For me, it’s a given every time I step into a CVS. I find myself browsing through shampoos and flipping through greeting cards when suddenly, the unmistakable urge to use the restroom hits me. The employees at my local CVS must think I have an issue since I ask for the bathroom key without fail.
I used to think it was just me until a friend, Sarah, admitted that she feels the same way every time she visits Target. When she polled our other friends, many shared similar experiences. What’s causing this phenomenon?
I turned to Google, where I discovered I’m not alone—there’s a surprising number of people who feel the need to poop as soon as they enter a store. While Target leads the pack, it seems that shopping in general has a significant impact on many people’s digestive systems.
I’m no expert, but I took some time to investigate this curious trend by conducting informal interviews with friends on Facebook. To my surprise, numerous individuals described a Pavlovian response to certain retailers—just stepping foot inside triggers the call of nature.
Stores That Induce the Effect
Let’s examine the types of stores that seem to induce this effect. It appears that larger chain retailers are the most likely culprits. Besides Target and my beloved CVS, places like HomeGoods, Michaels, Jo-Ann Fabrics, and Costco frequently top the list of stores that send shoppers running for the restroom.
Even bookstores like Barnes & Noble made the cut, with one friend mentioning that the books section at Goodwill has the same effect on her. Another shared that she has to “drop a loaf” whenever she visits her local library. This connection makes a bit of sense—many of us enjoy reading while on the toilet, so being surrounded by books could stimulate our digestive systems.
Interestingly, some of my friends intentionally seek out these trusted “poop stops” when they need a little help with constipation. One friend even admits to frequenting Marshalls just to get her digestive system moving. She swears it works! Another lamented the closure of Borders, her go-to spot for a little bathroom respite.
Theories Behind the Phenomenon
As for the reasons behind this amusing phenomenon, theories abound (none of which are scientifically proven). Some speculate that the store’s scent might stimulate gut activity, similar to how certain aromas can trigger hunger. Others suspect that the harsh fluorescent lights could play a role; given that they’ve been known to induce nausea and headaches for some, why not also trigger the need to relieve oneself?
A significant number of my friends believe that the overwhelming excitement of shopping can also help release the proverbial chocolate hostage. There’s a wealth of research regarding the brain-gut connection that supports this idea. According to a publication by Harvard Medical School, emotions can significantly impact our gastrointestinal health. “The gastrointestinal tract is sensitive to emotion,” the article states. “Anger, anxiety, sadness, elation—all these feelings can influence gut symptoms.”
What’s intriguing is the variety of emotions my friends associate with their favorite “poop stores.” While excitement is the most common feeling, others report feeling relaxed, bored, comforted, or even stressed when they enter these retail spaces. This makes it difficult to pinpoint the exact reason behind this curious connection between shopping and bathroom breaks.
Whatever the cause, it’s clear that this is a genuine phenomenon. One friend expressed relief upon discovering that this experience is quite common: “I thought I was the only one dealing with this!” she said.
Right? I certainly didn’t consider myself abnormal for needing to release the Kraken every time I strolled down the tissue aisle at CVS. It’s a relief to know I’m not alone in this quirky experience.
Further Reading
For those interested in researching more about pregnancy and related topics, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy from the World Health Organization. And if you’re curious about home insemination options, you might find our post on the artificial insemination kit useful. You can also read more about this subject at Modern Family Blog.
In summary, it appears that shopping can have a surprising effect on our digestive systems, with many people experiencing the urge to poop upon entering various stores. While the reasons behind this phenomenon remain a mix of speculation and anecdotal evidence, it certainly offers a light-hearted perspective on our shopping habits.