Grocery shopping can be a major expense, but with a bit of strategy, it’s possible to significantly cut costs without sacrificing quality. By learning how to navigate store promotions, discounts, and loyalty programs, you can maximize your savings on each trip. Knowing how to make the most of sales is key. Small changes in your shopping habits can lead to big savings, leaving more room in your budget for other priorities.
Contents
- 1 Plan Meals Around Sales
- 2 Use Loyalty Programs
- 3 Combine Coupons with Sales
- 4 Shop Seasonal Produce
- 5 Take Advantage of Buy One, Get One (BOGO) Deals
- 6 Bulk Buy Sale Items
- 7 Use Cash-Back Apps
- 8 Shop on Double Discount Days
- 9 Check Clearance Sections
- 10 Shop the Perimeter of the Store
- 11 Sign Up for Email Newsletters
- 12 Set a Budget and Stick to It
- 13 Avoid Shopping When You’re Hungry
- 14 Use Rain Checks for Out-of-Stock Sale Items
- 15 Stay Organized with a Shopping List
- 16 More From RetailShout
- 17 19 Recipes for Soft, Chewy Cookies You Need to Try
- 18 14 Natural Ways to Keep Pests Out of Your Garden
Plan Meals Around Sales
One of the best ways to take advantage of grocery store sales is by planning your meals around the discounted items. Check weekly ads and flyers to see what’s on sale and then create a meal plan that incorporates those ingredients. This approach can help you stay within budget while enjoying a variety of meals. It also encourages you to try new recipes that use different seasonal or promotional products. Don’t forget to stock up on non-perishable or freezer-friendly items when they’re at their lowest prices.
Use Loyalty Programs
Many grocery stores offer loyalty programs that provide members with exclusive discounts, points, or coupons. Sign up for these programs to access additional savings beyond standard sales. Some programs also give you personalized discounts based on your shopping habits. The more you use the program, the more rewards you can accumulate, leading to bigger savings in the long run. Be sure to use your loyalty card at checkout to apply the discounts automatically.
Combine Coupons with Sales
One of the most effective ways to save big is by combining manufacturer and store coupons with ongoing sales. You can stack these savings for a greater discount on items you regularly buy. Look for both digital and paper coupons, and don’t hesitate to download store apps where additional offers are available. This strategy works well for household staples like cleaning supplies or pantry items. Be mindful of expiration dates to ensure you use the coupons while they’re still valid.
Shop Seasonal Produce
Buying fruits and vegetables that are in season is another way to save during grocery sales. Seasonal produce tends to be cheaper because it’s more abundant, and stores often run promotions on these items to clear inventory. Not only do you save money, but seasonal fruits and vegetables are fresher and taste better. Plan your meals around these in-season items, and consider preserving or freezing them for later use. Stocking up on seasonal items ensures you’re paying less while getting peak quality.
Take Advantage of Buy One, Get One (BOGO) Deals
BOGO deals are a fantastic way to maximize your savings. These promotions allow you to get an additional product for free or at a significant discount. However, the key to making the most of BOGO sales is to buy items you’ll use regularly or can store for a long time, like canned goods or toiletries. Avoid the temptation of purchasing something just because it’s on sale if you don’t actually need it. When used wisely, BOGO deals can stretch your grocery budget significantly.
Bulk Buy Sale Items
When items you use frequently go on sale, it’s a good idea to buy in bulk, especially for non-perishable goods like pasta, rice, or toiletries. Bulk buying during sales ensures you won’t need to purchase these items at full price later. Make sure you have enough storage space at home to accommodate bulk purchases, particularly for food products. This approach is especially useful when stocking up on staples that are often at a lower price during sales. Just be cautious not to overbuy perishables that might spoil before you use them.
Use Cash-Back Apps
There are various cash-back apps that give you a percentage back on grocery purchases, making sales and discounts even more profitable. Apps like Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, and Rakuten allow you to scan your receipts and earn cash back on items you’ve bought. Many apps also offer bonus cash back on sale items or when you meet certain purchasing thresholds. Combining these with in-store discounts can lead to substantial savings. Plus, you can often redeem your cash back through PayPal, gift cards, or direct deposits.
Shop on Double Discount Days
Some grocery stores offer special days where you can earn double the discounts, such as doubling coupons or offering increased loyalty points. Research your local grocery stores to find out when these days are scheduled and plan your shopping trips accordingly. Double discount days provide an excellent opportunity to maximize savings, especially if combined with sales and coupons. Even if the difference seems small, over time, these doubled savings can accumulate into significant reductions in your grocery bill.
Check Clearance Sections
Clearance sections are often overlooked, but they can be gold mines for discounts on a variety of products. Grocery stores place items in clearance for several reasons, such as approaching expiration dates, seasonal shifts, or packaging changes. You can often find pantry staples, snacks, or household items at a fraction of their original price. As long as you check the expiration dates and only buy what you need, shopping clearance is a great way to save more. Be strategic and check clearance sections before shopping the regular aisles.
Shop the Perimeter of the Store
The outer edges of grocery stores typically house the freshest and often least processed foods, such as produce, dairy, meat, and bakery items. These areas tend to feature seasonal promotions and discounts more frequently than the inner aisles stocked with processed goods. Focusing on these perimeter sections during sales allows you to save money on healthier options. Many grocery stores also run “loss leader” promotions on these items to attract customers, so take advantage of these deals whenever possible.
Sign Up for Email Newsletters
By signing up for a store’s email newsletter, you can get early access to upcoming sales, exclusive discounts, and coupons that may not be available in-store. Some newsletters even offer first-time subscriber discounts. Keeping an eye on your inbox for these updates ensures you don’t miss out on time-sensitive promotions. Additionally, many newsletters will highlight seasonal sales, clearance events, and digital coupons, so you can plan your shopping trips in advance.
Set a Budget and Stick to It
One of the best ways to ensure you’re making the most of sales and discounts is to set a strict budget before heading to the grocery store. Having a budget prevents overspending, even when you’re tempted by various discounts. It also encourages you to prioritize essential items over impulse buys. Track your spending while shopping and use cash if needed to avoid going over budget. By focusing on essentials and sticking to your budget, you’ll save more even during enticing sales events.
Avoid Shopping When You’re Hungry
It’s easy to overspend and buy unnecessary items when you shop on an empty stomach. To make the most of grocery store sales, ensure you’re well-fed before stepping into the store. This will help you stay focused on your list and avoid impulse purchases, no matter how attractive the sale may be. Studies have shown that people tend to spend more on junk food or unnecessary items when they’re hungry. Sticking to your shopping list is much easier when you aren’t distracted by hunger.
Use Rain Checks for Out-of-Stock Sale Items
Sometimes, stores run out of popular sale items quickly, but you can still take advantage of the deal by asking for a rain check. Rain checks allow you to purchase the item at the sale price once it’s back in stock. This is especially helpful for highly discounted items or products you regularly use. Be sure to ask the store’s customer service desk about their rain check policy, as not all stores offer them. Using rain checks ensures you never miss out on a deal.
Stay Organized with a Shopping List
Going to the store with a well-organized list is crucial when taking advantage of sales and discounts. A list helps you stay on track, avoid unnecessary purchases, and focus on the items that are on sale. Break your list down by categories such as produce, dairy, and pantry staples so you can efficiently navigate the store. Apps like AnyList or Google Keep can also help you organize your shopping list and track which items are on sale. The more organized you are, the better chance you have of maximizing your savings.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
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