I work as a cashier at a grocery store. Recently, after the biggest snow of the year (so far) which resulted in much snow remaining on the round, I noticed a definite increase in the purchase of the bags of large, unpeeled carrots. Upon noticing this, I figured that it was because people were making more stews due to the colder weather, and I asked a purchaser of these carrots their reason for purchasing them. They responded that they were using them to make a stew, and with my incredible powers of deduction validated, I went along with my day. Later, as yet another carrot purchaser came through, I arrogantly asked, "Making a stew?", of course trying to seem like I knew what I was talking about. The man and his daughter replied, "No, we need a nose for our snowman." The point of this story I really don't know, but perhaps it's that some circumstances and products are inexplicably tied together in multiple ways, and I'm wondering whether there have been profitable businesses that have modeled their plan after these simple facts. Maybe an innovation that helps us grow carrots in the Tundra is the next billion dollar company, who knows?
For one, if you were to ask me if I'm making a stew, I would probably look at you like you just yelled at me in another language because that's such a strange thing to ask someone. I will say however, that it makes sense. Sometimes, I like to peer over to other people's carts in the store and see what all they have in there. Could this person be buying seven 12-packs of Dr. Pepper for a party or could they be a raging addict? It's actually quite cool and interesting, yet normal, that everyone has a different life going on at the same time as yours. Same thing with driving. All of the cars you see are being operated by a human being. They could have just found out they're going to be a parent, or they might have lost a parent. It's truly fascinating for sure.
Gavin, your situation has incited yet another thought to arise in my brain. Rationality is kind of like Schrodinger's cat: no one knows another person's rationale until they are enlightened by the person. Until then, you can assume anything you want about why they did what they did. You did not know the rationale behind why the first person's purchase of carrots. The second person seemed like they were going to have the same rationale until you inquired of them why they were purchasing the carrots. As we proceed with this course, I believe that we need to have compassion and a healthy understanding of people before we make judgment calls about what they did. I can foresee that potentially becoming a problem in the future. Great example of opportunity cost and differing rationality amongst consumers!
Gavin this was beautiful. Thank you. I am curious if grocers have data on this that leads to them having the shelves stocked with carrots throughout the colder months.