In the competitive New Jersey grocery market, stores like ShopRite, Wegmans, and Stop & Shop use weekly circulars and digital apps to advertise their main deals. However, some of the best savings are not promoted publicly. These unadvertised discounts are often available to shoppers who know the right questions to ask or the right places in the store to look. Unlocking these hidden deals requires a bit more effort than just clipping coupons, but the payoff can be significant for savvy shoppers in the Garden State.
1. The Case Discount
If you plan on buying a large quantity of a single, non-perishable item, you should always ask a store or department manager about a “case discount.” Most stores, including major chains, are willing to offer a discount—typically 10%—if you buy an entire unopened case of a product, such as canned goods, drinks, or paper towels. This saves them the labor of unpacking the items and stocking the shelves, and they pass a portion of that savings on to you.
2. The “Imperfect” Produce Discount
Grocery stores produce a lot of waste from produce that is slightly bruised, misshapen, or otherwise not visually perfect. Many stores, especially chains like Wegmans that pride themselves on appearance, will set this produce aside. You can often ask an employee in the produce department if they have any “imperfect” or “ugly” produce available for a discount. They are often happy to sell it at a reduced price rather than throwing it away.
3. Rain Checks for Out-of-Stock Sale Items
When a popular item from the weekly circular is sold out, most shoppers just assume they missed the deal. However, you can go to the customer service desk and request a “rain check.” This is a voucher that guarantees you can purchase the item at its sale price once it’s back in stock, even if the official sale period has ended. Most New Jersey grocery chains, including ShopRite and Stop & Shop, offer this service, but you have to ask for it.
4. Discounts on Day-Old Bakery Goods
The bakery department needs to clear out yesterday’s bread, bagels, and pastries to make room for fresh items. These products are often bundled together and marked down significantly, but they may not be in an obvious location. You can ask a bakery employee early in the morning where they keep the day-old items. You can often get a whole bag of bagels or a loaf of bread for a fraction of its original price.
5. Senior Discount Days
Many New Jersey grocery stores offer a senior discount on a specific day of the week, but they don’t always advertise it heavily. For example, some ShopRite locations offer a 5% discount on Tuesdays for shoppers over a certain age. These policies can vary from store to store, even within the same chain, so it’s always worth asking at the customer service desk if they have a senior day and what the age requirement is.
6. Manager’s Special on Meat and Dairy
The meat and dairy departments must sell products before they reach their “sell-by” date. To avoid waste, managers will place bright orange or red “Manager’s Special” or “Woohoo!” stickers on items that are nearing this date, offering them at a significant discount. These items are perfectly safe to eat if you cook or freeze them that day. You have to actively look for these stickers, as they appear unpredictably.
7. The Floor Model Discount (for Seasonal Items)
At the end of a season, stores need to clear out large seasonal items like patio furniture, grills, or holiday displays. The floor model is often the last one left. You can ask a store manager if they will sell you the assembled floor model at a steep discount. They are usually eager to get rid of it to make space for the next season’s inventory.
8. Free Samples at the Deli and Bakery
While not a direct discount on your bill, asking for a sample at the deli or bakery counter can save you from buying a product you don’t like. Most full-service counters at stores like Wegmans and ShopRite will happily give you a small taste of a deli meat, cheese, or store-made salad if you ask politely. This “try before you buy” approach ensures you’re spending your money on something you know you’ll enjoy.
Your Key to Savings
The most powerful tool for a grocery shopper is their voice. By politely asking employees and managers about these types of hidden discounts, you can unlock a new level of savings that goes far beyond the weekly ad. In New Jersey’s expensive market, every dollar counts, and these unadvertised deals are waiting for the shoppers smart enough to ask for them.
What’s the best unadvertised deal you’ve ever gotten at a grocery store? Are there any other secret discounts you know about in New Jersey? Share your tips!
Read More
Double Coupon Grocery Stores in New Jersey
8 Areas Where the Middle Class Can’t Afford Property Taxes
The post 8 Discounts at New Jersey Grocery Stores You Have to Ask For—They Won’t Advertise Them appeared first on Grocery Coupon Guide.
