The science of wanting. The art of having.

Need Want

The science of wanting. The art of having.

Latest Articles

Dreams for Sale: Inside Britain's £3 Billion Fantasy Purchase Economy
Psychology

Dreams for Sale: Inside Britain's £3 Billion Fantasy Purchase Economy

From abandoned bread makers to dusty exercise bikes, British homes are monuments to optimistic shopping. We explore why we're addicted to buying the person we think we'll become tomorrow.

Saints and Sinners: How Britain's Charity Shop Addiction Turned Virtue Into Vice
Psychology

Saints and Sinners: How Britain's Charity Shop Addiction Turned Virtue Into Vice

We entered seeking salvation through second-hand bargains, but emerged clutching our third vintage teacup like a religious relic. How did Britain's charity shops transform from noble causes into guilt-washing emporiums for our shopping addictions?

Queue Fever: How Britain Discovered That Waiting Is the New Shopping High
Psychology

Queue Fever: How Britain Discovered That Waiting Is the New Shopping High

From Glastonbury tickets to the latest iPhone, Britons are queuing up to pay for things they can't immediately possess. We investigate why the modern consumer has developed an addiction to anticipation itself.

Behind Closed Tills: The Secret Lives of Britain's Most Mysterious Spenders
Culture

Behind Closed Tills: The Secret Lives of Britain's Most Mysterious Spenders

We'll boast about a charity shop bargain but whisper about designer purchases. Why do Brits treat money like Fight Club—the first rule is we don't talk about it? An exploration of our peculiar spending shame and the rise of stealth wealth culture.

The Great British Excuse Machine: How We've Turned Shopping Into an Olympic Sport
Psychology

The Great British Excuse Machine: How We've Turned Shopping Into an Olympic Sport

From 'it's practically free' to 'I'm investing in myself', Brits have perfected the art of turning every purchase into a moral victory. We investigate the mental gymnastics behind our shopping justifications and why we're world champions at convincing ourselves we need that thing.