April 23, 2007
Cheap deals at the grocery store
I am a woman of routine, at least on Sundays. That's the day I head to the grocery store to do my weekly shopping, and like many of us, I take almost the same path through the store each week.
I always make sure to check a couple of important and perhaps little-known spots for good deals. I've found that these opportunities are not just available at "my" Kroger-- the one at Crossroads-- but at Kroger stores around the region.
First stop: Manager's Special shelf in the meat department. This can usually be found all the way at one end of the fresh meat shelves and is typically separated by the rest of the shelves with a divider and marked "Manager's Special." This is where I search for marked-down meats that are still fresh enough if cooked within the next couple of days or frozen right away. We've found some great deals on top sirloin, filet mignon, ground beef, thick-cut pork chops and other meats here. Frequently, I see large, family-size packages of meats on special. While they are too large for my family of two, those can be a good deal for moms and dads looking to feed a brood.
Second stop: Deli department. Every deli has a case that contains cartons of prepared foods like potato salad, baked beans and cole slaw. This is also where you will find ready-made sandwiches and subs, and some Kroger stores mark down unsold sandwiches for quick sale at the end of the week or just anytime during the week. For $1.50, I've scored a nice, thick roast beef sandwich with cheese and roasted red peppers and onions. Take that bad boy home and freshen it up in the toaster oven, then cut it in half and split it between two people with a cup of soup for a quick and tasty weeknight meal. You might even find some containers of cold foods like baked chicken breasts for killer low prices.
In addition, the heated display cases in the deli section are frequently home to reduced-price items from the hot meal bar. Most of the time, this includes side dishes like green beans, macaroni and cheese or stewed apples. Not the healthiest of stuff, but better than fast food if you're on the go.
Third stop: Front aisle. Be on the lookout for grocery carts loaded with goods that have been marked down. These are frequently parked in the front aisle near the cash registers. They might also be parked near the deli or elsewhere in the store. I've found all manners of products here, like makeup, wine, pharmaceuticals, candy and the like.
So there are my tips. If you have any other tips, including ideas for good deals at other grocery stores in the area, my ears are always open.
Comments
[April 23, 2007 2:01 PM]
RoanokeFoundMy tip: Don't shop at Kroger, head to Food Lion where you get better prices on meats, better quality - and steeper (and fresher) markdowns on meats.
I know, but Food Lion was on TV.. well it turned out to all be a lie - set up by ABC news. But thats another story. Suffice it to say they have been super-careful since then with product rotation and all that.
Plus, they have better produce anyway.