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You guys.
I’ve got a little bit of whining to get out and am hoping you all will humor me. 🙂
Today I went to Walmart because I had several items that I had to purchase there (we’re working on Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes at our house ~ watch for updates shortly!) Because I usually find better prices elsewhere I rarely shop for groceries at Walmart, but since it would mean just one trip today (and I had a ton to get done), I thought I could do it all there.
Ouch.
I am not a person who hates Walmart at all. The store was clean. The cashiers were friendly. The shelves were stocked.
But.
The prices were ridiculous.
Please. puh-leeaaasseee. Don’t shop Walmart because you think you’re always going to get the best price.
It just won’t happen.
Every single grocery item that I purchased was $.50-$.75 higher than it would have been on sale at another store. And because usually I can pick some variety of something on sale (for example, if we need crackers I can usually find at least one type of cracker on sale at any store that will work for what we need), I hardly ever (like, never) buy an item that’s not on sale.
At least once a week I hear from folks that they really think they’re saving money by only shopping Walmart.
Folks. It’s just not true.
Even without coupons.
Make sure you do the math. Watch your store sales ads. Take the Aldi, Costco & Sam’s comparison sheet and Aldi, Target and Walmart comparison sheet with you when you shop so you know how those prices REALLY stack up.
Because I promise just a little time and planning really will help you save.
For real.
I knew I just didn’t have time for another trip, so I sucked it up and paid way too much today. But my stomach was honestly slightly nauseous the entire time I walked through the store (because I do this every day and know my money could be more wisely spent!) I got over it and decided it was worth it (my husband’s parents are coming into town this afternoon which y’all know is a pretty big deal around here), but it did hurt just a wee bit.
All I’m asking is that you really know your pricing before shopping anywhere. There are some things I really do think Walmart wins on, but I think really knowing what’s a decent price on things is just so worth it. (I really honestly do like Walmart for some items, but just want people to know their prices before paying too much!)
One more example? Those giant pumpkins at Earth Fare were $3 this morning. Smaller pumpkins at Walmart today? $3.98.
There you have it. Do the math – make sure you’re getting the best deals on everything, and determine to spend your grocery money wisely. As the leader of this passionately penny pinching bunch, I just feel like it’s my duty to make sure I’ve given you fair warning. 🙂
Now I’ll hop on down from my pedestal. Whew!
Really love shopping Walmart? There are some things that are worth it (just not what I found today!) These links should help:
- 15 Secrets You Need to Know Before Shopping Walmart
- 42 Deals You Can’t Miss at Walmart This Week
- Walmart Savings Catcher Program
I used to do ALL my shopping at Walmart thinking I was getting the best deals. Then I learned about the great deals with coupons and did half Walmart and half Publix. Then we got a Sprouts Farmers Market close by. So we buy meats, fruits and veggies from Sprouts only when there is a good sale. Publix for all other food needs. And then Walmart for cat food, litter etc. and other odds and ends. Luckily they are all close by! Publix is right across the street so it’s great to shop there with sales + coupons.
I think people just don’t know Heather – it’s so worth it to learn how to save at other stores because you really can spend less! Thanks for sharing 🙂
In Walmart’s defense, if you need items and they are NOT on sale, I feel like Walmart is the best place. While I don’t LOVE Walmart, I do have a hard time getting to several different grocery stores every week. Walmart is my fallback for packaged goods when I simply don’t have time to go everywhere every week. Also, Savings Catcher and Price Matching help.
I do think the Savings Catcher and Price Matching is huge – you’re right Sandra! I think my biggest surprise though was that the Great Value brands pricing was more than I the Kroger/Publix store brand and I was just surprised by how high their groceries were. I do think they have savings in other parts of the store, just not groceries!
Wow. I’m shocked to read this. In Dallas, Walmart is definitely cheaper than Kroger, Tom Thumb, Whole Foods, Target, and Sprouts… my other grocery store options. I normally price shop, so I’m not just ignorant and assuming. I do one big main grocery trip at Costco and one at Walmart normally. Aldi’s is sometime cheaper, but it’s so hit or miss that it’s not worth me going out of my way unless I have specific items in mind.
They also price match all my items without question.
I was so surprised – and I think on many items (NOT groceries) they can be cheaper, but I was shocked at how high they were on so many groceries if you fact in any sale (or even other store generic brands!) It may vary by area, but prices just seemed so high here. I was surprised too!
Yes! This is so true. Wal Mart prices are ridiculous for food. I never shop there for food.
I’m definitely love/hate with walmart. I live in a smaller town with limited selection. I shop sales at our regular grocery store but they don’t offer a ton of good deals. We got a new Super Walmart this past year and I have to say that compared to regular prices at my only other store option, walmart is cheaper, hands down. It really does depend on your situation. Walmart is probably saving me 50-75 each month. I used to live in a much bigger town with more options though so I understand where you’re coming from.
Ours is similar to Ashley’s above. We’re in a small town where our one grocery store has a limited selection and high prices. To get to a Walmart I need to drive at least 35-40 minutes or more, but they have the better prices. And sometimes the lower price isn’t worth it when you add in time and gas money. If I drive a little further (hr /hr and half) I can get to some Amish and Mennonite stores, so I try to stock up on some things when I go there.
I shop at Aldi’s for 90%, Sam’s 5% and Walmart 5%. I use Savings Catcher for Walmart receipts and usually save $5-10 a month that way but you are correct