulate the demand to really need this product, for example ranging which means that the most expensive brands are at the right of the shelves for many right-handed people tend to pick up things with that hand. Another strategy is that escalators are often positioned so that you have to walk through a great deal of the shop and pass by all the products. It is tremendously vital to be informed and aware of these strategies, as you are not that easily persuaded.
In addition, the service in a shop is very important. The most important aspects of a successful sales person are the friendly and polite treatment of customers and knowledge about the products the shop sells.
Taking everything into account, I am of the opinion that on the one hand shopping can provide entertainment and offers you the opportunity to learn about a wide range of products, but on the other hand also increases our preoccupation with material things.
Nadine, you seem to be well prepared for tomorrow`s test. Good luck, anyway! W.Mayer