Sixty-four percent of U.S. adults report an increase in their impulse spending in 2022, according to an annual survey commissioned by Slickdeals, the only shopping platform powered by millions of avid shoppers.

Three in four (73%) respondents said most of their purchases tend to be spontaneous — a large jump from 59% who held the same sentiment last year.

According to this year’s survey, the average person spends $314 per month on impulse purchases, up from $276 in 2021 and $183 in 2020. Furthermore, the most the average person is willing to spend on a single item is $310, up from $277 in 2021 to $157 in 2020.

Increased impulse purchase habits are affecting overall reported spend. However, 68% said inflation has had a “huge impact” on what they spend their money on.

Seven in 10 have been more aware of their budget this year as a result. Forty-one percent of shoppers added they had to spend more on essentials because of inflation.

According to Louie Patterson, personal finance content manager for Slickdeals, “This year’s survey indicates Americans are spending more on impulse purchases than in the past two years.

While inflation is certainly impacting budgets across many essential shopping categories, interestingly, we’re also seeing consumers reporting an increase in the frequency of their impulse spending.”

The research found the most common unplanned buys in 2022 include clothing (35%), food and groceries (30%), household items (29%), shoes (28%), and consumer technology (27%).

The study revealed half (52%) are impulsively buying equally online and in-store, while 42% in 2021 and 53% in 2020 did most of their shopping online exclusively.

While shopping online, seven in 10 are more likely to spend impulsively on their phones while lying in bed — up from 68% in 2021 and 66% in 2020. Shopping in bed was found to make up for 37% of overall impromptu shopping.

Sixty-seven percent said spontaneous shopping sprees positively affect their mood — a 2% increase from last year.

The emotions shoppers feel after making a purchase include happiness (41%) and excitement (40%) — but a third (34%) admit they shop out of boredom. Two in three (67%) have even made an impulse purchase just to escape the fear of missing out.

Unplanned Purchases Actually Save Them Money

However, more than half (58%) said they’ve saved money with their impulse shopping.

Patterson added, “Fear of missing out is a powerful motivator for impulse purchasing, but as indicated in the survey, 58% of Americans report that unplanned purchases have actually saved them money.

We regularly witness the positive effects of impulse purchasing through our community of shoppers helping one another find the best prices at any given time.

Tapping into a great deal on household items, coffee or technology products can ultimately help you save on your budget.”

What Do Americans Buy on Impulse?

2022

2021

2020

To learn more about the survey, visit here.

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