Is Wal-Mart Really the Cheapest Place to Buy Your Groceries?

At first look Wal Mart may appear to have the best advertised prices. We all see the little yellow smiley face on television as it goes through the store and knocks prices down. Having shopped at numerous grocery stores over the years I can say Wal-Marts prices are deceiving at times.

At first glance Wal Mart seems to have the best value. Upon further research their prices are usually lower from around $.10 to $.90. Now if you have a Wal-Mart in your back yard and you do not need to drive far then perhaps this will be enough for you. Take an even closer look though you will notice that most of the unit prices at Wal Mart are higher than at other stores; Target included. Over the years Target has gotten a bad reputation for being so much more expensive than Wal Mart, but for food items they are not. Bottom line if you are shopping within a Wal-Mart of course if you buy their brand, Great Value, as opposed to other national brands you will save a significant amount of money. Over the years though these prices have went up and the gap between the Wal-Mart brand and the name brand is closing in.

I have saved significantly more at the following two stores; Price Chopper and ALDI. Price Chopper can offer amazing savings while using your Advantage Card. If you shop during a week when they are having there buy one get one free or buy one get two free sale you save even more. If you add in the savings you get for gas it all adds up quickly and you can really see the difference.

The hands down winner that I found was ALDI. Despite Wal-Marts low price guarantee and Price Choppers sales; ALDI always has unbeatable prices. ALDI is a no frills store. When you enter the store you will see aisles full of food left right in the boxes. The boxes are cut down the side and you can pick through them. You will find no fancy displays or food samples to ponder. You need to bring a quarter for the shopping carts (the quarter will be returned when you return your cart), you need to bring your own bags or purchase your own for $.06, and you can leave your checks and credit cards at home. ALDI cashiers work quickly and nothing slows them down; no bags to fill and no credit card slips to sign.

ALDI offers a low price on everything; fresh fruit and meat, diary products, can goods, snacks, and household needs. ALDI offers a double guarantee meaning if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase they will replace the product and refund your money (www.aldifoods.com). With a company that offers unbeatable low prices and stands behind their products why not shop there? If you can get over the no frills layout then ALDI just might be the place for you.