For many families, the cost of groceries makes up a sizable portion of their monthly budget. In fact, based on a report released by the USDA in June of 2017, a family of four will spend approximately $243.80 per week on a moderate grocery cost plan, which quickly adds up to nearly a thousand dollars a month.
While the monthly costs of groceries vary from family to family, everyone likes to save when and where they can. Some of the easiest ways to save on groceries include options like:
-Coupons from local papers or circulars sent in the mail
-In-store loyalty cards
-Sites with printable coupons such as SmartSource, Grocery Smarts, and Red Plum
However, using coupons and in-store promotions isn’t enough. Sometimes we need to learn how to shop smarter. A recent study from SlickDeals.net found that the majority of Americans overspend significantly thanks to impulse buys. Even small purchases, like picking up a couple of extra snack items that weren’t on your list, can add up over time. Likewise, many consumers end up spending even more when they go for the specials and promotions because they often buy things they didn’t really need just because it was at a discount.
In order to get the most savings and efficiency out of grocery shopping, we need to learn how to streamline our process. Budgeting, meal planning and making lists and sticking to them is a great way to start. But when it comes to getting out there and actually doing the shopping, it’s good to know your options.
To help you out, we’ve taken a look at some of the grocery options available in the Greater Richmond area. From online retailers to discount grocers to services that deliver groceries directly to your door, we’ve found a number of ways that you can streamline your grocery shopping for faster, better, and smarter shopping.
Online Ordering
Online ordering can be helpful for those non-perishable staples that you need on a regular basis, especially household items like cleaning supplies, baby supplies, paper products, etc. Online ordering also allows you to keep track of your running total so that you can see clearly how much you’re spending – which might make you think more carefully about what you put in your cart.
Amazon Prime Pantry
If you’re an Amazon Prime member, then you already know how great their free two-day shipping feature is. But of course, not every item is available with Prime shipping. To offset that, Amazon offers PrimePantry, which allows you to order thousands of everyday household staples at low prices. Plus, they offer hundreds of exclusive coupons and $6 off orders that contain five qualifying items.
To participate in Prime Pantry, you have two options. Prime members can pay an additional $4.99/month for Prime Pantry membership and receive unlimited free two-day shipping now matter how large or small your order is. Or, for no additional cost, you can simply pay a $7.99 flat rate for shipping, even if your order contains multiple boxes. With no weight limits, Prime Pantry allows you to get what you need when you need it.
Target Restock
With Target Restock, you can choose from thousands of non-perishable items. Choose your items from pre-set categories, use Target’s “starter lists” for things like “back to school” or “Labor Day,” or search for specific items, then fill your box with up to 45 pounds of pantry and household essentials – and don’t worry about trying to figure out the weight, a capacity tracker will let you know how much room you have left. Once your box is full, you can place your order. If you order by 7:00pm Monday – Friday, Restock Express Shipping is only $2.99 and includes next day delivery – or you can use your Target REDcard for free shipping.
Google Express
Google’s answer to Amazon Prime is Google Express. However, unlike Amazon Prime, which requires an annual membership fee in order to receive free shipping, Google Express doesn’t require any membership or contract. They also offers direct access to dozens of retailers, including Costco, Target, WalMart, and a variety of grocery stores. You’ll only need to enter your information once, whether you’re shopping from one store or five, which makes shopping easy and streamlined for grocery items, household items, and more. And because you’re shopping directly from the stores themselves, you can make cost comparisons to get the best deals. Once your cart is full, just place your order and as long as you’ve met the store’s minimum order requirements (usually between $25 – $35), your order(s) will be shipped free to your door. Click here to learn more about Google Express.
Store Pick-Up
Some grocery retailers in the Richmond are will let you order your groceries online and/or on an app, then pick them up at a specified time. This method has several advantages. First, you have the freedom to shop your favorite stores and take advantage of store coupons and loyalty programs. Next, you can save considerable time by having your items packed and ready-to-go when you arrive. And lastly, the temptation to impulse buy goes down dramtically. You can make a list and stick to it – or even reevaluate it if you see you’ve gone over budget.
Kroger
With Kroger’s ClickList program, you can shop at select Kroger stores for more than 40,000 grocery items, including fresh meat, produce and dairy items, then set a time and location for pick-up. Just sign in to your account, choose from your favorite Kroger items, including suggested recipes available on the site, and set a time to pick up your order. ClickList is currently available at a number of Richmond area Kroger store. Find the participating ClickList Kroger nearest you.
Target
When it comes to savings, Target can be a tricky place. Sure, they offer great deals on many items, but the temptation for impulse shopping is almost overwhelming. But with with online ordering and in-store pick-up, you can shop from home (making it easier to stick to your list and not wander down the shoe aisle), then pick up your grocery and household items at the store. Only certain items are available for in-store, so be sure to check online. However, if you REALLY want to make your Target run fast and easy, shop on the Target app and choose Drive Up service. This option lets you select your items, then a Target team member will put your cart together. You’ll be notified when your order is ready, then all you have to do is let them know you’re on the way, pull up to the designated parking spot, and let a Target team member load your items into the car.
Plus, Target offers hundreds of items in their discount subscription service. So if you have non-perishable staples that you order on a regular basis, you can have them automatically shipped to your door for reduced prices. Find your local Target store here.
