Getting the best value for your grocery money: Here’s how
Canadian influencer Kathleen Cassidy shares her best tips and tricks.
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Depending on your age, you may remember a time when extreme couponing was all the rage.
Armed with bulky binders full of coupons and carts upon carts of groceries, these extreme couponers would walk out of grocery stores with bills under $10, showing just how savvy they really were.
While the digital age has shifted couponing from paper-based to mostly online, saving money never goes out of style; especially when times are tough.
According to a July 2024 survey from Angus Reid, 60 per cent of Canadians say cost of living is top of mind and 32 per cent fall into the Struggling category on the ARI Economic Stress Index. The index, which analyzes variables relating to household costs, debt and stress, as well as financial self-evaluation, optimism and pessimism, shows Canadians are feeling the financial strain this fall and looking for ways to save on groceries.
Not only do Loblaw’s grocery stores feature exceptional produce, proteins and everything in between to make mealtime a special occasion, “they also offer Canadians numerous ways to get greater value from every grocery shop,” says Kathleen Cassidy, the influencer and couponing expert behind Living on a Loonie, a popular Instagram and TikTok account that teaches people how to master meal preparation and be budget conscious without compromising on quality.
“With unique promotions like Price Drop and Fresh Promise at Loblaw’s grocery stores, including Loblaws and Zehrs, Canadians can maximize their value and savings.”
According to Cassidy, Loblaw’s Fresh Promise is a great program to ensure customers get the best produce at Loblaw’s grocery stores across Canada. If you’re not completely satisfied with produce purchased in-store, they will not only replace it, but also provide a refund within seven days of purchase.
In addition to being a great money saving tip, you know you’re getting the best use out of every produce item purchased and nothing goes to waste, adds Cassidy.
As for Price Drop, it’s an opportunity for shoppers to save on over 400 products every four weeks, when Loblaws and Zehrs drop the prices on select items.
“This helps me uncover more value during my everyday shopping experience,” says Cassidy. “I love the deals that Loblaws and Zehrs have on personal care and cleaning products. Often there are great sale prices, plus you can stack these prices with a coupon or PC Optimum points to save even more.”
PC Optimum is a top-tier rewards program that brings value to Canadians, rewarding them for everyday purchases.
The program is free to sign up for and has exclusive offers and members-only pricing, allowing customers to earn and redeem points on everyday essentials based on where you shop and what you spend your money on.
“I have earned over $10,000 worth of points since 2018 by shopping at Loblaws and Zehrs stores,” affirms Cassidy. “I am able to enhance my shopping experience by earning PC Optimum points on everyday purchases, getting me to free, fast. This provides me with the flexibility to redeem my points at a later date, allocating them towards big ticket items or purchases.”
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Other ways to save
On top of Fresh Promise, Price Drop and the PC Optimum program, the couponer points to a variety of other money saving tricks at Loblaw’s grocery stores, including the PC Mastercard.
In addition to providing customers with the flexibility to earn and use PC Optimum points, the credit card provides perks such as earning up to 30 points per $1 spent at Loblaws and Zehrs, at least 30 points per litre at Esso and Mobil gas stations in Canada and 10 points per $1 spent everywhere else.
“Each month, Loblaws and Zehrs have select deals across all banner stores with locked in prices nationwide,” says Cassidy, noting another way to save. “These items, which are known as Hit of the Month, offer great stock up prices on everyday items that Canadians can benefit from.”
Discount stickers on select items such as dairy, meat and bakery are another great way to save at Loblaw’s grocery stores, as are tried and true coupons. “Loblaws and Zehrs are a great place to find coupons for Canadian shoppers,” says the couponing expert. “Simply looking in the aisles of your favourite Loblaws or Zehrs grocery store could help you save on everyday essentials such as bread, cheese, milk, cereal and more.”
To take advantage of savings on groceries and learn more about the Price Drop and Fresh Promise offers, visit your local Loblaws and Zehrs stores or learn more at loblaws.ca.
This story was created by Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content division, on behalf of Loblaw Companies Limited.
