What does the term "impulse buyer" signify?

The term "impulse buyer" signifies someone who makes quick purchase decisions, often without prior planning or extensive consideration of the product. These consumers are typically driven by emotions, immediate desires, or situational factors that prompt them to buy spontaneously, such as attractive displays, promotions, or even mood influences. Impulse buyers tend to act on the spur of the moment when they see something that catches their eye, rather than deliberating over their choices or researching beforehand.

In contrast, customers who research products extensively tend to be more deliberate in their purchasing decisions, weighing pros and cons before making a commitment. Those who wait for trends to develop usually focus on broader market changes and seek to align their purchases with more established patterns. Consumers focused on online shopping may engage with various platforms, but this behavior does not inherently define them as impulse buyers unless they make spontaneous purchases while browsing. Thus, the defining trait of impulse buyers lies in their quick decision-making associated with immediate gratification.