Retailers Want to Drill Your Brain and Mine the Data

 

 

 

 

Addressing my post about having my drivers license swiped through a machine in order to buy liquor at Target, David sends us the following article and writes:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/19/magazine/shopping-habits.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all

According to the Target statistician, "We want to know everything we can."

 

Comments

[Gordon C]

A few years ago, I decided I'd had enough. It wasn't the fault of the 16 year old running the register. Still, I wanted to toss a few monkey wrenches in the works.

I now try and use cash for smaller purchases. With a young one who needs to know that Wally Mart (or Target) costs real money, we will even hit the ATM just before a trip and pay with cash.

When asked for ZIP codes, I rotate a few including one for the Federated States of Micronesia (96942 - yes, they use our postal system). I try to give either the phone number of the Chinese Embassy or of the actual store itself. Lowe's frequently asks for a phone number. I like giving them their own.

Oh, and not one store reward card I have has correct information.

I should say, I don't mind aggregate data analysis. If I, like 50,000 other people, buy Strawberry Pop-Tarts after a storm (real example from WalMart) thats okay.

If Target had pulled the pregnancy ad bundle on us after a miscarriage (like baby formula vendors did) , I would never EVER forgive them.