When most people think of office supply stores, they picture pens, printers, and back-to-school chaos. But if you’re only shopping there for notebooks and toner, you might be missing out. Some everyday items—often considered staples of grocery shopping—are actually cheaper at office supply stores. From cleaning supplies to coffee, savvy shoppers are discovering real value in unexpected places. Here are seven office supply store deals that might just convince you to take a detour on your next errand run.
1. Coffee and K-Cups
You might think supermarkets have the best deals on coffee, but think again. Office supply chains often stock bulk-sized boxes of K-Cups, ground coffee, and even premium brands at surprisingly low prices. They cater to businesses that go through coffee quickly, so they’re built to sell in larger quantities—and at lower costs per unit. Sales and reward programs can bring prices even lower than warehouse clubs or grocery stores. For consistent brewers, this is one of the most overlooked office supply store deals out there.
2. Cleaning Supplies
Wipes, sprays, gloves, and even mops are often priced more competitively at office supply retailers. Designed to stock businesses and break rooms, these stores carry industrial and household cleaning items in both small and bulk sizes. And since many shoppers don’t think to buy them there, they’re often less picked over and more frequently discounted. Whether it’s Clorox wipes or hand sanitizer, office supply stores quietly offer some of the best values. Keep this category on your radar for serious office supply store deals.
3. Batteries
Office supply stores routinely offer multi-pack batteries for far less than grocery stores or convenience marts. During back-to-school or holiday sales, you can find name-brand AA and AAA batteries at unbeatable prices—especially if you use store coupons or rewards. Since businesses rely heavily on batteries for remotes, keyboards, and wireless devices, these stores keep large quantities in stock. That means more frequent promotions and less markup than your local supermarket. It’s a small item, but a big opportunity for office supply store deals.
4. Paper Towels and Toilet Paper
You might not expect to stock your bathroom from an office supply chain, but many of them carry large packs of toilet paper and paper towels. They’re often sold in bulk for use in break rooms and public restrooms, making the price per roll lower than grocery stores. Name brands like Bounty and Scott are commonly available—sometimes in jumbo packs that beat even warehouse store pricing. If you’re okay with basic packaging, these essentials are an underrated win. Add this to your list of sneaky-good office supply store deals.
5. Trash Bags
High-quality trash bags—especially for kitchen use—are regularly stocked and discounted at office supply stores. Since commercial spaces need durable liners for heavy trash, many stores carry stronger and larger capacity bags that actually outperform name-brand kitchen ones. Bulk packs reduce the per-bag cost significantly compared to the smaller boxes you’d buy at the supermarket. And you won’t have to restock as often. These bags are another surprising addition to the growing list of office supply store deals.
6. Snacks and Bottled Drinks
Many people don’t realize that office supply stores stock a decent selection of snacks and drinks—think granola bars, trail mix, soda, and water. Sold in multi-packs for office kitchens and vending machines, these items are often cheaper than grocery store equivalents on a per-unit basis. They’re also ideal for school lunches, car snacks, or emergency stashes. Sales and online-only discounts make the savings even better. For families or bulk snackers, this is a goldmine of office supply store deals.
7. School and Art Supplies
While this might seem obvious during back-to-school season, year-round prices on pens, markers, glue, and notebooks are often lower than at grocery or big box stores. Office supply retailers compete heavily in this category, offering better name-brand options and frequent BOGO deals. The same 24-pack of Crayola crayons might be several dollars cheaper—and higher quality—than supermarket knockoffs. And don’t forget the clearance section, which can include seasonal markdowns at massive discounts. For parents, teachers, or students, these are prime office supply store deals to grab.
Shopping Smarter Starts With Thinking Outside the Cart
The next time you’re picking up printer ink or grabbing folders for work, don’t skip the rest of the store. These office supply store deals can add up to major savings, especially on products you’d normally buy at the grocery store without a second thought. With rewards programs, frequent sales, and bulk options, office supply stores offer more than just office gear—they can be a secret weapon for smart shopping. The trick is knowing where to look—and now you do.
Have you scored a great deal on everyday items at an office supply store? Share your tips—or unexpected finds—in the comments below!
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