The grocery basket is becoming more and more expensive for Quebec families due to inflation, a situation “never seen before” for Franck Hénault, owner of Intermarché Boyer on avenue Mont-Royal, in Montreal, who gives advice on how to reduce your bill.
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“We were used to price increases in January. […] And we were used to increases that hovered around between 1 and 3%. We are currently seeing increases of up to 7%, ”indicated Mr. Hénault.
The merchant thus offers advice to customers to help them reduce their bill.
Flyers are a classic that can not only save you money, but also cut grocery store profits. Franck Hénault explained in particular that most of the time, the articles which are displayed on the first page of the flyer are sold at a loss.
“If everyone only shopped the first page of the flyer, there would be fewer and fewer grocery stores in Quebec,” he said.
These products are mainly used to attract customers, who, once in store, will buy other products that have a better profit margin.
But those who hope to get good food at a low price will be well served if they shop in the morning.
“In the morning, we do what is called a freshness tour,” said Mr. Hénault, specifying that food “at the end of its life”, but still fresh and edible, is then sold at half price.
If you don’t have any loyalty cards in your wallet like Inspire, Metro & Me, FidéliTim, you are probably losing hundreds of dollars every year.
“When hot air escapes from the house, you have to put caulk everywhere!” So the more expensive the grocery store, the more we use all kinds of techniques, ”illustrated Franck Hénault.
Most loyalty programs allow you to recover significant discounts.
Another classic that can also help your wallet is to never shop on an empty stomach.
The grocer also suggested that customers make a list of what they need to avoid buying items on impulse.
When it comes to increasingly expensive meats, especially beef, hunting for discounts and stocking can help lower one’s bill.
Freezing a few packets will allow you to cook a bolognese sauce or burgers at a fraction of the regular price.