Covert mission: Operation hot zones

THAT sounds like a scene straight out of a spy movie, right? I can almost hear the sound of a pink panther lurking in the distance. I bet you’re humming the Pink Panther theme song. Well, I am as I write this article.

But let’s shift our focus to things more intriguing than secret agents. Yes, there are, and they are equally hot. You see them every time you’re out on a spending spree.

Meet Hot Zone. These are the shelves in the checkout line in supermarkets. These shelves have miscellaneous products compared to standard shelves, where consumer products are organized based on product type.

Hot Zones are located strategically in a prime location where foot traffic is at its peak. If you have a product displayed in these areas, be prepared for its lease cost, as it might be higher.

You see batteries, razors, mint candies, chewing gums, toothbrushes, and other items that seem to pop out of thin air. It’s a medley of consumer goods. They defy categorization. In Bisayan, the colloquial term is “kalandracas.”

Most of the items here are not really on top of your list or may not even be on your grocery list. This area jogs our memory of the items we need but forgot to list. Or, these could be things we don’t need. Imagine waiting in line, and one item is simply irresistible. Add to cart.

Do I buy something from here? Yes.

What do I buy? Anything that I need and don’t need. Yes, it’s both a necessity and an impulse. I’m not an impulse buyer, but when it comes to hot zone areas, I can’t resist those unusual things I see.

Most stores have hot zones, and they differ from one store to the other. Although, most supermarkets have similar items. Fashion shops also have unique items like coin purses, trinkets, fun socks, and more.

You might think convenience stores no longer have hot zones since their merchandise is more on essential items. Yet, they still do, and items are different from supermarkets. You can find playing cards, single-use coffee packs, and nail cutters, to name a few. The Hot Zone phenomenon spares no one, not even pharmacies, and prescription drugs are not the items you see here.

Hot Zones will always be hot as products displayed in these areas tend to have higher sales. Even the most disciplined buyer succumbed to it. You’re at the checkout counter and have nothing to do except dig into what’s visibly appealing to a consumer’s eye.

Confession time. What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve bought from Hot Zones? Were you able to use it, or is it in a corner, alone and observing? Share your stories—it’s a judgment-free zone.