Savvy Recession Shopping Tips For Michiana Residents

Let’s face it, the type of aggressive shopping that results in dinner for a family of four under a dollar per person isn’t always possible in areas like Michiana. Sure, there are nearby cities like Chicago, Indianapolis, Detroit and Lansing that offer the best of urban shopping. But, to execute the tips found throughout the “Save Money” media, one must frequent these retailers often on a daily basis. Doing so with the urban shopping tactics that many tipsters advise will only result in a loss of money due to gas and vehicle wear and tear.

Fortunately, there is a way to shop savvy during this recession, using local—Michiana—grocery chains. Just try these five easy tips.

Forget about samples sales

Urban shoppers swear by sample sales as a way to buy good career clothing at a low price, but this option isn’t available in our area. What we do have, however, are outlet malls that work just as well. Visit the mall’s or individual store’s sites online to find coupons, discounts and a heads up on sales.

Use those coupons wisely

Stores like Martin’s Supermarket chain, located throughout the Michiana area, encourage the use of manufacturer coupons. They do not double and triple the coupon savings like those savvy television shoppers suggest, but they do allow you to use manufacturer coupons in conjunction with instant coupons and $mart Values items (specially priced items) to maximize savings in this economy.

Coordinate your shopping list around the store discounts and coupons

Using the $mart Values for example, create a list using the items found on Martin’s Supermarket’s Online circular’s $mart Value section. Cross reference these with the coupons in your arsenal. Depending on the Martin’s Store, you may be able to use more than one coupon per purchase (if you purchase more than one item per coupon). You may find yourself buying foods and nonfoods for up to 70 percent off the retail price!!

Stock up

When the coupon, instant savings, and specials come together in a perfect trifecta of saving, stock up! This is where you usually see women pushing shopping carts full of cake mix or toilet paper. Don’t buy more foods than you can use in a year, because the excess will just become a waste.  As you build a healthy stock of goods and foods, you’ll see your investment in long-term cost-cutting. You’ll find yourself going to the grocery store less and less.

Co-Op

Many urban areas do have co-op shopping facilities that allow communal purchasing. However, you can have the same experience by forming a co-op with family and friends. Buy in bulk and then split it up to spread the savings. Many area farms allow individuals the opportunity to buy livestock for the meat. These thousands of pounds bought at a discount can be easily shared—both meat and cost—amongst your little co-op.

Taking the urban shopping guerrilla tactics to your local retailer is possible with a few adjustments. Just look the ways in which your retailer accommodates through their coupon policy, special values and in store savings. You may find that it doesn’t take an urban setting to save.