Recently we have had to adjust our budget, which meant that the grocery budget had to be cut. This is hard to do, because we don’t buy a lot of things that coupons could be used. One thing I have done is switch grocery stores. I stayed with the same grocery chain, which is local, but changed locations. If you don’t know or haven’t noticed, depending on where the grocery store is located will determine the prices and products that are sold. I always knew this to some degree, but it was really driven home when I had to stop by this local chain store near my house and found milk was about .50 cheaper than the store I normally shop.
That’s right I go out of my way for groceries. The store I use to go to was in a more upscale neighborhood. This meant there was a better selection for produce and meat. Their selection of not so typical grocery items were bigger. There was, also, more of the finer things available, even if I didn’t partake of those finer things very often. It was nice to know they were there. I will admit that I felt that my groceries were somehow better when purchased from this grocery store. Finally, the customers were younger, usually single (Oh, the things you can tell from one’s grocery cart), and had more disposable income. In these close to desperate times drastic measures have to be taken, so I figured I would stay with the same chain store but different location. Times aren’t so desperate that I have to brave the bright, wide open aisles, and loudness of Walmart. I still enjoy the atmosphere of an actual grocery store as opposed to an all in one store.
I am not totally new to this location. It has been a place for a quick runs and is close to a favorite pregnancy stop, the Krispy Kreme. However, I never really paid attention when going there. I have been there a couple of times, now, and these stores are worlds apart? First, the most glaring difference are the clients. There are tons of old people. And I use the term old, because these people are old. They are throwing things into their carts without much thought, because they have been buying the same things for decades and hell they might not be around long enough to enjoy the items before they expire. If these people were famous, people would be shocked to hear that they were still walking around among the living. One thing you need to know about this sect of the tribe is they love the babies. Men and women. More than one time I have turned back to my cart to find some random old person peering into the seat at Evie. What shocks me the most is that they have no problem with touching some stranger’s baby. I am keeping a watchful eye to make sure one doesn’t tuck Evie under their arm mistaking her for a loaf of bread. The next class of clients is the They Might Be Drug Addicts. I don’t say this to be mean, but because I really think they might be drug addicts. The saddest couple was the one with a young toddler, who couldn’t decide which Chef Boyardee to get the boy and were easily distracted by shiny objects which were all in their imagination. And they are always in a couple, a fighting couple. Today, I walked by one of these couple where the woman was going on and on about some product she picked up and the man was just not that interested to the point that he blurted out, “Just put the bullshit in the cart and let’s go!”. See, SoHubby, Sam doesn’t learn all those words from me. I try to stay as far away from this group of people as possible. Luckily, I only see one couple at a time on our shopping trips.
Another glaring difference is the amount of traffic in the more common grocery store. The more upscale store had a more relax vibe where people would carefully look at labels, compare different items not for prices but quality and agonized over sushi or salad for lunch. The more common store seems more rushed. There is always restocking of something with people waiting, the lines are always at least 3 people deep, there are way more head on collisions occuring and there is always a crowd of the olds around the bakery. I wasn’t quite sure why, then I discovered there is free coffee and donuts there. If you are in the market for an eligible, wrinkled, with his own scooter man this is the place to find him. Add a disco ball and some old wartime songs and it would be the parallel universe of club for the over 90′s set.
Next up on my saving saga, Target. The place where I have always gotten my non-food items has recently expanded its grocery area. I am comparing prices and jumping for joy that they are giving .05 off for each reusable bag you use. Yeah, this is my life. I guess I shouldn’t hold my breath for a piece of the Real Housewives’ franchise? Hell, I don’t think I would be in the running for even Desperate Housewives.
What does SAHM stand for??
I am stumped or possibly confused….where am I??
Stay at home mom