The New Home Ec
Where Is the Best Place to Shop for Groceries?
While out and about today, I stopped at my old favorite grocery store, which I have abandoned in favor of one built in my neighborhood. I got out of there for less than half what I usually spend. Maybe I bought a little less than usual. Maybe I hit a few really good sales.
But, whatever the reason, it’s got me thinking a little more about where and how I shop.
First off, you should know it was fresh food trip, so the normal couponing tips don’t really apply. A couple times per week, I make a quick run for whatever meat & produce I can find on sale. It’s how I save money at the store, while keeping our kitchen well stocked with healthy foods.
Typically, I look at the weekly ads, throw in a little extreme couponing, then go back to the store to replenish our fresh foods later in the week. That’s when I run to the nearest grocery store, grab whatever they’re discounting that week, and move on with our busy lives. It’s what I was doing today — for half the cost.
So, I think I’ll be making my quick run a few miles down the road now & then. Here are the factors that go into choosing a grocery store:
- Location: It’s so much easier to just stop by the store down the street. But thinking ahead could have me prepared to shop when a less expensive store is just around the corner. Today, I had a downtown meeting and took the route that drove me right by a different grocery store. Sometimes, I’ll have the hubby pick up good deals at a store near his office.
- Prices: Of course, you want to shop where you’ll spend less money. It isn’t just about the shelf tag, though. One store may have better regular prices, while another store offers better weekly deals. Since I’m not paying full price, I want the store with bigger sales.
- Coupon Policies: In our area, most grocery stores double coupons up to $.50. That means that a $.50 coupon is worth $1. There are a few holdouts, so I’ll be taking my coupons to the stores where they are worth the most.
- Store Policies: In addition to coupon acceptance, be aware of other policies that make your shopping easier — return policy, scan right guarantees, reusable bag reimbursment, and carryout are all things to consider.
- Customer Service: It’s not just about price. I want to be treated well, too. If I have a miserable experience time after time, saving a few dollars may not be worth it.
- Other Temptations: As much as I love Target, I just cannot grocery shop at a Super Target. There are just too many other temptations — like amazing deals on clothes I shouldn’t buy, toys we don’t need, and clearance bargains I can’t resist. So, when I’m on a grocery mission, I just stay away.
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4 Comments
dree commented on Jan 17 12 at 6:24 pmI rarely use coupons, because I rarely find a coupon for anything I buy. Most coupons are for processed foods, paper goods I never use (paper towels, paper napkins), or for things I can get cheaper by buying an off-brand (like Trader Joe’s canola oil).
I buy almost everything at Trader Joe’s. We also get a CSA box 1x/week, which is almost all of our veggies (and sometimes is all of them), and some of our fruit. I might buy fruit at TJ’s, or at the farmer’s market, depending on if TJ’s has organic apples :) I buy bulk dry beans and oatmeal at a small chain. I get baking basics at Target or a certain chain (and only that chain has good house-brand brown sugar, as opposed to refined white sugar re-colored with molasses). I go to the biggest chain around for only a few things when I need them: jars of yeast, masa harina.
I also go to my garden for a few things: peaches in season, lemons, chard, leeks, carrots, etc.
Natalie B commented on Jan 18 12 at 10:50 amI agree with Dree. Couponing just doesn’t work for families who buy store brands, raw natural foods, and farmers market fare. I do however agree with the author that you can find some good mid week deals on meat if you look for them. You usually just have to eat it right away or if you are meal planning, freeze it for one of next weeks meal.
Jimmie commented on Jan 18 12 at 1:27 pmYep, I rarely use coupons except for things like shampoo. I love Aldi and Costco. I go to Kroger only for the things I cannot find at those two discount stores. I am amazed at how much more expensive food is at Kroger (and Target). I estimate that I spend 25-30% less by shopping at Aldi and Costco. I pay for my Costco membership in a year’s time simply by what I save on trashbags and paper towels alone.
And I know this is totally off topic, but the first thing my cold natured self noticed — a halter top in January? :-) You must live in a tropical climate!
Just Heather commented on Jan 18 12 at 1:31 pmHa! Nope. Cold and snowy here. That’s not a recent picture. (But it is a little black dress, up-do and heels! Yep, I went grocery shopping in my finest.)
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