Everybody has their own version of "Cheers" -- a place they go to feel like a human again after a particularly trying day. For me, it's Wegmans. And instead of drowning my sorrows in beer, I do it with moderately-priced sushi. If you're not familiar with the store, let me get you up to speed: It's a Northeast-based grocery chain that wins people over by being a clean, friendly place for anyone to shop, regardless of budget. (The fact that this is remarkable says a lot about the way we shop today.) People really, really love Wegmans. So much that they'll drive across state borders to visit one and petition the company to open a location in their town. What attracts such unwavering loyalty? Here are just a few reasons:
You can enjoy a nice cup of coffee at the in-store cafe, or take a seat in the generously-sized cafe area. Also, the overall store design is less like a starkly-lit warehouse or maze designed to entice you to buy chips and junk food. Instead, upon arrival, you're greeted with the produce department and gentle lighting. This is a deliberate design decision based on the idea of an "open air market."
I mean, if you're going to fill your cart with exotic fruit and fancy cheese, then yes, your order will be pricey. But the prices are well within the "normal person" range, thanks to the focus on Wegmans' private label line of goods.
5. They welcome you with gifts.
If you sign up for their free membership card, you'll be given coupons for freebies like herb-infused basting oil and a reusable tote, along with a small cookbook.
6. They have really high product standards.
wegmans grocery
Their seafood section is a great example of this: You'll find only fish that meets rigorous quality and sustainability standards. Their fishmongers are also prepared to educate you to an impressive degree about sourcing and ideal preparation. In the produce department, buyers especially look out for local suppliers.
7. The checkout signs are grammatically correct: "7 Items Or Fewer."
It's the little things that count.
8. The prepared foods section is amazing.
wegmans
I hate to say that it's remarkable that a prepared food section should have nothing but fresh food and be cleaned regularly (and old food taken away after it's been sitting a while), yet it feels like somewhat of a rarity. Not only can you find anything from sushi to squash salads, but the entire section is pristine.
You know that slow mellow music that they always play in stores? It's designed to get your to move slowly through the store, ideally filling your cart as you go. Studies show that classical music makes you buy more expensive items, too. So bring your own music, and play something loud and fast paced to keep you moving through the aisles quickly!
Look Down
Most grocery stores place the expensive brand name items right at eye level, where you're most likely to see them and buy them. Sales, brand names, and larger packages (with lower per-unit prices) are often stored lower on the shelves.
Read Meat Labels
When buying packaged meat, steer clear of any that are packed with liquid. Often times, the meat will be sold with water or some sort of solution to help preserve it, but when you're paying by the weight, that means you're essentially paying for water.
Bring Your Own Bags
In an effort to be more environmentally conscious, many stores are beginning to charge fees of 5 or 10 cents for using plastic bags. Others still offer plastic for free, but will offer a discount of five or more cents for each reusable bag you bring for your groceries. If you're buying for a large family, you could end up saving a dollar or more each week; that's $52 or more a year in savings, plus the bonus of being environmentally friendly.
Never Shop Hungry
When you're hungry, your perception of what looks good and what you really need is skewed, and you're much more likely to start jumping off-list. Snack before you shop to make sure you're only buying those items that you've budgeted for.
Don't Shop On Pay Day
Just like shopping when you're hungry can skew your idea of how much you need, so can the mentality that you've got all the money in the world to spend.
Don't Pay For Portions
Snack size and single serving containers will almost always be more expensive than larger containers. Instead of buying more expensive snack-sized packages or juice boxes, purchase full sized bags and bottles, then separate them out yourself using bags, small plastic containers and reusable drink bottles.
Buy In Bulk
Buying in bulk often means a cheaper per-unit price. For essential non-perishable items like toiletries, paper goods, cleaning supplies, light bulbs and batteries, bigger packs are financially smarter and also guarantee you won't run out at an inconvenient time. Just don't buy more than you need just because a larger package looks tempting.
Skip The Cart
The bigger your basket, the more you can buy. If you want to be more conscious of what's going into your basket and how much you're buying, opt for a smaller cart or a basket instead.
Make Saving A Game
Kids love the idea of tossing goodies in the cart, and stores place brightly colored sweets at kids' eye level deliberately, so if you've got to bring them with you, then make smart spending a game. Explain that they get $12 for snacks that week, for example, and show them how they can get more for their money by choosing cheaper snacks or store brands.
Consider Store Brand
We know we can count on the taste or functionality of a brand name product, but always check the labels before your decide to spend more for a familiar name. Some store brand items contain the exact same ingredients as the brand names, but for a smaller price tag. You can save without cutting back simply by switching some items to store brand.
Live By The List
Make a shopping list before you leave home and stick to it. No veering in the event of delicious looking sweets and no extras "because it's on sale." If it's not on your list then you're doing extra spending, not saving.
Become A Member
Most grocery stores have a membership loyalty program with money-saving benefits that range from in-store discounts to coupons sent to your home or email. Sign up and take advantage of the savings. (If you're worried about junk mail flooding your account, set up a second account that you only give our for memberships and coupons.)
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