CPS launches awareness campaign to curb impulsive buying during Ramadan

AMMAN — The national awareness campaign titled “Do Not Shop When Hungry” is actively operating throughout the holy month of Ramadan, seeking to enhance people’s purchasing behaviour and consumption patterns, and serve as a guide to prevent unnecessary purchases.

In a statement made available to The Jordan Times on Monday, the CPS urged consumers to avoid buying products in bulk and to always check the expiry dates of products. It also recommended consumers to retain their shopping receipts and review them post-purchase.

CPS President Mohammad Obeidat said that the campaign aims to “effectively and positively influence people’s grocery shopping choices”.

Obeidat also said that it has disseminated the campaign’s visual content across various social media platforms to engage a wider audience.

Speaking with The Jordan Times on Monday, Waleed Ali owner of a grocery store in Amman said that hunger often triggers “impulsive buying”, adding that individuals who shop while fasting tend to purchase unplanned items.

Ali also said that hungry shoppers tend to spend more on food and occasionally on non-food items, making them more likely to buy unrelated products.

Amani Omar, a dietitian, explained that hunger can loosen consumers’ control over their spending and increase the likelihood of purchasing high-calorie, unhealthy foods. She also said that obesity and food purchasing habits are interrelated.