According to the latest Consumer Price Index numbers, inflation has cooled to its lowest level in three years. Despite this, grocery store costs remain high. However, several strategies can help shoppers save money on their grocery bills, which may require a bit of extra time and planning.
Jessica Trowbridge, Corporate Affairs Manager for King Soopers, shares some tips for shopping smarter. She suggests reviewing weekly ads for sales and making a list before heading to the store. This approach prevents unnecessary purchases and makes meal planning easier for the week.
Number one, I save so much more when I’m shopping in our stores. Number two, it takes so much stress off me throughout the week because I have a meal plan, and it’s easy to come home and just prepare those items, and they’re ready for my family,” said Trowbridge. Digital deals are another way to save, including offers like buy one get one free or discounts for spending a certain amount. Shoppers should also take advantage of cash-back offers and pay attention to shelf tags, which often reveal better deals on smaller items than bulk purchases.
Smart ways to save on groceries
Additionally, seasonal sales can be beneficial; for example, back-to-school sales often include discounted items like tissues and Clorox wipes. Approaching the holiday season, shoppers will find sales on holiday items like cranberry sauce and gravy.
“We’re right at the tip of cold and flu season. So, if you look at the medications, we have a lot of medications on sale. As we approach the holiday season, you’ll see those items like cranberry sauce and gravy start to go on sale, to help customers put the items they want and need in their cart at a more affordable price,” explained Trowbridge.
Trowbridge also advises considering more affordable alternatives to name brands and stacking savings through various promotions. For example, every dollar spent on Fridays equals four points at the pump. “We also run promotions where you get additional fuel points when you buy gift cards in our stores.
So if you know that you’re going to Home Depot to buy something, buy the gift cards here, and then you also get the added fuel benefit in our stores, or you can save at the pump,” added Trowbridge. By implementing these strategies, shoppers can ease the burden on their wallets while navigating the high costs at grocery stores.
