Target killed my Costco. At least it whooped the feminine hygiene section.
I’ve always been the sort that shops at only one or two stores. Growing up supporting neighborhood markets, I still have the tendency to blind loyalty, something I don’t think “big box” stores deserve. I do buy a large percentage of my meats at Costco, and I usually pick up my sanitary napkins there as well. It’s 10.99 for a quadruple pack, so I always considered that to be an excellent bargain. Recently, I was running low on napkins and realized, in the middle of raging PMS, do I really want to go to Costco JUST to pick up pads? I think not. So I went to Target. A double pack of Target’s brand of my pads was 3.99.
Target was MUCH cheaper. They are also cheaper for latex-free condoms, deodorant, mouthwash, and many other sundries.
Costco is cheaper for meats, cheeses, frozen goods, and carries my husband’s favorite pepperoncini’s.
The Orowheat outlet near my house is the best bet for baked goods.
The Walmart Neighborhood Shopping Center is consistently less expensive for juice, sour cream, yogurt, and prescriptions.
Vons has the best prices we’ve found on seasonal fruits and vegetables.
I know these things by searching local ads, and just trying different stores on occasion. I don’t keep an actual price book (journal where you track grocery prices), but I am lucky enough to have a good memory when it comes to numbers. I know that paying any more than x amount for chicken is a bad bargain.
It’s a little bit more driving, but if you tie these trips into ones you would already be taking, there’s little to no increased expenses, and the savings starts to add up.
Also, if you diversify your shopping, you are more likely to try and hunt a great bargain in an ethnic marketplace, leading to a diverse palate. One of our friends shops off the beaten path and always has great meals with international flair. Healthy, tasty, and on budget.
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Cool! I knew not of the Orowheat outlet… I used to go to Great Buns a lot, but not so much lately (I still like them, it’s just a convenience thing). The journal idea would be great for me –I get forgetful about which store had what at what price, hehe.
@ Jules: The only one I know of is on Charleston near Decatur, next to the Academy Of Hair Design.
I admit we tend to stick to a few stores and there are things that I will buy regardless of price. I am starting to value my time more as I get out of debt and build up a nest egg. I hate running errands so I’m willing to pay a little more to stick to just a few stores.
@ Miss M: Awesome, I’m glad you’re building up a nest egg. Everyone has to decide the value of their time, and sometimes I decide I’d rather spend time with my husband then go to one more store. Thank you for the comment love.