WalMart
WalMart has long been known for their low prices on household items and with the introduction of Super WalMart, groceries, as well. And like other retailers we’ve mentioned, select WalMart stores in the Richmond area allow you to do your grocery shopping online then select a pick-up time and location. Your order will be assembled by the selected time and a team member will help you load your items directly into your car. Click here to find your local Walmart and learn more about grocery pick up.
Grocery Delivery Services
The only thing more convenient than driving to the store and having your groceries waiting when you arrive is having them delivered directly to your door. The following grocery delivery services pick up items for you and bring them straight to your house or even your office – often within an hour or two. However, while these services can save you considerable time and help you stick to your grocery list, keep in mind that service fees can sometimes add up, so be sure to read the fine print and weigh your options carefully.
Amazon PrimeNow
If you’re an Amazon Prime member, then you already have access to Amazon PrimeNow. This delivery service provides FREE two-hour delivery of grocery and household items – both perishable and non-perishable – and one-hour delivery for a $4.99. And because Amazon purchased Whole Foods, you can shop Whole Foods online through this service, as well. Simply log on to PrimeNow, indicate which zip code you’re in, shop for everything from household items to fresh fruit, then checkout like you normally do on Amazon. Local couriers will deliver to your home, office, or even a hotel room based on the zip code you provided. Plus, with the PrimeNow app, it’s easy to order on the go. Items will be left on your doorstep or you can request that they be handed directly to someone at the delivery address.
Now, there are a couple of catches. First, there is a $20 order minimum for free delivery and you must have an Amazon Prime account. If you don’t hit the order minimum, there is a delivery fee of $4.99 for two-hour service and $9.99 for one-hour delivery. Also, as with most delivery services, a tip is suggested. Amazon will automatically include a suggested tip in your order total, so you’ll want to make sure you check your totals carefully to make sure you’re comfortable with the charges. Delivery is available in most areas between 10am and 10pm. Learn more here.
Instacart
A relatively new service, Instacart lets you shop online directly from local grocery stores, including Wegman’s, Food Lion, Publix, Costco, and more. Once you’ve put your cart together, you can schedule delivery to your door in as little as an hour. To help you save, you can find special deals, coupons, and promotions on the site, as well as make cost comparisons. However, it’s important to keep in mind that Instacart requires a delivery fee (preset at 5%) and requests a tip for delivery drivers (also preset at 5%), so you’ll want to check your totals to make sure you’re really getting the best bang for your buck. Likewise, some retailers offer higher than in-store pricing for the convenience of having items delivered. Yes, you’ll save time, but you may not always save money.
Shipt
Like Amazon PrimeNow, Shipt lets you order groceries online then delivers them to your door in as little as an hour. Shipt allows you to shop directly with local retailers, including Target (who owns Shipt). Deliveries are free for orders over $35, however, you will need to have a Shipt membership. You can choose from a $99 annual fee (with a free two-week trial) or you can choose to be billed $14 monthly. Both options allow you to cancel at any time. Learn more here.
Discount Grocers
Last, but far from least, Richmond has a number of discount grocers who use unique business models and pricing structures to create quality products at discounted prices. While you may or may not be able to find everything on your list – or some of your preferred brands – at all of the following shops, there’s no denying that these places will help you save on your monthly grocery bill.
Aldi
Aldi is an international grocery chain that has been in operation since 1946 – but only recently brought their cost savings to the U.S. With 11 stores in the Greater Richmond area, they create savings by offering a wide range of exclusive labels that compare with many popular national brands, but at savings of up to 50%. Aldi offers fresh meats and produce, bakery items, and more, meaning that you can do all of your grocery shopping for less. Click here for Richmond Area Locations.
Fresh to Frozen Grocery Salvage
Don’t let the name catch you off guard. While it might sound a bit like a grocery junk yard, this creative grocer in Chesterfield provides significant savings by collecting grocery items that are in the process of being sent back to a warehouse or have been liquidated by a manufacturer. Some items may be close to their “use by” date, they might have a misplaced label, or they might have been overstocked in their former locations. Fresh to Frozen “salvages” these items, then offers them at considerable discounts.
Location:
7803 Midlothian Turnpike
North Chesterfield, VA 23235
(804) 675-7283
Lidl
Like Aldi, Lidl is a European grocery chain with a unique cost-savings model. There are currently offer six Richmond area locations, including Richmond, Chester, North Chesterfield, and Henrico. Nearly 90% of Lidl’s inventory is made up of their own private label products, many of which have been created by partnering with local and regional farms and suppliers – which results in quality products at low prices. Lidl also provides an assortment of household goods, small appliances, toys and even clothing at great prices, allowing you to save on more than just groceries. Click here to find Richmond area locations.
Save-A-Lot Food Stores
Save-A-Lot is a national grocery store chain with a unique savings model. In order to offer lower prices, Save-A-Lot stories offer their own exclusive brands, as well as national brands. However, they carefully select all of their items based on popularity. In other words, they only offer the items customers want the most, avoiding wasteful overstocking. Likewise, Save-A-Lot stores provide a smaller footprint, which not only cuts down on their operating costs, but makes getting in and out faster and more efficient for you. Click here to find Richmond area locations.
Do you know of any other great services or retailers that offer savings on grocery and household items? If so, let us know! Drop us a line at cs@richmondmom.com and tell us about it.
