Project Pantry - Part 4 - Clearance & Closeouts

Today is the last post on project pantry for a bit.  We have covered so many ways to get food for our pantries - I hope it has helped.

Today I will touch on clearance buys and closeouts.  I have told everyone before - basically I buy nothing unless it is a great sale or markdown.  That is just me.  I know everyone isn't a conscious of that as I am.
Sure, there is always a splurge now and then.  That is what makes life exciting.  But at our house, that also makes it a real treat - because it just doesn't happen often.
It's probably a good thing that G CAN'T go shopping with me any more - because he has always been much more of an impulse buyer than me.  If he wants it - he gets it.

Most all stores have clearance.  It may be in the produce department, it may be in the bakery, meat, or just a clearance section for dry goods.
Kroger has all the above.  You may find items marked clearance randomly throughout the produce department.  Meat is generally in a section of meat department.  We have a rack of bakery goods - and then we have a section MARKED clearance.  Those are my first looks each time I go.

Once in a while I find meat that is marked a great price - and I just can't turn it down.  Most times - it seems the markdown price of meat is still MORE than I will spend!  I do like super sales that are advertised at different holidays and event times.

Meat- wise I usually find ground pork, bulk lunchmeat, maybe ground beef, hotdogs in my good clearance finds. 

Our stores have CLEANANCE and they have CLOSEOUTS.  Clearance is items that can not fit on the regular shelves as they are being stocked. according our local grocers (they keep no back stock).  Closeouts are items that the store is getting rid of that they have decided not to sell any longer.

I have found some of the best deals on closeouts.  They are in the regular aisles with a black and white price sign in front of them.  They are not individually marked - they just ring up cheaply at register.
I get aisle goods and even frozen items for absolute pennies on the dollar.  I have purchased BIG cans of fruit for like .29 when regularly they are well over a $1 or $2.  I have found pasta for around .19 a pack - frozen items for pennies. 
YES, you do need to walk up and down the aisles and just hunt for the special price signs - but it sure can be worth it.  You did need RESTRAINT to not buy other stuff you see!!!!!

WM has great prices on their marked down bakery bread and rolls..  I have purchased Italian bread for as little as .37 a loaf.  Get several - wrap tightly and freeze.  Great for garlic bread or pizzas.  They sometimes have deli items marked way down.

I also go for the .99/bag area of produce.  Some days there are great deals - others not so much.   Markdowns are throughout  the produce dept.  Watch for salad goods or fruit - if you are going to be using it soon.   No sense spending extra money is you are having it for dinner tonight or tomorrow.

Even though you may be in the grocery store - there are other deals to be had.  Health and beauty items, OTC meds, supplements, paper goods, baking items, office/school supplies, candy, canning items, baby stuff, even items used in kitchens.  I have gotten some of just about all of those things.  I do buy items that are not food related for adding to holiday gift baskets - huge savings.

I got these on closeout for 1.74 each.  Good for a quick meal or salad toppers

 

Whole loins on clearance.  Came home and cut them up into chops and small roasts - so many meals for $6 & change

Items purchased for gift basket add-ins.

 

 

Just take time and look at each area and decide what is best for you and your family.  Items can be frozen for later.  Walk the aisles (IF you can be disciplined) and check out deals.  I consider it a game.  The store temps me at every move - I like getting only the deals - then CHECKMATE!!!  I win!!!!!!!!!

You may have stores like Big/Odd Lots or Ollie's - these are closeout stores - and deals can be had - but generally I have better luck with my grocery store.

You might even get acquainted with the manager or butchers or clerks - they can give you an idea when they tend to do markdowns.
Many stores markdown at the beginning of the week - if they have an abundance of sale meat or fresh items left after the weekend.  Some mark down right before the new ad  takes hold.  Just ask - all they can do is tell you to go they don't have a method!  They may just give you the routine!
They want to get rid of stuff and you want to save - WIN-WIN!!

Remember any money you save with great deals - is like money in the bank.  You can stock ALL of your various pantries for pennies.  Plan ahead and save.
Get as much as you can afford  and will use or that someone you know can use.  It won't be there next week!  You HAVE to take advantage when the opportunity arises!

EMBRACE CLEARANCE - most of the dry good items you can get aren't even close to the 'best buy' dates (not that a lot of us worry about that!).  Fresh can be frozen or canned for futures use.


HAPPY SAVING MY FRIENDS

Let us know where you find your best deals!!!!!!