Is too much choice an issue and how do you decide what to buy?

Wally the Clown

I have gotten used to it over the last 14 years, but occasionally I am reminded how execrably limited the choices are here in WA, even compared only to the eastern states, not to mention other countries. So very many choices based on frauds and scams ( numerous different types of milk, antioxidant-supplemented items, silly "me-too"products) and so few real choices. I admit the asian food selection is not horribly limited, but I do my shopping for such at asian markets, with a hugely better selection. I go to a specialty retailer for Mexican products, Indian products and Middle Eastern products as Woolworths and Coles are extremely expensive for such items and have almost no selection.
From a psychological standpoint, apparently it is more difficult to choose with many options- so it's easier here,with so few, especially when you edit out the frauds and scams. I have never had a problem over here, likely because I grew up having a lot of choices, even 30 years ago.

I do not in any way believe that "stress" is why the two major corporations have cut back- for two reasons. a) They are in no way honest- I have watched prices raised and sizes shrunk, then prices cut partway back as "prices dropped!" over the last few years. I expect they did it in desperation when ALDI came in, as they had fixed prices between themselves for so many years.
b) I don't notice any fewer brands or items to choose from, actually I have noticed more over the last few months.....so it goes back to "a"- they are not being honest. Maybe over east they have cut back- I wouldn't know. The selection over here was so artificially limited that it may not show up as much.