Times are difficult, and prices continually on the rise just adds to the sting. But there are savings to be had if one is willing to search.
To get things started, let’s take a look at common everyday grocery store items. Prices were compared at the local Ingles, Save-a-Lot and Walmart. The nine items selected were generic, unless specified with a name brand, and were not on sale at the time of research.
The items included one dozen large eggs, a half-gallon of milk, a 48-ounce container of cooking oil, Lay’s party size bag of chips, an eight-ounce container of bread crumbs, 5-pound bag of flour, 2-liter bottle of Coca-Cola, eight-pack of Power-Aid and a single package of Kool-Aid.
- The milk at Walmart was $2.02 per half gallon, while Save-a-Lot came in at $2.29 and Ingles at $2.48.
- The eight-pack of Power-Aid at Walmart was $5.78, with Save-a-Lot’s price at $6.99 and Ingles at $7.48.
- Ingles’ off-brand, 48-ounce container of cooking oil beat both Walmart and Save-a-Lot in price by at least 16 cents.
Prices for the items chosen ranged in difference from just a couple of cents to more than a dollar for the same item. Several factors are in play when considering price, such as convenience and store perks.
Each of the stores appeared clean, and staff were helpful and friendly. Their store shelves were stocked, without big gaps of missing product.
Ingles’ staff consistently offered to assist the shopper with carrying the groceries to their vehicle, and offers curbside pickup. They also have ready-made food for in-store dining as well as a flower and balloon section as well as a Starbuck’s coffee shop on site. Ingles also offers fuel points for discounts when buying gas.
Walmart houses a Subway restaurant for hungry shoppers and also offers curbside pickup. Ingles and Save-a-Lot offer weekly fliers.
If the consumer is willing to do a little bit of price comparison, and consider factors like convenience and the use of coupons, they just may save few extras dollars.