[schrodingersCat]

This is apparently a subject of debate (see: http://skeptics.stackexchange.com/questions/2359/the-origin-...)

Most sources agree that its origins are in psychology, though your theory may explain its widespread adoption by retailers:

http://www.helium.com/items/705308-the-history-of-odd-retail...

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-09/ru-9pm090611....