Comparing apples to apples why are some supermarket chains expensive when compared the competition.?

Question

Why are some supermarket chains more expensive than others
For example I can go to Safeway and buy a frozen pizza for $2.09 club price vs. FoodMaxx or Winco at .93 cents for the same brand pizza. Is the CEO's boat payment late? It's not just items like pizza, but coke, milk etc even at the "club card" price they still cost more.

Answer 1

My sister is an amazing bargain shopper and she knows where ALL the good deals are.

While I can't explain why some stores are much higher for the same product (I wonder why too!) I can tell you that certain stores are cheaper:

Shop where a lot of old people shop. The store will either be much cheaper or pretty high. Either the store caters to it's elderly customers or it rips them off. You'll be able to tell quickly because you drive and shop all over.

Shop where a lot of ethnic people shop. If you live in a predominantly white area, find out where the hispanics in your area shop.

Also, any grocery store located near a Walmart that sells groceries will be cheaper than any other store in town. The reason is that they are located so darn close to Walmart that they have to be competitive.

Also, don't forget about your local dollar store. They have good crackers and pop and juices and some other staples. And Aldi Food Stores have great bargains. Even normally expensive things like salmon or grated parmesan cheese....it's dirt cheap at Aldi.

Also, I hear from my sis that Target has great prices on snack crackers or snack type foods that kids like.

Answer 2

i think the main thing is that the more expensive stores offer additional services such as pharmacies and banks. these things cost money and the stores make up for it by charging more for other items. basically you are paying for some convenience items. also some of these stores have more extended bakery, deli and meat departments. customer service is generally better and they pay the people that bag your items. i know store near my house even offers items like fresh vanilla bean for baking, a cheese and olive bar as well as a juice bar. they also have wine stewards on staff as well as wine tasting with local wineries every other thursday. while some of the prices are slightly higher i love the service.