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Consumer trends and psychological impacts of shopping habits
Psychologists and consumer behavior experts are highlighting the risks of shopping addiction, which is classified as an impulse control disorder. Experts Jan Michael Rasimus and Professor Astrid Müller note that the condition becomes problematic when shopping is used as a tool for emotional regulation to mask feelings like stress, frustration, or loneliness. Key indicators of addiction include a loss of control, significant personal distress, and negative life consequences.
In related consumer news, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is set to introduce new rules to reduce waste. By 2030, there will be restrictions on single-use plastic packaging for small quantities of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, retailers like Lidl are noted for using specific pricing patterns, often offering significant discounts on fresh produce near closing times to manage inventory.
Service providers such as Rewe are also expanding digital options, allowing customers to manage grocery shopping through online delivery services with various payment and scheduling features.
Entities
Astrid Müller · Hannover Medical School · Jan Michael Rasimus · Medizinische Hochschule Hannover · Milka · Verbraucherzentrale Hamburg
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Milka chocolate bars were voted the ‘Mogelpackung des Jahres’ (Deceptive Package of the Year) in 2025.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Shopping addiction is classified in psychology as a form of impulse control disorder. courage-lounge.de
- [○ 1 SOURCE] More than 34,000 people voted for the ‘Mogelpackung des Jahres’ in 2025.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The defining factors of shopping addiction are loss of control, suffering, and negative consequences. courage-lounge.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] Shopping becomes problematic when it is used regularly for mood regulation. courage-lounge.de · www.noz.de