With shifting grocery habits, here’s how to save money and make the most of your grocery shopping experience.
Trends in Grocery Shopping
Increase in Online Shopping:
- Options: Pickup (in-store or curbside) and home delivery.
- Growth: Kroger’s delivery rose 150% (2020-2021); Walmart doubled its curbside pickup locations since 2019.
Shopping Less Frequently:
- 70% of shoppers reduced in-store visits during the pandemic.
Rise in Store-Brand Purchases:
- Private-label goods offer savings as prices rise (expected 2-3% increase in 2021).
More Home Cooking:
- 49% of Americans report cooking at home more often than before.
Top-Rated Grocery Stores
- Trader Joe’s: Excels in cleanliness and price competitiveness.
- Market Basket: Known for low prices.
- Gelson’s Markets (California): High marks for quality but less competitive on pricing.
Smart Shopping Tips
1. Plan Ahead
- Join Loyalty Programs: Get coupons, deals, and gas rewards (e.g., Safeway, Stop & Shop).
- Track Prices: Note prices of regular purchases to spot real deals.
- Make a List: Helps avoid impulse buys and reduces trips.
2. Use Technology
- Retailer Apps: Access digital coupons and sale prices.
- Compare Circulars Online: Plan your shopping route based on the best deals.
3. Choose Store Brands
- Store brands are often 20-25% cheaper than name brands.
Tactics for In-Store Savings
- Beware of 'Bumpouts': Eye-catching displays can tempt unnecessary purchases.
- Endcap Caution: Items here aren’t always discounted—check prices!
Online Grocery Shopping Tips
1. Delivery Memberships
- Example: Instacart Express ($99/year). Free delivery on $35+ orders. Breaks even after 25 orders/year (~every 2 weeks).
2. Flexible Delivery Times
- Some services offer discounts for midweek deliveries or larger time windows.
- Example: Stop & Shop Go Pass: $55/year for Tues-Thurs deliveries vs. $119/year for any day.
3. Opt for Curbside Pickup
- Typically free (e.g., Walmart). Tip policies vary by store.
Final Thoughts
By using loyalty programs, planning purchases, and leveraging online options like curbside pickup or delivery memberships, you can save time and money while navigating the evolving grocery landscape. Happy shopping!
Next: Read 2500+ consumer guides to shopping, electronics, appliances, home services, cars, money and more.
