Most people downplay amount spent on purchases while telling partners, parents

MELBOURNE - A survey conducted by online shopping website eBay has revealed that about 73 per cent of people hide purchases from a loved one, and downplay the amount spent on shopping sprees.

The study revealed that sneaky shoppers concealed purchases because they believe that their partners, parents or other family members would not understand the value of the item, The Advertiser reports.

It showed that such shoppers took up to 25 per cent off the price tag of purchases when telling their other half or parents.

Eight per cent of the participants admitted that they cut the cost by half.

Independent retail analyst Stirling Griff said that “little white lies” about the cost of clothing and other products was a way to justify buying them.

“It’s human nature and rife amongst men and women, we love to get a bargain and will try and convince ourselves this is the case, even when it isn’t,” News.com.au quoted him as saying.

He further said that people were more likely to lie about purchases in present-day tough economic conditions, compared to a year ago.

“Some people feel they really should be cutting back, even when they do have the money to avoid looking too extravagant,” he said.

Barlow Shoes shop assistant Corrine Kelly revealed that she would often find women asking for their shoes not to be in boxes so they could make their splurges less obvious.

“It makes it easier for them to sneak those expensive heels into the house and put them in the wardrobe without the husband noticing,” she said.

Not surprised to learn that “closet shopping” was so common, 21-year-old architecture student Kate Holford, said: “I think it can make you feel a bit better.” (ANI)