In today’s age, we face higher prices, less disposable income, and we are spending significantly more on groceries. We choose where to shop based on what is most important to us at the time. It can be convenience, price, service, product offering, comfort, or familiarity – we like what we know.
I have worked in retail or distribution for most of my career. Additionally, I have been a consumer my entire life. I have come to recognize a few strategies that can help you to save money when grocery shopping.
- Make a written list. This will keep you focused and reduce impulsive buying.
- Do not go to the grocery store hungry. If you do, you will pick up “ready to eat” temptations.
- Shop by yourself. The more family you have with you the more you will end up spending. Everyone adds to the cart.
- Be wary of red dot specials, they are the bane of lists.
- Shop with cash. Credit cards are convent but the interest kills.
As a point of interest, I observed 311 shoppers across 11 supermarkets in Barbados and the majority of those shopping did not visibly have a list in use (paper, phone or other electronic device):
Author: Graham Greenidge is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) and is also a Fellow and Chartered Marketer with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), UK.
