Grocery Outlet Stores

One area we have really been trying to watch is our spending on groceries. Just a small basket-full can cost an upwards of $100 or more. Trying to eat healthy with fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats stretch those costs even more. Getting things on sale and using coupons can save a bundle but sometimes there are items that you would like to purchase which are not included among those. Residents on the western side of the country have another opportunity to save with the chain of Grocery Outlet stores referred to as ‘bargain markets’.

The first thing I noticed as I entered the store was the the huge produce section. Not only did they have great prices, but the produce looked fresh and each price label clearly stated where that particular item was grown. There was a great selection and I found everything I was looking for for the next few meals.

As I continued onto the refrigerated section, I found a package of Smoked Gouda by Uniekaas. This is a brand that we actually used to buy when we lived in the Netherlands (Holland). I was tickled pink to add it to my cart and the price tag of this imported cheese did not scare me off. Later, when my husband saw it, he was shocked to see this brand here. He said, “Where did you find that? What?! You got it at Grocery Outlet?!” What a fun find! I also picked up some Oscar Meyer deli meat, the exact variety we usually get but at a portion of the price. Usually, even on sale, the lowest price I buy it for is $2.49. At Grocery Outlet, they had several packages for only $1.49. A whole dollar off of each package! Be sure to check the date as the expiration date was a tad earlier than we would find at our usual grocery store.

Speaking of our usual grocery store, they’ve been out of a lot of items lately. We were so happy to find the V8 Fusion in the Peach Mango flavor (and at a lower price) that we grabbed a few bottles. There were no worries of stocking up a bit as they had plenty of supply.

This store had everything! From pet supplies, to diapers, to frozen items, to Wilton bakeware, to live plants – all at a fraction of the retail price. I needed to get some baking pans so I grabbed this 5-piece set of Oneida non-stick set for $14.99, the same price I paid for just one simple pizza pan at another store only a few months ago. With Martinelli’s Sparking Lemonade, Pepperidge Farm cookies, a six-pack of Coca-Cola, Del Monte sliced peaches, and more, I hesitantly approached the cashier. I had a $50 gift card but I was prepared to put the pans back if the price went over too much.

It came up to $55.97 WITH tax. I was ecstatic. The last few times I went grocery shopping, I bought less than this and no ‘luxury’ items yet the price was 2-3 times more! What felt even better was the fact that I actually saved more than I spent – a whopping $79.73!

The inventory of Grocery Outlet is not always the same so be sure to buy it when you see it. It’s kind of like the TJ Maxx of the food world in which they buy others’ overstock or cancelled orders and sell it at a lower price. For me, the closest location is still too far to count a notable savings for regular weekly or bi-monthly shopping trips. However, if you have one close-by, you can save a huge amount on name brand items and family favorites.

Those in the South San Francisco Bay Area get two new San Jose locations to go to while those further north will see a new South San Francisco store! In celebration of this, I get to give away a $50 gift card to Grocery Outlet to one of my readers! Just enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway