Stores serve as retail testing grounds

From the time shoppers walk into stores, their footsteps, eye movements, choices and reactions to discounts are often closely monitored, USA Today recently reported. With this analysis, stores can determine with startling accuracy whether changes such as remodeled stores, specific deals and more salespeople will make people spend more.

And, just as some lab rats get only a placebo, retailers typically test new strategies by giving shoppers in certain areas a promotion — or fixed-up store — while others are the control group. Growing pressure to improve profit margins means retailers' decisions must get results. People can't just buy something they wouldn't have otherwise, they need to spend more.

Read the full report here.