10 Smart Shopping Tips to Save Time and Money at the Supermarket

10 Smart Shopping Tips to Save Time and Money at the Supermarket

In today’s world, we’re all watching our wallets a little more closely. Whether you’re counting every penny or just aiming for more value, smart shopping is the name of the game! Luckily, at The Market, we’ve got your back with great deals and quality finds. So, let’s dive into some savvy tips that will help you save both time and money on your grocery runs, without skimping on what matters most – quality, value, and shopping local!

Shop the Sales

Who doesn’t love a good deal? Keep an eye on weekly ads, and don’t be afraid to stock up on your favorite items when they’re on sale. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you

Don’t Shop Hungry

You’ve heard it before, but it’s worth repeating: Never shop on an empty stomach. Everything looks delicious when you’re hungry, and you’ll end up with a cart full of snacks instead of the ingredients for dinner!

Know Your Store

Get familiar with the layout of your supermarket (specifically The Market in your local town). If you know where everything is, you’ll save time by skipping the aisles you don’t need and heading straight for the goods.

Buy in Bulk (When It Makes Sense)

Bulk buys can be your best friend—especially for non-perishables like rice, pasta, or your favorite coffee. Just make sure you’ve got the storage space!

Shop Seasonal and Local Produce

Seasonal produce not only tastes better but is often more affordable. The Market proudly supports local farmers, bringing you fresh, seasonal produce at competitive prices. By choosing what’s in season, you can enjoy higher quality fruits and vegetables while keeping costs down. Curious what’s in season? Read our blog Fall at The Market to take advantage of what this season has to offer!

Embrace Store Brands

Don’t shy away from store brands—they’re often just as good (or even better) than the name brands, and they come with a friendlier price tag.

Use Digital Coupons

Get tech-savvy with your savings! Did you know we offer digital coupons directly on our website? With a few taps on your phone, and you could be saving big on your favorite products. Bonus: Pairing sales with coupons can lead to significant savings.

Plan Your Meals

A little meal planning goes a long way. If you know what you’re cooking for the week, you can buy exactly what you need, cut down on waste, and avoid those last-minute takeout orders.

Don’t Overlook the Frozen Aisle

Frozen fruits and veggies are just as nutritious as fresh and often cheaper. Plus, they last longer, so you won’t have to worry about using them up right away.

Treat Yourself (Responsibly)

It’s okay to throw in a little treat every now and then—shopping shouldn’t feel like a chore. Just do it with intention, and you’ll keep your budget on track.

And there you have it—your ultimate guide to smart shopping! With these tips, you’ll not only make your budget stretch further but also streamline your grocery trips. Remember, The Market is here to help you get the best bang for your buck, with top-quality products and unbeatable deals. Happy shopping!

7 Stocking Stuffer Ideas You Can Find at The Market

Stumped on the perfect stocking stuffer (something they’ll ACTUALLY appreciate getting)? Ditch the junk, bars of soap, and socks this year and treat them to one of these seven gifts you can find at The Market. Bonus: they’ll actually fit in the stocking!

1. Candy

Nothing makes the holiday sweet like finding a treat in your stocking on Christmas morning! The Market has a huge collection of everyone’s favorite flavors.

2. Lip Balm

Chapped winter lips, begone! Stuff their stockings with a nourishing stick or jar of lip balm that will keep their lips moisturized all winter long.

3. Cookies

They’re not just for Santa this time of year! Grab everything you need to make a sweet bag of homemade holiday cookies, or snag a ready-to-eat package off the shelves!

4. Toys

Whether you need a last-minute gift for under the tree or a fun stocking stuffer, many of The Market locations have a selection of toys to bring some holiday cheer!

5. Hot Cocoa

Who doesn’t love hot cocoa this time of year? Grab a package to stuff many stockings in one swoop–don’t forget the marshmallows!

6. Coffee Mug

Everyone needs a solid mug to sip coffee on Christmas morning! Grab them one that will make them think of you every time they pour a cup.

7. Stain Remover Pens

Not the most whimsical gift idea, but the second they spill eggnog on their shirt they’ll be glad you thought of it. Pop a stain remover pen in their stocking for a gift that keeps giving well past the holiday season!

Did we miss anything? We think everyone on the nice list would appreciate getting any of these things in their stockings on Christmas morning! As for those on the naughty list… you can find lumps of charcoal in the grilling aisle.

Find The Market nearest you here.

Fresh Summer Picks at The Market

While The Market prides ourselves on having fresh, juicy, quality produce year round, there’s no denying that some fruits and veggies just really shine in the late summer months of August and September. It is, after all, prime time for sweet corn, plump peaches, and so much more! Here’s what not to miss this month when you’re making your list for the next time you shop at The Market nearest you.

  1. Plums, Peaches, and Pluots

Don’t swallow the pits or you’ll grow fruit in your tummy! We’re kidding of course, but the flavor and juiciness of pitted fruits this time of year is no joke. From the sweetest peaches to tart, tasty plums, be sure to stock up on a few during your next shopping trip at The Market.

  1. Tomatoes

Is there anything better than summertime tomatoes?? The perfect addition to fresh salads, sandwiches and more, tomatoes are in their prime right now. Snag some slicers for topping a good burger or making a tasty caprese salad, or cherry and grape tomatoes for snacking and adding to your favorite summer salads. 

  1. Raspberries

Raspberries are available all year long, but they are arguably at their best in August when the berries have fully ripened–reaching maximum sweetness and enjoyable by the handful. Pick the perfect pint by looking for berries that appear dry and uniform in color..

  1. Corn

It’s grilling season, and no backyard barbecue would be complete without delicious corn on the cob! A sweet summer favorite, don’t miss your chance to eat it while it’s best—just look for tightly wrapped husks that feel firm when squeezed, and use within two days of purchasing, if possible. Pass the butter, salt, and pepper, please!

  1. Basil

There’s nothing basic about basil this time of year! It pairs well with nearly any summer produce (try it with watermelon and feta cheese–yes, really!), crushed into a pesto, or sprinkled atop homemade pizza. Pro tip: to maximize the life of your basil, store a bunch as you would cut flowers: at room temperature with the stems sitting in a small glass of water

We don’t know about you, but we’d pick summer produce to add to our shopping carts any day! And, being only about halfway through the summer, we have a few months left to enjoy it in its prime. 

So, what did we miss? What’s your favorite fresh foods to snag in the summertime from The Market where you are?