When there are no loss leaders, how do you stock-up?

[MMP]

Loss leaders have been terrible around here for about a year and a half. We are talking few and far between.

I use to get tuna 4/$1, best I have seen it lately is 3/$1. You can bet I bought $20 worth. Hamburger was .78lb, but that's been awhile too(before Mad Cow and Atkins).

The only store with any decent sales this week was SaveALot. But what if there arent any sales? What do you stock up on? Do your shopping habits change any?

[sunshine]

Sure (and I've noticed the same sort of thing in our area).

I buy what I need, then purchase just a few extras of whatever is on sale-- like you stated on the tuna. It might not be a loss leader, but it's still better than paying full price when I'll need it again.

[guest2]

I'm thrilled to see that one of the stores near me finally had some good 1/2 price sales this week. Combined with coupons, I should do pretty well.

When there are no good sales, I only buy what I need and don't stock up at all. Luckily I have a good inventory of products in my freezer and pantry. We try to wrok our menus around that.

[SewCrafty]

Compared to my area you have some GREAT loss leaders! If tuna is on sale it is 99¢ per 6oz. can and hamburger? Best we can do around here is $1.98 per pound!

[homesteadmamma]

I haven't seen many good loss leaders here forever. I will purchase what I need and watch for sales. At least the sale prices are better than regular prices.

If I seen tuna at 3/99¢, I think I'd purchase $50 worth. The cheapest you can get it here is 99¢ a can and thats the smallest size can they have. I don't have a clue has to what hamburger is, we don't buy it.

[dz_blonde_girl]

Wait it out. With the summer holidays coming hopefully you'll find some good sales.

[AmyBoz]

Coupons matched w/sales. Loss leaders haven't been great around here either. Not every week is a stock up week.

[AmyMCGS]

Originally posted by AmyBoz
Coupons matched w/sales. Loss leaders haven't been great around here either. Not every week is a stock up week.

  Ditto.

Actually, right now that's how I do most of my shopping-- I add to my stockpile just a few things at a time after each shopping trip.  I don't buy in big quantities right now since we're getting ready to move in a few months.

[SusieJD]

It's terrible here! The "tiny town" grocery store charges "tourist" prices and the locals can't afford it! When gas prices were lower, I'd drive into a larger city (Grand Rapid, MN) to shop at Cub's. But it doesn't make sence to do that now!


And I don't trust the local grocer's meats. I've gotten some really, really old chicken (that I ended up throwing away) there.

Susie in MN

[BlessedMommy]

When rare loss leaders do come around, I REALLY stock up!! I have tons of certain things, but I know I won't have to pay full or even poor sale prices for that tiem again for a long time. Today I happened to run across some clearanced 12 packs for Del Monte french cut beans for 2.00. It will be a long time until I have to buy those again!!

[i.m.cheap]

Watch for the following items to go on sale next week. Memorial Weekend specials. I have found these go on sale every year around the summer holidays, like Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day:

Ground Beef
Hot Dogs
Corn on the Cob
Fresh Strawberries
Ice Cream
Soda Pop
Chips
Hamburger and Hot Dog buns

Steaks are usually on sale for Father's Day

Hope this helps.

[Jerseygirl]

We have lots of loss leaders here-we have double coupons always, triple one week every 2-3 months. This is what we live on. Today I ran to the store for fresh fish I walked the aisles (with all 3 kids) found Ziplock bags on sale-3 for $5 too pricey for me-but on each box was a .55 coupon, with doubles that became $1.10 off each box, 3.30 off 3= 3 boxes for $1.70 that's less than .60 per box for what is usually over $2.45 a box I bought 6 boxes, last week another store had zip bags on sale for >75 a box-between these 2 sales, I don't need to buy bags for a year.

[Michelle]

Originally posted by SewCrafty
Compared to my area you have some GREAT loss leaders! If tuna is on sale it is 99¢ per 6oz. can and hamburger? Best we can do around here is $1.98 per pound!

Here too...

[mrscornbread]

Ever since the strike, things around here have not been the same either, my stock pile is dwindling!

[justatxmom]

Loss leaders aren't as good as they used to be. I buy what I need for the cheapest I can find it. Though around holidays there does seem to be better sales... but even those aren't fantastic.

I suspect with the increasing gas prices, that loss leaders will become fewer and fewer.