Is it Cheaper to Shop Online at Kroger?
Whether you’re a regular shopper at the Kroger store, or you’ve tried Instacart, you may wonder if you’re getting a better deal shopping online than in the physical store. This article will show you some of the differences between the two methods of shopping.
Private-label products
Whether you’re shopping online at Kroger private-label products or in a store, you’ll find a variety of offerings. Several of the brands are available at a lower price than those of their brand-name counterparts. However, you’ll still want to compare costs per ounce and ingredients, as well as nutritional information.
Kroger’s private-label products have been growing at a strong rate in recent years. In the second quarter of fiscal 2022, the company reported a 10.2% growth in private-label sales.
The Smart Way lineup includes 150 products. The line features Kroger’s own and partner brands, as well as 16 legacy brands. Among them are Simple Truth and the Heritage Farm line.
Prices for dairy staples
Whether you’re shopping for a family or just the two of you, you can find great prices on dairy staples at Kroger. The chain has an impressive selection of fresh produce. You can also get a bargain on organic items. The dairy aisle offers a wide variety of recognizable brands.
The app can show you the latest sales, coupons and store locations. If you have a phone, you can even check the inventory. It’s a great way to save money and get a feel for what’s in stock.
A report by the Courier Journal compared prices of five items at 20 local grocery stores. These included the price of 18 eggs, 10 ounces of yellow onion, a 10-ounce bag of organic dried figs and a quart of liquid whites.
In-store pickup vs. delivery
Choosing between in-store pickup and delivery may seem like a difficult choice. Both services are a good way to save money and time, but there are certain differences between them.
The first and most obvious difference between in-store pickup and delivery is that in-store pickup is free. For a limited time, Kroger has waived the $5 fee for curbside grocery pickup.
The second difference is the amount of time you will need to wait for the items to arrive. In some cases, you can expect to wait as long as a week.
Coupons
Using Kroger coupons can make online shopping cheaper. They can be accessed through the company website or through the Kroger app. If you have the Kroger Plus card, you can also load coupons onto it.
When you check out, the coupons will deduct from the total. For example, if you have a $5 Kroger coupon, the price will be adjusted to be $2.50. This can add up quickly. During certain promotions, you can receive quadruple fuel points. This can be redeemed on your next shopping trip.
You can also use the manufacturer’s coupons in-store. This type of offer is only for name brand items. These coupons can be used immediately at checkout. However, you can’t use them on delivery orders.
Pricing differences between online and in-store shopping
Those who regularly shop at Kroger know that the pricing at online and in-store isn’t always the same. Prices can differ depending on the product, the store, the day of pick up/delivery, and the digital coupons.
To investigate the pricing differences between online and in-store shopping at Kroger, Courier Journal has compared the prices of five items, which are commonly purchased by local shoppers. We also reviewed prices at the websites of 20 local grocery stores.
The following chart illustrates the prices of five staple items: cereal, cheese, milk, eggs, and yogurt. The totals for each item ranged between $1.32 and $5.32 at Walmart and Kroger stores. However, these numbers vary greatly at the stores within the companies.
Special shopping hours for seniors
Earlier this month, Kroger announced special shopping hours for seniors. The grocery chain has 96 stores across the country. It defines a “senior” as anyone who is at least 60 years old.
To qualify for the discount, shoppers must be registered with a Kroger Plus Card. They will receive a 10% discount on certain items, such as home & garden accessories, toys, jewelry, and electronics. But the discount will not apply to liquor, stamps, beauty products, health care products, or private brands.
Some grocery retailers have also adjusted their opening and closing times. These changes are designed to accommodate senior citizens who might need to buy groceries before the store opens.
Instacart vs. Instacart
Whether you’re using Kroger or Instacart for your grocery shopping, you’ll need to make sure you have all the information you need before you order. For example, you’ll need to know how much you’re paying for each item.
You’ll also need to decide if you want to tip the driver. Tipping is usually not required, but it’s a nice gesture. The service industry standard is 15 percent, but you can tip more.
Instacart delivers groceries from a variety of stores. For instance, you can choose to order from Costco, Walmart, Sam’s Club, and other large retail chains. Instacart also partners with smaller local grocery stores. You can even order from pharmacies. In addition, you can pay for your order using your debit or credit card.