It's a fact of life: we need to go to the grocery store. Navigating one can be difficult, especially if you're not familiar with it. Here are some things to look for during your quest to find the things you need and end up buying the things you don't need.
The End-Cap Specials That Aren't
You know, those items at the end (or beginning depending on your point-of-view) of the aisle. They're displayed real nice; they might even have banners around them. These are usually the highest profit items in the entire store.
Junk At The Checkout Line
That's what it is: junk. Candy bars, gum and the tabloids. These are also high-profit items. However, they do pass your time while standing in line. Perhaps you can enter the store with gum already in mouth.
Name-Brand Items At Eye Level
Obviously, for short people like me, this is not a problem. But for the average Joe, the store puts the name-brand products so you can see them (and reach for them) best. Sometimes you can pay a premium on name-brand items of 50% or more! I've always heard the store brands come out of the same factory and have the same ingredients. One exception for me: Oreos; I do NOT buy fake Oreos.
Sale Price On Selected Varieties
Speaking of Oreos, I'm an Oreo purist. I only buy the regular ones, not Double Stuff, not fudge-dipped, just the regular Oroes you've seen for decades. Those are the ones that'll go on sale, so you think all the rest are on sale, and you find out (or maybe you don't find out) they aren't on sale, they're at regular price.
Confusing Price Tags
As a nerd, I've often wondered what "5 for $5.00" really means. Well, I know now: you CAN buy one for $1; you DON'T need to buy five. Man, I ate things I really didn't need.
Do you have any tips that can help others at the grocery store during these tough times?