We have bargains too, grocers claim
Really, we're very cheap, is the message upscale grocers like Whole Foods are trying to send, says a story in the Baltimore Sun.
"Higher food prices and the slowing economy are forcing consumers to stretch their grocery dollars - heightening competition among supermarkets and leading even chic spots such as Whole Foods to trumpet their bargains," the story says. "Grocers report that shoppers are using more coupons, buying less expensive cuts of meat and increasingly seeking out store brands as they try to lower their food bills."
No doubt they are feeling the pinch as shoppers pull back on extras and stick to the basics. So some markets are going on the defensive. Whole Foods has a "Shopping on a Shoe String" tour during which an employees points out their best deals. Other stores are expanding coupon programs, the story says, though I have not seen many changes myself.
Forgive me if I am still a little skeptical of Whole Foods being a "bargain." But perhaps I will visit the store with my Nitty Gritty Grocery List to compare their prices with low-cost leaders like Food 4 Less, Trader Joe's and Fresh & Easy. Stay tuned.
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About The Bargain Hunter
Daily News staff writer Julia Scott loves to find bargains on everything from groceries to Gucci. Her tips will help keep your hard earned cash where it belongs - in your pocket.
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Hi!
Sometimes I have seen a good deal at Whole Foods. For example, when the strawberry season started, their strawberries were very reasonable for about a week. Then, the prices spiked up to their normal high prices.
But, when I went in to buy a pint of ricotta cheese and saw it priced at $7.99, I walked right out and went straight to Trader Joe's and bought the same thing for $2.99!
Chris
Hey Julia,
I demo products at Whole Foods. Whole Foods in general is a lot more expensive than Trader Joe's. But since I sometimes give out coupons during my demo the product actually becomes affordable. For example one of the products I demo is Sweet Leaf Tea. Its like Snapple minus the High Fructose Corn Syrup. Originial price per 16oz bottle is $1.69. This product went on sale for $1 during my demo and I was giving out buy one get one free coupons. So it turns out to be 2 for $1. That's a really good deal for organic tea. Plus people were buying cases (12 bottles a case) for just $6 because of the coupon.
Bottom line is whenever you see us demo reps make sure to stop by our table and see if we have coupons. You never know! Usually when we demo, the product is on sale at the same time.
Great tip about getting coupons from the demo stations. Thanks! ~Julia