Why We Buy: Godfather of Retail Psychology on Designing Spaces That Make Us Buy More Without Thinking

Why We Buy: Godfather of Retail Psychology on Designing Spaces That Make Us Buy More Without Thinking

Author: Howie Chan, Influence Strategist @ The Behavioring Company February 3, 2026 Duration: 53:43
In this episode of the Influence Anyone Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews Paco Underhill,  the bestselling author of Why We Buy and the Godfather of Retail Behavioral Research. They delve into  how our environments silently shape what we notice, what we want, and what we buy. In a rapidly changing landscape, Paco points out the biggest changes in the world of business that happened and that are coming our way. He also shares  small changes to the environment, either physical or digital, that can make huge impacts in terms of sales and customer loyalty. Finally, find out how you influence when you're trying to get a yes. Take the FREE Influence Style Quiz and discover how you naturally influence others. Episode Breakdown: 0:00:00 The origins of Paco's influential work 0:06:52 The six biggest changes of  the past decades 0:15:47 Small things that can make huge buying impact 0:26:02 Responsible consumers and ethical merchants 0:33:17 Navigating the digital customer experience 0:45:16 Three things any business owner needs to know 0:49:41 The two biggest influences in Paco's life From Our Guest: Website LinkedIn Email Instagram Get the books, Why We Buy, What Women Want, and more. Get people to buy into your ideas and offers! Join the FREE Influence Anyone newsletter. Each week, I uncover a proven playbook from world experts and scientific research to influence human behavior – including your own. 📩 Go to: www.howiechan.com/sub Follow, subscribe, and don’t forget to leave a rating and review! Produced by Ideablossoms Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Howie Chan hosts Influence Anyone, a conversation that digs into the practical mechanics of persuasion and personal change. Rather than abstract theory, this podcast focuses on applied influence psychology, translating research and real-world experience into actionable strategies. Episodes feature dialogues with leading experts and practitioners, dissecting the subtle psychological forces that shape both internal motivation and external agreement. You’ll hear discussions on mastering your own mindset and habits alongside concrete methods for branding, storytelling, and negotiation. The aim is to move from insight to implementation, turning behavioral science into reliable playbooks for leadership and persuasion. Covering intersections of science, business, marketing, and social dynamics, the podcast provides a nuanced look at how influence operates in various arenas of life. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the principles that drive decision-making, equipping them to navigate professional challenges and personal goals with greater clarity. The tone is exploratory and detailed, prioritizing depth over quick fixes. By examining the hidden architecture of influence, Howie Chan creates a resource for anyone looking to understand the why behind effective action and communication. This is a place where academic findings meet street-level practice, all dedicated to creating more meaningful and effective outcomes.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 77

Influence Anyone
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