target effect

The result of going into a store, intending to buy a few things, and leaving with much more. Frequently happens while shopping at Target.

Person 1 before shopping: Ok, we're just going for a few grocery items
Person 1 afterwards: I don't know where to store my new kitchen set, plastic bins, or towel rack. Why do I have so much food?
Person 2: That is what we call the target effect

the target effect

When you go somewhere and end up spending WAY more money than you originally intended. Like when you go to Target for a few things and end up with a cart full of things you didn't mean to buy.

I went to H&M yesterday to buy a pair of pants and suffered from the Target Effect. I spent $350 on new clothes. 😭