Today, we are going to stroll down the inner aisles which are not only a haven for the unhealthiest items in the store, but they also harbor the thieves that will zap your money without even a blink. Many of those items have an excruciatingly high retail mark-up, second only to the items you will find right around the checkout lane. I have read from many different sources that it you
want to save the maximum amount of money possible, avoid those inner aisles.
But, for the sake of adventure, let’s take a brief walk down one of those aisles. What do we see first? An end cap (shelving positioned to face the main aisle) laden with goods that promise a deal. Or do they? How do you know? If these items are removed from their competition, how can you compare the prices to see which brand or size offers the greatest value? You can’t! Even with your price book in hand, you have no way of knowing if there is a better deal abiding in its humble home on the aisle. So, take a turn and we will head in that direction.
Walking down the aisle, you will not notice the biggest bank-breaking, pocket-picking items at first but they are staring you right in the face. Right at your eye level. Companies pay more to have their products at eye level because they know that out of convenience, that is where you will look first and sometimes, that might be the only place you look. So, look high and low. Check the prices on the top shelves and the bottom before reaching for
something from the middle shelf.
Where on the shelves are the candy, cookies and snacks located? Are your kids with us? I bet they spotted them already. Right there… on the bottom shelf, just waiting for a demanding child and a push-over mother. Just another reason to leave your children at home.
Are you looking for coupon stashes as we go down this aisle? You better be! And, remember to take TWO.
What is next? Hmmm… the snack aisle… let’s take a peek… Wow! A 16-ounce bag of chips on sale for $3.00. What a steal! Is it really? Would you pay $3.00 for a pound of meat? I hope not unless you are preparing for a special occasion! Then, pray tell, why are you paying that for a bag of chips?
Now, I confess that I like having a bag of Doritos in the pantry but that does not happen unless there is a BOGO going on. I stick with tortilla chips and pretzels because they can serve more than one snack-y purpose. You can easily incorporate them into a meal or even use them as a topping for casseroles. Crushed pretzels make a great breading for tilapia.
Dairy, meat, and produce can be equally dangerous to your budget if you do not know your prices. Once again, I must preach at you to have a price book! This invaluable tool will save you tons of money! But, alas dear Penny Pinchers, you must wait until tomorrow to learn the best way to stretch your dollars along the perimeter of the store. I promise, you will love what you learn!
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