Sometimes being disloyal can be a good thing
The other day a frugal blogger friend of mine asked the question: “How many stores do you shop at for food?” I had to think about it for a second, before I answered “eight” — which is actually on the low side for me. Just as there is no shortage of good restaurants to eat at in Vancouver, there are also tons of places to buy groceries. From organic and discount chain stores that span city blocks or more, to corner ethnic grocery stores, Vancouver has many options for getting the best grocery deals. I’ve found organic packaged food to be least expensive at corner grocery stores, ethnic and otherwise.
Shop around
By checking weekly flyers and using websites for coupon print-outs and match-ups, I make a list of stores to stop in to purchase my groceries. Shopping around, and not just buying everything you need from one store can definitely save you a lot of money. Luckily, I have many different grocery stores within a 10 minute drive from my apartment, so I don’t need to commute very far.
I have always shopped in ethnic grocery stores to get specialty items that are often far cheaper than they would be at big grocery stores. These corner stores are often family-owned. I love being able to support local businesses, and get “authentic” ingredients to supplement food that I have purchased elsewhere.
During late spring and throughout summer, I add up to three farmer’s markets to my list of places to check for produce specials. I enjoy the freshness of the produce found at farmer’s markets, and being able to meet the farmers that grew the food.
“Secret” shopping locations
Where do you go to buy your kitchenware? A little-known secret is that you can purchase things like pots, pans, knives and more from restaurant supply shops. These shops, often located in light industrial areas, are often open to the public. You can score industrial fridges, ovens, and other appliances, too. I have seen specialty coffee supply shops that sell commercial-grade espresso machines for far less than what retailers charge.
A quick Internet search reveals that there are wholesale stores that sell food to restaurants and small grocery stores which are also open to the public. These types of stores are great for stocking up on non-perishable food.
And other times loyalty pays off
Join loyalty programs
If there’s a loyalty program, I sign up for it. Most stores and gas stations have some sort of loyalty program, whether it involves earning points, having an extended return policy or getting a discount at the time of purchase, I always feel like I’m missing out when I don’t use a loyalty card when making purchases. I know what you’re probably thinking — I don’t want to carry around another card in my over-stuffed wallet! Well, most stores store your information in their computer systems, so you only need to give them your phone number to get the same benefits as if you had brought in a card.
Find coupons and discount codes
When shopping online you can select your favourite store and know that you’re getting the best deal possible when you use coupon and discount codes. While you can often obtain these codes by signing up to store newsletters for discounts of around 10-15%, you can also find codes on websites that gather them all together in one spot. I’d suggest that you pop over here to find out if there are coupon codes for the stores and brands you’re most interested in.
Get on their mailing list
I know about warehouse and sample sales before they’re announced publicly, because I’m on a mailing list. You can do this online or in person at stores of all kinds. Often, stores will have special sales or events just for people who are on their mailing lists. A few of the small grocery stores that I frequent have mailing lists to keep customers apprise of sales. Since they don’t have flyers, this is a great way to keep loyal customers coming back.
What are your smart shopping tips?
@KappaVelvit says
I also do price matching at certain stores. It reduces the number of stores I need to shop at, yet I still get the best price on the items I need 🙂
tazimd says
Thank you – that's a really good point! It is so much better to go to fewer stores and still get the best prices. I love when I save extra money with price matching. Stores want you to shop there rather than elsewhere.
Stacey says
And here I thought only NYC people went to *8* grocery stores? I do it for the right selection, but there is n o such thing as loyalty in NYC. Stores are small so they don't often stock every available variety. The theory is basically, "you get what you get and you don't get upset." But I know one store has the cheap yogurt and the other store has the "good" bread. Anyways! Glad to see I have company in the shopping all over town. Great post!
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tazimd says
Thank you Stacey! I often go to little corner stores, here in Vancouver – and yeah. . .go to that one store that has the good bread etc. 🙂 Luckily, they are all close together (mostly walking distance). I prefer the smaller mom & pop stores that have limited selection but a few special things you can't find elsewhere. . .but shop around to the usual big box stores as well. I should keep track of all the different stores I go to in a month. I wonder how many different ones I REALLY go to? Probably more than 8. . .
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Michelle says
Great tips I do join loyalty programs and I do shop around.
tazimd says
That's great to hear. Thanks for your comment, Michelle.
kathleen kennedy says
I shop around too–it pays to see who has what you need on sale and then STOCK UP!! that's how we do it around our house. I don't shop at 8 -closer to 4 or 5. I use loyality if there is something in it for me like a pecentage off –or free products
tazimd says
Yes, loyalty where there is a percentage off or free product?! Love it! I am in one where you get an extended return period, which is also nice. . .just in case.
@thefrugalette says
I've been meaning to get to a restaurant supply store near me, think I might just check it out today!
tazimd says
They're fun to go in to – even if you're just thinking about replacing something. . .or not.
Randa says
I have never thought of restaurant supply shops! That's such a great idea. I'll have to check it out next time I'm in Van, or online!
tazimd says
There are quite a few here, each specializing in different types of things. . .there are ones in Chinatown, general ones for appliances, Italian. . .
Shanaka says
Being an ex frugal blogger I practiced most of your tips. It was time consuming sometimes but was well worth the savings.
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tazimd says
Definitely, it can be time-consuming to do these things. You're right, the savings are worth it!
Shannon (The Mommy-Files) says
This is a great list! Thanks so much for sharing with us!
Laurie says
Restaurant supply stores, great idea, I'll have to look for one in my area! Thanks for sharing!
Lisa Goulet says
Lots of great ideas here for saving money. I love that you can get appliances for cheaper at restaurant supply stores. That would save you tons of money. Happy Sunday!
tazimd says
Hi Lisa,
Definitely – I love going to restaurant supply stores for large appliances.
@ddreamsbyanne says
Fabulous tips!
Tasha says
Great ideas for sure! I have heard of the “Secret” shopping locations, but haven't been to any yet. I will have to check some out when I am out and about shopping next. Thanks for sharing!
tazimd says
Could be a fun outing to check out those 'secret' spots sometime. 🙂