Grocery shopping doesn’t have to break the bank if you know how to navigate store sales. From understanding sale cycles to strategically using coupons, saving money is all about shopping smart. Here are nine expert tips to help you find the best grocery store sales.
1. Study Store Flyers Before Shopping
At the beginning of each store’s unique shopping cycle, a savings flyer is released. This flyer highlights the week’s best deals and discounted items. Shoppers can use the flyer to plan their purchases and maximize savings by matching their shopping lists with the featured sales.
2. Use Loyalty Programs to Unlock Extra Savings
Signing up for loyalty cards to access exclusive member-only discounts and digital coupons is another great way to save. Loyalty memberships are normally free, but upgraded memberships may have a slight fee. Upgraded memberships often come with higher-valued coupons, boosted savings on specialty items, etc.
3. Plan Your Meals Around Sale Items
If you are looking to save here is an idea. Try planning your weekly menu around discounted products. This is the perfect strategy for maximizing savings. I normally look at the sales ad and then my fridge to come up with my meals for the week. It has helped me minimize waste and maximize savings.
4. Shop During Seasonal Promotions
You can save a lot of money by timing your shopping to take advantage of sales tied to specific holidays or times of the year. These sales typically occur a week or two before the holiday itself. For major holidays like Christmas or Halloween, you can often find discounts as early as two or three months in advance. Right now, for instance, you can get turkeys for a really great price. You can freeze your turkey(s) indefinitely, although it is best to eat them within a year for great taste. This helps you extend the seasonal savings throughout the year.
5. Pair Manufacturer Coupons with Store Discounts
For the best deals, you need to look at coupons. Coupons offer direct discounts that can be stacked with store sales. They are readily available from various sources, making them accessible for a wide range of products. Effective couponing involves planning, organization, and targeted shopping. In today’s digital age, things are a bit more convenient with digital coupons and cashback apps. By understanding how coupons work and adopting effective strategies, shoppers can stack coupons to produce a double layer of savings.
6. Buy in Bulk When Prices Drop
When buying in bulk is cheaper, do it. I suggest bulk buying for non-perishable items. Likewise, anything that can be preserved by freezing like meat, veggies, and baked goods makes for good bulk buys as well. For the best savings, stock up during a sale.
7. Understand Sale Cycles
You need to learn the optics of your store’s sales cycle. You need to know what days the sales start and end on each week. It’s also imperative you know what products go on sale at which time. Understand that many products go on sale every 6-8 weeks. You’ll also find certain things (like meat) marked down on specific days. So, timing your purchases can make a big difference.
8. Avoid Getting Distracted by “Deals” on Unnecessary Items
The best piece of advice I can give is to always stick to your shopping list. Be sure to avoid impulse buys on endcaps and in the aisles. Sales prices and clearance deals seem like a good idea but try to avoid such purchases if you can help it. It can mess up your budget.
9. Compare Unit Prices for Real Value
Don’t always focus on the total item price. To understand the true cost, consider the unit price, which factors in both the shelf price and the item’s quantity or size. Prioritizing unit prices helps you select the most budget-friendly option.
Working Around Grocery Store Sales Like a Pro
Navigating grocery store sales is an art that can save you significant money with the right approach. Planning, strategically using coupons, and understanding pricing cycles will make you a savvy shopper in no time. What are some of the hacks you are using to save money on groceries?