>But actually, if none of the companies advertise, consumers still find what they need through retailers I don't know how it works in the UK but in USA, advert

>But actually, if none of the companies advertise, consumers still find what they need through retailers I don't know how it works in the UK but in USA, advertising also happens inside the retailers' locations: - endcaps displays of products via promotional payments are a form of advertising [0][1]. A related concept is "slotting fees" - instant tear off coupons on the aisle shelves is a form of advertising - workers giving out free food samples (e.g. blue uniform contractors at Costco) is advertising - informational videos mounted on displays in the aisles is advertising >, word of mouth, The first person in the word of mouth chain was often a recipient of advertising. > or simply continuing to buy what they already buy. But a lot of consumers don't want to always buy what they already buy. They want to buy new and improved products. In my case, I saw an advertisement for Oatly in a magazine which is a new brand of non-dairy milk. I used to use soy milk which didn't taste great but it was better than drinking black coffee. The new oatmeal-based milk tastes much better and I would have never found it by going to the same regular retail grocery store I normally shopped at. I had to go out of my way to find a different retailer that carried it. Although 99% of advertising is terrible and irrelevant, it sometimes exposes me to new products that make me happier. [0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endcap https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endcap [1] http://www.cockeyed.com/citizen/retail/raleys.php http://www.cockeyed.com/citizen/retail/raleys.php