Topic > Ethnography of Shopping: Scoop vs. Century 21

Shopping isn't simply a chore; it's also an experience. Buying clothing is a particularly personal decision, and various motivating factors can lead a shopper to choose a particular store over another. Some consumers go to the store to confirm their belonging to a certain social stratum, others because they love the thrill of the deal. According to Daniel Miller in “Making Love in Super Markets,” consumer behavior in supermarkets tends to fall into two categories: “dealt” shoppers and “used” shoppers. Treated shoppers see shopping as a chore for which they deserve a reward. At the supermarket, this "treat" often takes the form of a candy or snack that is purchased on impulse while the individual waits in line. Clothing stores like Century 21, a warehouse-sized discount clothing store, also take advantage of "treat" incentives. For example, Century 21 displays accessories such as necklaces and bags near the checkout to encourage impulse purchases before checking out. Near the cash desk there are also particularly interesting sales, which are impossible to resist. Even if shoppers don't view buying clothes as a chore in the same way they view buying food, they may find that finding the right size is frustrating and being able to purchase items regardless of size is purely enjoyable and for pleasure it can be an incentive. Upmarket retailer Scoop showcases accessories on models, to encourage consumers to purchase them as part of the complete outfit they are assembling in store. However, the real "delight" aspect of Scoop is shopping in the store itself. Some stores, like the Marks & Spencer grocery store in England and high-end stores like Scoop, are almost…half-paper…the environment that Century 21 store shoppers are looking for. On its website, Century 21 advertises that it's "fashion worth fighting for," acknowledging the intense search for bargains that leads people to come to the store and elbow themselves sideways to get them, tearing clothes off the racks. The sprawling nature of the store and the thrilling experience of bargain hunting are described as 'epic' and the typical 21st century consumer is looking for that “score you'll brag about forever”. The fabulous find... or three... or five... that you happened to spot first. The moment you look at your receipt and realize you saved hundreds or thousands of dollars. This is what we're about: the ultimate high-end designer shopping adventure, like nothing else in the world." Scoop is a sanctuary of fashion; Century 21 proudly advertises itself as an adventure.