Savvy shoppers can find savings at Metro Vancouver grocery stores
Posted July 14, 2023 7:47 am.
Last Updated July 14, 2023 7:48 am.
With interest rates rising yet again this week, the cost of living continues to spiral upward in Metro Vancouver.
But if you’re a careful shopper, one expert says there are a few areas where you can actually find savings in your daily expenses, including at the grocery store.
It may be hard to believe, but some prices are actually dropping, especially in the produce department.
Compared to six months ago, one analysis shows tomatoes are down 38 per cent, cucumbers 31 per cent, romaine lettuce 14 per cent, pears, peppers, and even bacon are down 10 per cent.
“Seasonality is a big factor, of course, but overall it is always nice to see some products are cheaper,” said Sylvain Charlebois, director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University. “Right now, most consumers believe that everything is more expensive than just six months ago but that is not necessarily the case.”
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Charlebois tells CityNews that impacts from climate change are also a factor, pointing to catastrophic flooding in California.
“When you think of romaine lettuce and celery, for example, typically we would buy these products from California. But six months ago, it was extremely difficult and much more expensive because grocers and importers had to go elsewhere and those other options tend to be more expensive.”
A stronger Canadian dollar, reacting to recent rate hikes by the Bank of Canada, is also helping keep the price of imported foods down.
“The Loonie has been resiliently high over the past several months. Interest rates are up, which is hurting us with mortgage rates, but it’s actually helping us with imports.”
Savvy shoppers can find even more deals in the grocery aisles if they pay attention to weekly bargains, according to a Metro Vancouver-based financial advisor.
“Prices are definitely increasing, everyone I know feels it, so part of what I like to do is a price comparison between different grocers,” said Shayan Ramazankhani, a wealth relationship manager at VanCity Savings Credit Union.
Ramazankhani says the high price of food often comes up in conversations with clients, many of whom don’t realize most grocery chains offer features like price matching.
“Most stores offer the option, so if you pick up flyers from your local stores, you can compare. If there’s a lower price you can typically take it to your customer service desk and show it to them and ask if they are willing to match the price on a particular item. Nine times out of 10, they will do it.”
He also believes most people are unaware grocers still offer “rain checks.”
“When there’s a sale on a certain item at a grocery store and there is no more of that item left in stock, typically a grocery store is willing to save that price for you for when it eventually does come back in stock.”
Ramazankhani suggests smart shoppers can actually save a significant amount on their food bills — every little deal adds up, especially if you are careful with other monthly expenses as well.
“Ultimately, what we try to explore is looking at where expenses are. Are they adjustable? Monthly subscriptions, and certain recreational activities, all are adjustable costs. The savings that are discovered through making adjustments to those items in your month-to-month expense sheet can be carried over to your grocery bill and you can fill your basket up a little bit more.”
Charlebois also has some tips on finding the best grocery deals.
“The most important thing is to do your reconnaissance work before you get to the store. Know what the price of things are because they do fluctuate on a daily basis.”
He says most people only have time to visit one store per weekly shopping trip, so he recommends rotating through three.
“One regular store, one discount store, and one specialty store — and I want to emphasize that some specialty stores do offer good deals. Small doesn’t necessarily mean more expensive.”
