David Pescovitz at 1:56 pm • 
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Expect America's malls to soon become orange-scented. A new study by Washington State University researchers suggests that "simple scents" -- they tested orange -- can stimulate a bump in retail sales. This is compared to no smell or "complex scents" like an orange-basil-green tea blend used in this study. From WSU:
The researchers say the (simple) scent is more easily processed, freeing the customer’s mind to focus on shopping. But when that "bandwidth” is unavailable customers don’t perform cognitive tasks as effectively, says (Eric) Spangenberg, (dean of the College of Business)...
"
WSU researchers tie simple scent to increased retail sales"
The Cedar Rapids Gazette: "A doe and her two fawns tried to get a jump on the Black Friday sales in Coralville on Monday morning when
they surprised the staff at Kohl’s by entering through the automatic front doors."
— Rob
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The United States Geological Survey is having a great big spring sale, with lots of maps, charts, and publications—some of them mid-century vintage—discounted to $1. Yes, $1. At that price, you can't afford to not own entirely too many USGS maps.
(Via Travis Weller) — Maggie
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Rob Beschizza at 6:48 am • •
Muji sells high quality generic products at inexpensive prices; think Ikea with better taste and a Japanese flavor of minimalism. This is its background music. Bruce Sterling: "More starkly minimal than the muzak from lesser outlets of capitalism."
At an LA-area Wal-Mart today,
one shopper pepper sprayed rival bargain hunters, and the horde tore down the video game stands. #Occupy Aisle 13! But Wal-Mart's reckless encouragement of Black Friday stampedes—it
sounds whistles in stores to kick them off—
isn't always a joke. [LA Times]
— Rob
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