What Products Increase Basket Size?

Growing Revenue Doesn't Always Mean Attracting More Customers

Many retailers focus heavily on increasing store traffic. While bringing in more customers is important, another strategy can often deliver faster results: encouraging existing shoppers to spend a little more during each visit.

This is where basket size—also known as average basket value or average order value (AOV)—becomes a key performance metric.

The products you choose and how you present them can significantly influence how many items customers add to their purchase.

Short Answer

Products that increase basket size are typically affordable, complementary, visually appealing, and easy to add to an existing purchase. Giftable items, decorative accessories, seasonal products, and products displayed together with related items often encourage customers to spend more without feeling pressured.

1. Complementary Products

Customers are more likely to buy additional items when they naturally pair with what they already intend to purchase.

Examples include:

• Decorative lamps with matching accessories
• Gift bags and greeting cards
• Home décor collections
• Desk organizers with matching stationery

When products solve related needs, cross-selling feels helpful rather than promotional.

2. Giftable Products

Gift-ready products consistently help increase basket size because shoppers often purchase them alongside their primary items.

Products with premium packaging or broad appeal make excellent add-on purchases, especially during holidays and special occasions.

3. Affordable Luxury Items

Customers often treat themselves to small indulgences when the additional cost feels reasonable.

Stylish home décor, decorative lighting, scented candles, or elegant desk accessories can create a sense of affordable luxury that encourages spontaneous purchases.

4. Seasonal Collections

Seasonal merchandise creates urgency and inspires customers to add themed products to their basket.

Christmas, Halloween, Easter, Valentine's Day, and other seasonal collections often perform well because they are available for a limited time.

5. Conversation Pieces

Unique products naturally encourage shoppers to stop, explore, and often buy.

Creative lighting, artistic décor, or products inspired by famous artwork and travel destinations stand out because they offer more than basic functionality—they create memorable experiences.

6. Products That Solve Small Everyday Problems

Customers appreciate practical products that simplify daily life.

Items that organize, illuminate, or enhance living spaces often become easy add-on purchases because the value is immediately obvious.

7. Compact Products

Smaller items are psychologically easier to add to a shopping basket.

Customers rarely worry about carrying them, and the perceived commitment is lower than purchasing larger products.

This makes compact home décor, portable lighting, and travel-friendly accessories particularly effective.

8. Curated Collections

Grouping complementary products into themed displays helps customers visualize how products work together.

Examples include:

• Cozy home collections
• Reading corner essentials
• Travel-inspired gift sets
• Museum-themed collections

Curated displays encourage multiple-item purchases while simplifying buying decisions.

9. Limited Editions

Scarcity influences buying behavior.

Exclusive colors, seasonal artwork, or limited-production collections create a stronger sense of urgency and encourage customers to purchase immediately rather than postpone their decision.

10. Products with Strong Visual Appeal

Products that attract attention from across the store naturally generate more interaction.

Distinctive design, premium packaging, and eye-catching displays all increase the likelihood that customers will explore additional items and expand their basket.

How Retailers Can Encourage Larger Purchases

Beyond product selection, retailers can increase basket size by:

• Placing complementary products together
• Creating themed displays
• Highlighting gift ideas
• Using attractive packaging
• Positioning smaller items near checkout
• Refreshing seasonal collections regularly

These merchandising strategies make additional purchases feel natural and convenient.

Expert Tip

Customers rarely think in terms of "basket size." They simply respond to products that feel relevant, useful, or inspiring.

The goal isn't to encourage unnecessary purchases—it's to present complementary products that genuinely improve the shopping experience.

Retailers who focus on value rather than pressure are more likely to build customer trust and increase average transaction value over time.

Key Takeaway

Increasing basket size isn't about selling more expensive products—it's about offering the right combination of complementary, giftable, visually appealing, and practical items. By selecting products that naturally fit together and merchandising them effectively, retailers can increase average order value while creating a more enjoyable shopping experience for customers.

Related Articles

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• What Makes a Product Easy to Sell?
• What Makes a Retail Product Successful?
• How Do Retail Buyers Choose New Products?
• Top Home Décor Trends Retailers Should Watch
• How Store Displays Influence Buying Decisions (建议新增)

About the Author

This article was written by professionals with experience in retail merchandising, consumer behavior, and product development. Through collaboration with retailers, gift shops, museum stores, and home décor brands, the team has gained practical insight into the merchandising strategies and product categories that consistently increase basket size and improve retail performance.

About DECO

DECO designs and manufactures creative retail products, decorative lighting, folding lamps, and customized gift collections for global retailers. With original product design, OEM/ODM manufacturing, premium packaging, and flexible customization, DECO helps businesses create product assortments that encourage cross-selling, increase average order value, and deliver memorable shopping experiences.