Short: Boost Retail Sales With The “Second Basket” Effect

1. What is this in one sentence

Customers often make an additional unplanned purchase when the environment nudges them to “add one more thing” at the point of decision.

2. What it means to businesses

Retailers can grow basket size without pushing discounts by placing sensible, complementary items at natural decision points.

3. Customer opportunity

Shoppers discover helpful add-ons that genuinely improve the usefulness of their main purchase.

4. Business threat

If retailers don’t curate these cues, customers either miss out on helpful products or buy accessories elsewhere—often online.

5. Business examples

1. Electronics stores placing screen protectors next to phone displays increases accessory sales without extra promotions.
2. Supermarkets offering “taco kit + salsa + guacamole” bundles boosts convenience-driven add-ons.
3. Beauty retailers positioning travel-size items near checkout captures impulse trials.

6. How we can use data

Basket analysis reveals which products are frequently bought together, allowing retailers to design precision cross-sells and high-performing “second basket moments.”