The Best Days to Shop for Groceries on a Budget in the UK
For many families and individuals in the UK, every penny counts when doing the weekly grocery shop. By being strategic about which days you hit the supermarket, you can potentially save some money. Some days tend to have better deals and discounts than others.
In this article, we’ll explore which days are generally considered the most affordable to stock up on essentials and treats according to price comparison data. Follow these shopping day tips to stretch your food budget further in the UK.
Wednesday
Mid-week is a sweet spot, as many stores launch new deals and discounts on a Wednesday to entice customers for the weekend. You’ll commonly find items like meat and produce on sale.
Thursday
Building on Wednesday’s momentum, Thursday is another day where stores hope to clear out expiring inventory before the weekend. Expect good bargains and “manager’s specials” on items close to their best-before date.
Friday
While not always the absolute lowest, Fridays are a solid choice. Weekly flyers are released showcasing weekend specials, and stores make room for new products coming in on Monday.
Saturday
Early birds may find some weekend doorbuster deals first thing Saturday morning. Later in the day, shops hope to unload perishables as their Sunday closing nears. Check markdowns!
Sunday
The last day stores are open offers rock-bottom “yellow sticker” prices on soon-to-expire products. Meat, deli and bakery items are frequently slashed for quick sale before closing that evening.
Armed with this shopping schedule intel, UK grocery shoppers can optimize savings and affordably feed their families all week long. Flexibility also allows taking advantage of unplanned mid-week specials.
Other Helpful Tips:
- Use Store Apps and Loyalty Programs: Take advantage of store apps and loyalty programs to access exclusive deals and discounts [1].
- Compare Prices: Keep an eye on prices and compare them between different stores in your area. Some supermarkets might consistently have lower prices for certain items [1].
- Buy in Bulk (When It Makes Sense): Buying non-perishable items in bulk can be cost-effective, but be sure to check the unit prices to ensure you’re getting a good deal [1].
- Check for Vouchers: Look for coupons in newspapers, online coupon websites, or through the store’s app before you go shopping [1].
Remember, these tips are general guidelines, and it’s always a good idea to check with your local store for specific promotions and policies.