Choosing Your Supermarket

To shop Albertsons, or to shop Smith's -- that is the question.  Okay, so Shakespeare is probably cringing!  But it is a good question.  Choosing a grocery store can be challenging.  There are a few things to keep in mind when making the decision:

Most of us don't have the time to visit two or three grocery stores each week to catch the great deal of the week.  So it's important to understand that really great deals are often driven by the manufacturers marketing plan.  So it stands to reason that if they're going to be marketing their product in one of three stores in your area, a similar deal will show up in the other stores - possibly at the same time (probably within the month).

It's your money and you get to decide when, how and where you spend it.  Get to know your neighborhood markets and choose one that offers the services your looking for - one that caters to your needs.  Is the store clean?  Can you find a shopping cart when you need one?  Are the boxes and cans dented?  Are there enough people to service the specialty (meat, bakery etc.) counters?  Are the prices clearly labeled?

Okay, so you're choice has narrowed to two stores.  But wait!  One store definitely has cheaper prices than the other.  So we should choose that store, right?  Hold on a second.  Often the most expensive stores will save you the most money.  Remember, you will not be buying at "original" prices.  You will be buying items on sale - AND using a coupon.

Your time is also valuable.  What stores are in the closest proximity to your home?  How many registers/checkouts are there?  How long does it take you to checkout?  Is the checkout person courteous?  Are they able to bag your groceries without breaking your eggs or smooshing your bread?

Once you've made your decision, shop with confidence.  When you are a 'regular' at 'your' supermarket, the store personnel become familiar with you also.  You will learn which checkout personnnel are friendliest to couponers and the best times to shop.  You will become familiar with product placement which will decrease the time it takes to complete your shopping trips.  And if your needs change or you become dissatisfied for whatever reason, make a change!