I’m a Shopping Expert: Why I Skip This Aisle of the Grocery Store
Written by
Brooke Barley
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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When you take your regular grocery store trip, are you buying everything on your list? Shopping experts say that if you shop smartly, there are certain items you’re better off buying elsewhere. In fact, there is an entire aisle you should just not go down to avoid overpaying.
What do experts say it is? Seasonal decor was something that kept coming up as a category you should pretty much avoid if you’re at the grocery store. If you’re looking to buy seasonal items, do not buy them at your local supermarket.
Read on to see why experts caution against this and where you should look instead.
Also save more by avoiding these seven grocery store traps.
You’re Not Getting a Good Deal
The number one reason why you should not be buying your decorations at the grocery store is simply because you’re paying much higher prices than you would at another type of store.
“You are typically not going to find great deals on greeting cards, gift bags and wrapping paper at your grocery store,” said Melissa Cid, consumer savings expert at MySavings.com.
What pieces should you avoid picking up specifically? Josh Neuman, founder of Chummy Tees, said there is quite a long list of items you shouldn’t touch at the grocery store.
“I suggest avoiding the seasonal flowers, potted plants, themed candles, vases, dishware, decorations and other accent pieces found in this aisle because I’m always looking for ways to get more for my money,” he said. “These items can cost up to 30 to 50% more at the grocery store than at specialty retailers.”
You’re Being Tricked
Grocery stores are set up very strategically to get you to buy pricier items before you find the deals. “There is a reason why staples like milk, meat and eggs are typically found in the back of a grocery store,” Cid said. “They want you to walk through the pricier middle aisles hoping something catches your eye on the way.”
Don’t be fooled by the flashy items in the front of the store. Instead, make a list of items you can only find in the grocery store and stick to that list. Going too far off track might break your budget. Plus, you might see the same types of items for less at other stores and know you spent too much.
Where Should You Go Instead
Just because experts say you shouldn’t go to the grocery store doesn’t mean you can’t decorate your house; there are just better places to shop during the holidays. “These seasonal goods are usually more reasonably priced at dedicated home goods firms than at supermarkets,” Neuman said.
When asked where specifically to shop, Cid said there are a few spots that you’re bound to have near you where you can pick up some spirited items for the seasons. “Stick to Walmart, Target or Dollar Tree,” she said.
Here’s a look at how much you could save. Right now at Safeway, if you wanted to purchase an American flag that lights up so you were ready for Fourth of July, a 17-inch one would cost you $54.80 — and that’s on sale. Usually, this flag costs $60. When you go on Walmart’s website, what looks to be an almost identical illuminated American flag will only cost you $22.41.
Want Independence Day napkins? A pack of 16 will cost you $2.50 at Safeway, whereas you can get 100 at Walmart for $1.98. The Safeway napkins are even their store brand, so you’d think they’d be cheaper, but you’re still going to find a better deal at Walmart.
Walmart even has a full party pack you can get for your Fourth of July bash. For $21.99, you can get a tablecloth and 16 of themed cups, napkins, plates, forks, knives and spoons. Packs that are sold for a gathering like this aren’t typically sold at grocery stores, since most people there are shopping for their family or fewer people. If you want to throw a party, you should head to stores like Walmart.
If those stores aren’t close by or you simply don’t want to make two trips, Neuman has another suggestion to make sure you’re not getting a bad deal when you shop for decor at the grocery store.
“Wait until about a week or so after the holiday or season has passed, when stores start discounting these items by 75 to 90% to clear out inventory,” he said. “That’s when you can score the same reusable decor at a fraction of the original cost. It’s a win-win — you get to deck out your space without breaking the bank.”
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