Gateway shopping is when you break down to buy "just one thing" after you told yourself you have to stop spending money. Much like breaking the seal when drinking, once you have purchased one item, you'll purchase five more items, spend money you don't have, probably will have buyer's remorse.
Me: I'm not going to spend any more money on leggings and purses. I have to buckle down and save money.
Also me: Ok I've got to go to the mall for just one thing - I need sandals and that's it. That's all I'm buying.
Also Me: Ok this purse looks really with the sandals, but I like that purse too - two purses won't be a big deal. It's just Coach...
My friend: It looks like those sandals sucked you into gateway shopping - you broke the seal!
Also me: Ok I've got to go to the mall for just one thing - I need sandals and that's it. That's all I'm buying.
Also Me: Ok this purse looks really with the sandals, but I like that purse too - two purses won't be a big deal. It's just Coach...
My friend: It looks like those sandals sucked you into gateway shopping - you broke the seal!
by Siouxsie Supertramp August 1, 2021