Budgeting expert Richard Price says you can save on your shopping by changing the time of day you visit the supermarket, plus the particular day you shop
You might not realise it, but you probably spend a big chunk of your life in supermarkets. The average Brit makes over 200 visits a year, according to Britsuperstore, spending upwards of £4,200.
But did you know you can save how much you spend by changing the time you visit? According to budgeting expert Richard Price, who also owns Britsuperstore, it's worth shopping on a weekday.
"The best day of the week and time to do your weekly food shop to save money can vary depending on the store's specific policies, promotions, and your location. However, there are some general tips that can help you make smarter choices when food shopping," he explained. Below is the insider information you need to make the most of your shop.
Do shop on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
The pro advises stocking up on groceries on Wednesdays or Thursdays, as it is common for stores to introduce new deals and discounts around this time. But if it's weekly specials you're after, it's likely Tuesday might be the best day to shop. Meanwhile, Mondays are often earmarked for clearance sales.
As you've probably guessed, Monday is therefore also a good day to shop, especially if you're searching for perishable goods with a short shelf life. If a store finds itself with lots of produce and baked goods left after the weekend, it will need to sell them quickly.
Don't shop on Saturdays or Sundays
As weekends tend to be the busiest days for stores, you're more likely to encounter long checkout lines, according to the expert. It's also possible stores won't have restocked their shelves, so it's bad news for you if you arrive after the rush.
Do time it wisely
It's not just the day of the week that's important if you're bargain-hunting. Early morning shoppers are often rewarded with freshly discounted items from the previous day. Alternatively, if you visit in the late evening you might find good deals for the same reason, according to the expert, as stores mark down items nearing their expiration date to avoid waste.
Richard also advises avoiding holidays, since shops may not offer as many discounts during these busy times, and buying in bulk when it makes sense to do so.
Do you have a story to share? Email yourmirror@mirror.co.uk
