Response to Questions

Kate's Question:
In response to Kate's question about whether or not consumers can have control over their shopping habits, I believe that it is different for men and women. I believe that men have more control over their shopping habits, not because "men are superior to women" or anything because that's not true. I think it is related to how men view shopping places. As I go into a store, I have a goal in mind about what I am going in to get. I may see some nice things as I'm going in, but I believe men are more likely to shop for purpose, and not pleasure. Women, on the other hand, like to shop for pleasure. They may go in with the purpose of buying some type of coat, but will end going to six different places to find the perfect coat. Men will live with what they are given at a store and choose what is available. I believe this is probably why women are the better shoppers because they don't mind spending more time looking for a nicer or cheaper coat.
When I think about my shopping habits, I go in with a specific purpose and try not to let too many things distract me. Usually I go into a store, its because I already know what is in the store and I am interested in the types of items it sells. One store in particular, Sharper Image, is known for having expensive, technological items. I like going into this store, not to buy things, but to see what is new. I do, however, believe that stores can influence what I buy because of the set up of items. Grocery stores in particular have mastered this technique I think because when you are about to check out, they have several cheap, commonly used items like gum, magazines, and candy that consumers might need, but forgot while they were in the store.

Ezra's Question:
I think touch is a critical part of are evaluation of a product because its one of the five major senses in which we decide whether or not we like something. I believe touch is one of the more important ones because it deals with what we are comfortable with. Your not going to be a shirt that feels like sandpaper just the same as your not going to eat a piece of bread that feels like a rock. Try to imagine going through an entire day without your sense of touch. Every item deals with touch, even the computer I am using right now. Its an important feature of our everyday lives and I think this is why touching clothing is important to its possible purchase.