I am a big fan of shopping scratch and dent or overstock grocery outlets. I use grocery outlet shopping to save money on items that I can’t find with coupons or when I just don’t have the time to shop with coupons.
If you are local, in particular I shop BB’s Grocery Outlet. Here are my top tips for shopping grocery outlets:
1. Look for bulk items – I buy rice, sugar flour in bulk at BB’s. I save a ton of money by doing this. I have asked why the items are in bulk bags. The manager has told me that many times they get in items that are in very large packaging that they could not sell – like 25lbs of rice or sugar. They simply divide this into smaller bags for consumers. For example:
I paid $.20 per lb for rice and $.25 per lb for sugar.
2. Keep an eye on dates – Some of the merchandise has either recently expired or will expire in the near future. Just be very aware of the dates. I purchase many items that have close expiry dates – if I am going to use them before the date. For example, I purchased yogurts yesterday that expire on Feb. 3rd. Knowing that my family will eat them before Sunday, it is not a big deal. I try not to stock up on any items that have a close expiry.
3. Buy non perishables – Grocery outlets are a great place to buy non perishables. For example, I needed trash bags and only had a coupon for $1.00 off. At Walmart a quanity of 30 was $6.99 or $5.99 after my coupon. At the grocery outlet, they had a box of 40 for $3.99. The box was dented in , but who cares, it is trash bags.
4. Find out the stocking day – Find out the day they stock. This means fresh merchandise and better selection. I know that going shopping at my grocery outlet on Saturday is the worse idea ever. The merchandise frequently changes and they don’t stock on the weekend.
5. Don’t buy what you can get cheaper with a coupon – Don’t get excited by the prices in a grocery outlet. There are a few things you should never buy, one of them is cereal. Don’t ever buy shampoo, toothpaste or things you can get at CVS or Rite Aid Cheaper.
Do you have any questions or tips for shopping at grocery outlets?
stacey says
morgantown in moms mall
Kim says
The Sharp Shopper is around the corner from my house. The other moms and I in the neighborhood can’t live without it. Iget so many snacks for my kids and lots of items cheaper than Walmart. yeah watch the prices but I have never had a problem with any of their merchandise. My mom travels over an hour to come and go shopping there. She saves so much!!
Kelly says
whats funny about the mushrooms is that they still have them. The difference is that it used to be owned by amish, now its owned by a man that bought them out. you will have to go again to check it out.
Kelly says
Another place if you live near Gilbertsville, Pa is Zerns. My mom and I go there every week. There is a grocery outlet there. inside exit 12 and 13. right across the isle from the grocery outlet (owned by the same people) is medicine. I get my kids mucinex there for CHEAP. all because the box is dented. I also get my produce at Zerns cause it is much cheaper than going to the grocery stores. You should know your produce prices though because sometimes they are more for some stuff.
Shannon says
Kelly,
So funny, my grandparents used to take me to “the sale” back in the early 80’s every weekend. I remember there was a stand that had fried mushroom at it that I used to love. I haven’t been to zerns in probably 15 years.
Becky R says
Would it be possible to start creating a list of places like BB’s? This sounds too good to be true! And I love bulk dried goods! This would be a really neat link to have. thanks in advance!
Holly says
I like Sharp Shopper, which is similar in idea to BBs and Hornings. Sharp Shopper usually has good prices on cheese. I also like to stock up on crackers and granola bars there. We eat a lot of them and even with getting good deals with my coupons, I can’t seem to keep enough on hand. You have to watch the dates, but it is worth the trip.
Kristi says
I’ve been to the BB’s in Morgantown and the one in Quarryville. They are NOTHING alike! I prefer the one in Quarryville, the prices are actually so much lower than the one in Morgantown. I know that’s hard to believe! I did go one saturday morning and you would have thought it was black friday or something. I got there right at 8 when they opened (well, i was about 3 minutes early) and there was a line out the door! Then the doors opened and it was a mad rush in. It was crazy…
Brandi says
Thanks for the tips! I’ve been to the BB’s in Morgantown and didn’t think much of it, but I’m going to have to give it another look. Especially the bulk section! Thanks!
Catherine says
I think the biggest things are to
1) Know your prices – so you don’t buy something that sounds cheap, but isn’t cheap.
2) Don’t get caught up in the excitement! This especially happens to people a $1 stores. OMG Shampoo for a DOLLAR?! Oh, but you could get a brand you’ve HEARD OF like Sauve or V05 for $.79 at the grocery store.
We have an Amelia’s by us, but I haven’t been there yet.
http://www.ameliasgroceryoutlet.com/locations.html
Danita says
Same question as Dizzy Mom – how do I find a grocery outlet? Wondering if there are any in the Midwest.
Jen says
My best friend introduced me to the BB’s in Quarryville and I love it!!!
Thanks for all your hard work. I love your site!!
Dizzy Mommy says
How do you find a grocery outlet… here in Detroit you hear alot of Grocery Auctions where you bid on a bag of stuff but don’t know what in it. They just give you the pounds on it.
Janel says
I shop at Hornings a local store like the one you mentioned. 2 things I like to get there that you didn’t mention is-produce and lunch meat. The produce is locally grown and super cheap (like 6 for 1.00) and lunch meat is half the price I would pay in another store, I can’t even bring myself to buy these items other places! I agree you have to watch dates, but I know at my store they always post if something is out of date or soon will be! I used to buy cereal and toothpaste, etc. at Hornings too, until I realized its actually cheaper to buy else where!
Christina says
BB’s is great! Love it there! Do you go to the one in Quarryville?
Shannon says
Christina,
No didn’t know there was one there!
raydell says
I have heard of B B’s but am unsure where it is. Near Reading by any chance?
Shannon says
Raydell,
15 minutes from Reading!
Check it out for sure!
Dot says
I love B B’s but don’t get there enough, it is a 40 minute drive but worth it to me!