Strategy Discount Shopping
99-cents only
To reduce the amount I spend on my groceries and household items, I’ve started shopping at the 99-cent store. Of course I can’t buy everything there, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by a few items, such as shaving gel. However, many times, I arrive only to be greatly disappointed by the items on hand, the wilted and bruised produce (you read that correctly, a few of our stores here carry groceries), and the lack of brand-name items. Yet, I’ve realized there is a trick to obtaining the best quality items for only 99-cents: Call to find out what days they receive their deliveries!
It turns out that Tuesdays and Fridays are the best days to shop at my local 99-cent store because those are the days they receive their shipment of goods. So, Tuesday morning I headed over to my local store (now that I’m on summer break, I can do this in the morning!) Not only was I pleasantly surprised by their food goods, their produce was fresh and they had a large variety of fruits, veggies, and breads. Fresh strawberries and blueberries were stocked for only 99-cents, in contrast to my local grocery store where they are selling for $2.49 to $3.99 a pack. They also had name-brand items such as cases of Sparklett’s bottled water, a case of 30 individual bottles for $2.49! I also noticed an increase in shoppers, the ones that I’m sure are savvy to the 99-cent store delivery schedule.
This strategy, of calling to find out a store’s delivery day, got me thinking about how it could be beneficial for scoping out other retailers such as Cost Plus, Ross, even Goodwill. If the best quality items and the most variety of any item happens on a delivery day, then wouldn’t it be beneficial to call a favorite store and ask them about their delivery days? I know that from here on out I’ll be calling my favorite stores to find out when they can expect their next delivery. I’ll become one of those regular shoppers who appear on delivery days along with the little old ladies who learned this trick years ago!
Do you shop at the 99-cent store or discount stores? Do you call ahead to find out when they receive deliveries?
Good idea. I also call ahead to make sure an ingredient I need is actually there, e.g., eggplant, and in good shape. As the yellow pages ads used to say, “let your fingers do the walking.” Does anyone remember yellow pages?
.-= Susan Tiner´s last blog ..The Adventures of Gray Kitty =-.
@Susan Tiner – That’s another great reason to call ahead. As for the Yellow Pages, I think I opted out of the book directory, too much wasted paper! I do use the yellowpages.com link, though.
Sometime we go to the dollar store, I’ve found a few gems that I buy.
I have to admit though, I haven’t went there lately…
@Money Reasons – We have some really large 99-cent stores where I live and we’ve found one that has some great items. Try going on their day of delivery, you might be surprised! Of course, you still have to hunt and peck a bit for the best quality items.
Clever strategy! I’ll have to ask Grocery Outlet when they get deliveries. They’re my favorite discount grocery store, but produce can be hit or miss. Going on delivery day seems to increase the odds of good stuff, right?