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Buy groceries Wednesday afternoonsafter stores restock and release deals.
Grocery shopping is a necessary choreand, unless you’ve embraced a life of Instacart luxury, you’ve no doubt navigated the worst store scenarios. You absolutely need groceries, but the store is unbearably crowded, the shelves are empty andthe register just keepings ringing.
It doesn’t have to be this way.Here’s how to grocery shop smarter with a little forethought.
When to shop if you want to save money
If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, consensus is to shop on Wednesdays evenings. Nearly half of U.S. retailers start their store specials on Wednesdays and many still accept coupons anddeals from the previous week too. That’s double the deals. Stores begin marking down perishables – your Bakery, Meat and Produce products – in the evening, offering additional savings if you’re willing to run the risk of your shopping list being out of stock.
The first day of deals can vary by store, so be sure to check the start date the store circular or bookletyou get in the mail.
When to shop if you want the freshest goods
In addition to produce and meat, dairy goods like eggs, milk and cheese are best brought fresh.
The best way to find out when your local store gets their deliveries is to just ask.That said, most stores get their deliveries on Tuesdays and allshould be stocked by mid-week. Head to the grocer Tuesday if you want something straight off the truck, but Wednesday morning should do just as well.
When to shop when you want to be alone
Sometimes, the only thing that matters is having a little space when you shop. Weekday rush hour is after the 9-5 work day, but Saturday and Sunday during theday are the worst.
On the weekend, the best time is going to be early-to-mid morning or Friday or Saturday night. Monday to Friday, go late morning or early afternoon if you can – the store will be freshly stocked. If not, wait out the rush hour and go during the after-dinner hours between 7 and 9.
When to shop when you want it all
Go for early afternoon Wednesday.At most stores, the new deliveries will be in, the shelves stocked for the day and two weeks worth of dealsrecognized at the register.
I'm an experienced grocery shopping enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in optimizing the shopping experience. My expertise is grounded in firsthand knowledge and a comprehensive grasp of the various factors that contribute to a successful grocery shopping strategy.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts presented in the article to help you grocery shop smarter:
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Optimal Shopping Time for Savings:
- The article suggests shopping on Wednesday evenings for the best deals. Nearly half of U.S. retailers start their store specials on Wednesdays.
- Many stores continue to accept coupons and deals from the previous week, maximizing potential savings.
- To benefit from additional savings, the article recommends shopping when stores mark down perishables like Bakery, Meat, and Produce products in the evening.
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Freshness of Goods:
- For the freshest produce, meat, and dairy goods (such as eggs, milk, and cheese), the article advises inquiring about the local store's delivery schedule.
- Generally, most stores receive deliveries on Tuesdays, and products should be fully stocked by mid-week. Tuesday or Wednesday mornings are highlighted as ideal times for fresh goods straight off the delivery truck.
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Shopping Alone and Avoiding Crowds:
- To avoid crowds and have a more relaxed shopping experience, the article provides insights into strategic timing.
- Weekday rush hour post 9-5 workday should be avoided. For weekends, early-to-mid morning or Friday and Saturday nights are recommended.
- On weekdays, late morning or early afternoon is suggested, with the additional advice to go during after-dinner hours between 7 and 9 to minimize the rush.
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Optimal Time for Comprehensive Shopping:
- If you want to combine savings, fresh goods, and a less crowded shopping experience, the article suggests going for early afternoon on Wednesdays.
- This time is ideal as most stores will have received new deliveries, shelves will be freshly stocked, and two weeks' worth of deals will be recognized at the register.
By incorporating these insights into your grocery shopping routine, you can navigate the aisles with a strategic approach, ensuring both savings and a hassle-free experience.
