5 tips for speedier grocery shopping

(Save time with a well-planned out list. Break it into sections such as “produce,” “meat,” “dairy,” “canned,” etc.
By Brittany Anas
When you’re pushing your grocery cart, you’re probably wishing it was a speed racer whipping through the lanes. In reality, it’s more like a bumper car(t) in the crowded grocery aisle. We’re guessing you’ve got better things to do on your weekend than spending your free time in the grocery store.
Here’s 5 major time savers guaranteed to cut time off your next grocery trip:
- Order online for curbside pickup: Ever wished you could hand somebody your grocery list, and, voila, have your bags loaded into your cart? The up-and-coming grocery shopping trend is curbside pickup. Just shop for your groceries online and pick them up in the parking lot. Try the online grocery program at WalMart. Bonus: When you shop online at WalMart with ShopAtHome.com, you’ll earn 4 percent Cash Back.
- Buy non-perishables online: Find non-perishable snacks, vitamins and herbs at a discounted price online. Puritan’s Pride has a healthy stash of food, coffee, tea and vitamins — plus you’ll save 5 percent Cash Back with ShopAtHome.com. Then, on your next grocery trip — just shop the perimeter for fresh produce, hitting up the dairy and meat section.
- Print coupons: Put the scissors away and scroll through the grocery coupons from ShopAtHome.com. Just click and print the coupons you’ll use. You’ll find hundreds of coupons on fruits and veggies, toiletries, cleaning supplies and more.
- Go during non-peak times: The grocery store is a happening spot on Saturday and Sunday. But, if you’re schedule allows, try going during a non-peak time — like a week night or weekday morning. You’ll find a bigger selection and will breeze through the store lanes. Also, try asking store managers what day they get in their meat, bakery and produce deliveries. They likely vary, but that way you can shop the best selection.
- Pick the fastest lane: It’s always a gamble when you’re trying to pick the fastest lane. You’re eying how much is in the carts ahead of you and trying to guess who might whip out the checkbook and write a check while your ice cream melts. As it turns out, that express lane might not save you much time. The trick, according to consumer research by Dan Meyer, is to go with the line with the fewest people in it — even if they have slightly fuller carts.
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