Following Loblaws’ announcement on October 17, which decided to freeze more than 1,500 products of its private label until January 31, 2023, Sylvain Charlebois, agri-food industry specialist at Dalhousie University, gives his top tips for saving money.
He estimates that by following these recommendations, it is possible to save between 25 and 30% on a grocery bill.
– Check prices online or in flyers before you go shopping
– Buy house brands (No Name, President’s Choice, Kirkland)
– Alternate between several brands and between several supermarkets
– To take notes
– Avoid buying overpriced products
“We don’t expect any other freezes. When you understand the business model of Loblaws, Maxi, Provigo, it’s really the only banner that is capable of doing what it did,” says Mr. Charlebois.
According to data collected by Sylvain Charlebois and his team at Dalhousie University, consumers’ favorite promotions are not price freezes, but rather the lowest price guarantee.
Buying in larger quantities at the price of a smaller quantity does not seem to be unanimous among buyers, according to the specialist.
This practice is particularly unpopular among people living alone as they are tricked into buying too much and wasting more.
Private label products are growing in popularity, especially with a double digit food inflation rate.
“People are looking for something else, maybe they’ve switched from a more expensive brand to a cheaper brand,” he says, recalling that house brands are often cheaper.