“Supercenters” are incredibly popular because in our already overscheduled lives we really value the opportunity to save time. Since these stores also advertise that you will save money shopping there, it is easy to go with that 1 stop shop without a second thought. This is where they get you. There is a marketing psychology in play here and they price everything low enough for you to think it is a decent deal and make it worth not hitting another store, and just high enough to make them the extra buck.
Brand loyalty has its place, I definitely have brands and items I won’t compromise on, but it also limits your ability to maximize your savings. I question my “loyalty” on regular occasions to make sure I have a good reason for it, like superior quality or excellent customer care. If the brand does not have any qualified reasons for being in my non-compromising category I take advantage of trying a different brand when the next sale presents itself.
I am not saying you should shop at 3 or 4 stores every week. The run around and chaos will make you crazy and you will be tempted to chuck it all and return to your non couponing 1 stop shopping! But keeping your options open and possibly shopping at a couple of stores during a month, in a planned and organized fashion, is worth the effort to make your list, scan your ads, and check your coupon system for deals. Give it a try! Small changes to shopping habits can realize amazing savings! Isn’t your hard earned buck worth it?
