Be Prepared!

Where to shop...

Here is a list of stores in my area (by area I mean within a 45 minute drive):
Commissary
Target
Walmart
Walgreens
Hyvee
Dillons
Rays Apple Market
Kiers Thriftway
Dollar General
Country Mart
Aldi's

Every location has different local stores.  Take the time and check each one out.  Explore each store and make a mental note of what you love/hate about each store.  The importance of this is I really feel that going to each store every week kind of defeats the purpose.  It can just be way to overwhelming!  So find your favorite stores and stick with them!  Sometimes this can be a good thing because some store have loyalty rewards for returning customers.   Once we really get this blog up and running we will have links for everything I have listed on my site for convenience...so please be patient and stick with us it is all under way!

Ok... I am going to blog on each of my local stores and express what I love/hate about each one.  Maybe this will help you along in your own adventure!

Commissary:  For all the military spouses out there that need some tips about the commissary...First, I want you to know I am only speaking about the Commissary in our area (Fort Riley)  Our Commissary accepts Internet coupons!  They also accept manufacture coupons.  What I love about the Commissary is they also have their own military only coupons that you can pick up.  They are usually in front of the item they are for.  They do not double coupons but they seem to always have the best prices and sales...Hands down!  Our local Commissary has been making many changes and is in construction.  I can't wait for the finished project so I can get back to knowing where everything is again!

Target:  I love Target because they stack coupons (I will blog about stacking in a later blog)!  Stacking coupons at Target is alot like being able to use a double coupon, which I love because most stores in our area have strict guidelines on doubling or just refuse to let you double anything.  I love Target because it is always clean and easy for me to find their items.  I have not had an unpleasant shopping trip there yet and the associates have always been helpful and courteous.  I also want to mention that Target has gift card sales too. This means if you buy a sale item a gift card is attached and you can use it to buy other items on your next purchase! If the item has a gift card it could be really beneficial, especially if it's an item you normally purchase.  Target accepts manufacturer coupons, Internet coupons and they also have their own special Target online coupons you can print out and stack.  The only reason I have a hard time with Target is they are definitely not the cheapest place to shop, so if your looking for something really cheap or FREE you really have to keep your eyes open.  Having a price spreadsheet for Target is really helpful and can assist in deciding if the drive is worth it.  If there are only a couple of great items, you will have to debate the trip. 

Walmart:  Well....Walmart really does have low prices and they have ad matching.  Walmart also accepts competitor coupons...but personally sometimes there is just such a headache for me when I go.  Yes, everything is there at your fingertips and convenient.  I can't remember a time I headed to Walmart and couldn't find what I needed.  However, my experiences with the cashiers and customer service is always lacking.  I think the only person that smiles at you is the elderly person at the store handing out smiley stickers!  The cashiers have that look on their face that anyplace but working there is a better place to be...Walmart is a huge money making corporation but I really feel they need to get back to basics and cater more to their customers and work on customer service.  Maybe the guy passing out the stickers at the door should start passing them out to the employees?  Not trying to offend here...just my own experiences and mybe just an issue at my local store!  With all that said if you can find a great deal or a FREE item...heck it might be worth the headache :)   One reason to love Walmart is their All You magazine.  It is filled every month with great coupons, recipes and great information.  If you can't find it in the store they also have access to the All You magazine online. 

Walgreens:  Hello Walgreens!  Love them for all hygiene, health (medicine, vitamins, etc.) and miscellaneous items that are on sale weekly!  What a great pharmacy/drugstore!  I really like Walgreens because they stack coupons (later blog).  Walgreens accepts Internet and manufacturer coupons.  Walgreens has one of the best customer loyalty programs out there.  Can you say REGISTER REWARDS?  Register rewards is a program for Walgreens customers where they have a sale and if you buy the product you get a Register Rewards (or also known as Catalina coupons) to use for your next purchase.  These coupons can be in excess of $10.  What this means is you pay for the item on sale, get the register rewards coupon and you can use them to get FREE items on your next purchase!  Register Rewards are coupons that print at the register for your next purchase. The RR’s can be used on most items in the store, unless specified against.  However, you can't keep buying the product over and over for more RR's.   If you purchase the item again and use that particular RR, a new RR will NOT print out.

Hyvee:  I love the online access Hyvee has.  Every week they have great online weekly ads.  Hyvee's grocery sections are huge and their deli and fresh meat sections are amazing.  Hyvee also has wonderful cooking classes available for kids.  I really like that Hyvee has such a variety of items.  I even found lactose free ice cream there which was great because one of my boys can't have milk.  Sometimes I head over to Hyvee just for this special treat!  As for sale items they have them on occasion but honestly their prices are easily beat by competitors.  I can find a really good deal there every once in a while.  I have to admit though there is something that draws me to Hyvee and keeps me coming back!  UPDATE:  Hyvee will stack manufacturer and their own printable coupons!  Found another reason to keep going back :)

Dillons:  This store has a great rewards program!  They have a point system where for every purchase you can earn points towards saving money on gasoline!  I also love this stores 10/$10 program.  You can usually mix and match the items and get 10 great items for $10.  Dillons also has the customer loyalty card program where you can receive more store discounts.  This card can also be loaded with coupons online from Dillons website.  This is a store I go to frequently to find deals.  I also want to mention that occasionally Dillons will have gift card sales too.  This means if you buy a advertised sale item a gift card is attached and you can use it to buy other items on your next purchase! Lastly Dillons does double coupons but only up to $1, so keep that in mind when looking for great deals. 

Rays Apple Market:  The Rays in my area will double coupons up to $1 but you will have to ask your own local store.  Rays also has a 10/$10 sale program every once in a while.  Rays participates in a gas saving program.  After each purchase you receipt will have info on how much you can save at Rays gas station.  Other than that keeping an eye on the sale ads is the best way to find sales at this store. 

Kiers or Thriftway (depending on your location):  Kiers will double coupons up to $1.  I really don't shop here much, it is a small chain of stores but is more community based. 

Dollar General:  This store also stacks coupons (later blog) and accepts Internet and manufacturer coupons.  With this policy and the fact that the store has alot of cheap items you can find good deals here. 

Country Mart:  Country Mart does not accept Internet Coupons.  However Country Mart does have their own coupons on their website that you can access for printing.  I have never personally shopped here so I don't have much to write about...if you have please leave comments about anything other information that might be useful for someone shopping at Country Mart:)

Aldi's:  Aldi's does not accept any coupons.  They have really low prices.  Keep in mind most the brands are generic.  If you do shop there you need to know you have to bring your own bags and bag your own groceries.  One last thing to mention...bring a quarter if you want to use a cart!  You will get it back after you turn your cart back in.

I hope this blog helps to know each store and some of their policies to make it easier to shop and find deals.  Stayed tuned in for a blog from Amanda on some other local stores with great deals like Home Depot, Lowes, Alco, Orscheln's and more. 

Next Tip:  Stacking Coupons!  FINALLY!

Staying happy when shopping means being prepared!