How many grocery stores do you shop at every week? Do you always go to the same store or do you shop for the sales?
Over time, I’ve tried it all. I’ve done the coupon thing where I would match the coupons with the best deals. I’ve chased the loss leaders all over town. I did the “stocking up” thing so that I would always be buying items at the lowest price. Before I had my third child I would shop at the discount store (Aldi) for everything I could then go to Kroger to finish the list. When I was pregnant I couldn’t handle two stores in one day so I gave that up.
None of those approaches are wrong. Each family has to decide which approach works best for them. And just like me, your approach may change over time.
Here’s where I’m at today with shopping for necessities and groceries. I shop at Meijer. Why Meijer? Because I can get just about everything we could possibly need on a weekly basis there. Their prices are good and now that I’ve been going there for a while I know the store pretty well. Being familiar with the store allows me to spend as little time as possible on shopping for the week. It also makes me more able to steer away from the “buy this just because you’re here” items and stick with what’s on the list.
Here are some of my tricks for maximizing my happiness and minimizing stress and over-spending at the grocery store.
- Make a list. Use it. Stick to it.
- Always park at the same door.
- Always park beside the cart corral. I started this when I had infant children who I wasn’t willing to leave unattended in the car while I returned the cart. I still do it because it saves me time and energy. I am always able to do this because I normally shop during the day. In the evening you may have to park farther away to get a space by the corral but totally worth it for me.
- Bring your re-usable bags.
- Try to shop at a regular time. This will allow you to get to know some of the cashiers and which ones you might prefer to avoid.
- If you use coupons arrange them in the order you walk through the store.
What do you do to make your shopping life easier? Do you shop at one store or all of them? Please let me know. I’m curious to know how others approach this task to make it easier. How might using this or a similar approach to your weekly shopping benefit your family?
Jan 10, 2011 @ 15:24:54
I agree with your tactics. I go to Martin’s because of location and I just feel good when I’m there. I too park by the cart bay and can navigate the store blindfolded. The only advice I have to offer is to get everything while you’re there the first time. If I make multiple trips (again, just because I feel good when I’m there) I spend a boat load of money! The two pieces of advice I need are how do I stay away from those stinkin’ magazines, and how do I plan ahead and empty my freezers (New Year’s resolution)? As always, I enjoy reading your posts!
Jan 11, 2011 @ 08:52:48
Hey Tammy!
As for those magazine, I’ll have to think on that one. Which ones are you drawn to? Is it in the magazine/book section of the store or are you talking about at the checkout?
As for emptying the freezer I have two ideas. I’ll email you a form to use to list everything in the freezer and cross it off/change the amounts as you use items. Or you could attach a white board to the front of the freezer and change the amounts as you use items.
I think the bottom line for using up what’s in the freezer (or the pantry) for that matter is to know what’s in there. The only way I know to do that is to keep a current list of the contents.
Hope that helps!
Jan 18, 2011 @ 20:28:29
Good ideas, Jennifer! Thanks.