If you only shop at one grocery store, you might be paying too much. Not all grocery stores price items the same and it’s important to know the shelf price (this is the non sale price) of your everyday items at different stores. I was recently in Publix and found that the same exact Folgers Coffee Singles was $1.61 more than what I pay for them at Walmart. I mentally recorded the price difference in my head (and took pictures at both store to show you), but if I only shopped at Publix that’s is an extra $6.44 a month or $83.72 a year and that’s just on the coffee singles.
Not all Walmart stores are priced the same either. Each store sets it’s price based on competition. I’ve found that products are 2-10% cheaper at a Walmart 30 minutes up the road because that store has more grocery competition than my Walmart has. If I wasn’t pricing my everyday items, I never would of noticed!
If you are new to Couponing, you might want to take a moment to read more in my Getting Started Couponing series. It will teach you how to coupon like I do!
This is an excellent idea. Wish there was a way we could get regional pricing on many grocery items. Too many stores to cover! About 6-7 years ago, I went to 3 stores in our area and priced every item that we bought on a normal basis and kept a log of it. I took it with me (I didn’t have a smartphone at the time) and used it to see if I was getting a good price. It took awhile to complile all the info but was worth it. I know that with inflation the prices now are much higher. I would love to do that again- maybe I can employ my 2 and 4 year old to do that for me? :)
Love your blog …. amazing all the deals you post! Now to comment about the price of items at different stores … There was a story a while back about name brand items at Target and Walmart, and that Target came in just a little less than Walmart. So, I tried it out myself. And it is true. My Target has many items for less than Walmart. And, if you have a Target in your area, using online coupons from Target.com and manufacturer coupons, plus your Target red card (a debit card linked to your bank that saves your 5-percent off the entire purchase each time), then you’ll be saving even more! My Target is closer to me than Walmart and a much more pleasant shopping experience! I also save money on close-out deals at Food Lion compared to Publix and Winn Dixie prices. I just have to look for the deals!
I started a database this week of prices at BJs and Walmart so that I can pull it up on my phone when I am at the regular grocery store (via google docs) to see if what they have is a good deal. I don’t have every item, but every item that we buy on a consistent basis. I also listed price per ounce/box/item in order to truly compare. It helped me this week to know whether to use my coupon at one place or another to get the best deal and most for our money.