Survey: Retail Therapy Is Real, and Half of America Is in Session



Retailers aren’t just in business for themselves. According to a new survey, they are doing a public service. 

More than half of Americans—51.8 percent—regularly shop to improve their mood, including 63.9 percent of women and 39.8 percent of men, according to a new survey by Ebates.com. And they believe that it works: One out of three (39.2 percent) American women think retail therapy improves a person’s mood—as well as one out of five (20.6 percent) American men.

As for what triggers this, one out of five (18.9 percent) Americans engage in so-called “retail therapy” to improve their mood after a bad day at work. Some 14.6 percent do it after bad news, and 12.2 percent after a fight with a significant other.

Not surprisingly, an overwhelming majority (80.7 percent) enjoy the therapy experience the most when they feeling they are “getting a deal.”

As for what they buy, accessories were cited by 29.2 percent of women, behind clothing (57.9 percent), food (34.7 percent), and shoes (32.4 percent).  

“Our survey confirms that shopping truly is ‘therapy’ for many people, and can help raise one’s spirits after a bad day,” said Ebates.com CEO, Kevin H. Johnson, in a statement.

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JCK News Director

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