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7.1 OTHER SOURCES FOR DISCOUNT GROCERIES

== Warehouses stores: can save you money on everything from groceries to TVs. However, you'll have a much smaller selection than a supermarket or discount department store, and you'll have to buy in larger quantities.
As always, the only way to judge is to carry your price comparison book and calculator and figure out the unit price. While these stores might be worth your while as part of a stockpiling strategy, the limited selection means that you'll have to shop carefully and not get sucked into warehouse shopping frenzy. Always take a list!

== Thrift bakery stores: carry day-old breads, rolls, cookies, and muffins, which are still plenty fresh. You'll often save 40%.

== Farmer's markets: Usually a central location where you can buy from several farmers.

== Roadside stands: In season you'll get the best prices (no middle man) and the freshest produce (right off the farm).

== Co-ops: Many areas (even small towns) have co-op clubs where members do most of the work and save about 50%. In cities you may not have to be a member to shop at a co-op, but instead pay a modest surcharge which is still a good deal. Save on staples in bulk (by the pound).

== Outlets: I used to get the cheapest freshest eggs at an poultry farm. Canneries, diaries or processing plants may sell directly to the public.

== Pick-it-yourself: Need some berries and some exercise? You'll save a bundle at farms that let you do the work. Home canners can benefit especially from this approach.

== Deep discount department stores: Stores such as Wal-Mart sell merchandise inexpensively across the board. In my area I compared their prices with drug stores, other department stores, grocery stores, and office supply stores. Wal-Mart had the best prices consistently.

7.1.1 AVOID!

Convenience stores: The markup is often 100% over a supermarket. You are really paying for a lack of planning. Avoid these stores by learning how to stockpile those things you know you'll need and by avoiding impulse buying.

7.1.2 SOURCES OF GOOD GROCERY STORE-BRANDS

Note: Many stores have sales on their in-house brands so stock up.

Chain Stores

== K-MART. From drugs to laundry soap I think the K-Mart brand is a good buy. Many carry the "Good Housekeeping" Seal of Approval.

== WESTERN AUTO has a full line of automobile supplies.

== SALLY BEAUTY carries a lot of generics and store brands that copy much more expensive national brands.

== THRIFT DRUG (may go under the name of Treasury Drug or Kerr Drug) carries over 1500 store brands with this guarantee. "THE TREASURY BRAND 'NO HASSLES' GUARANTEE. Try any Treasury Brand product . . . if you're not satisfied for any reason, you can get your money back or the comparable name-brand product free." Treasury brands are independently tested to perform the same as the national brands, but may save you as much as 50%.

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