This post may contain affiliate links which means I will get a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure for details.
Memorial Day weekend brings a surge of shoppers into grocery stores nationwide. While families prepare for backyard parties and road trips, stores quietly implement pricing strategies.
What looks like a friendly sale is often a margin booster in disguise. But with the right awareness, you can flip their tactics in your favor and keep more money in your pocket.
Ask for Price Matches
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox!
Many stores will match a competitor’s price, but only if you know to ask at checkout. This silent policy isn’t advertised because honoring a rival’s lower price eats into their weekend profits. Bringing proof of a better deal forces them to compete when they’d rather you didn’t know your options.
Stack Manufacturer and Store Coupons
Using both a store coupon and a manufacturer’s coupon on one item can nearly double your discount. Most shoppers don’t realize this is allowed, and employees rarely mention it. Strategic coupon stacking cuts directly into the inflated markups set for the holiday rush.
Buy Clearance Produce in Bulk
Holiday traffic means fast turnover in the produce aisle, and markdowns come quickly. Buying reduced-price fruit and vegetables in bulk clears inventory and locks in savings. Stores hope shoppers skip these bins, but savvy buyers strike early and walk away with the best deals.
Check Prices at Self-Checkout
Price tags don’t always reflect what rings up at the register, especially during busy weekends. Scanning sale items yourself ensures accuracy and keeps the store from benefiting from uncorrected mismatches. If you catch a pricing error, most stores are required to honor it.
Return Discounted Items for Full Refunds
Even heavily marked-down pantry items are usually refundable with a receipt. Stores count on people assuming clearance sales are final, which keeps refunds low. Taking items back after a change of plans quietly chips away at their weekend profits.
Use Bonus Gift Card Deals
Memorial Day weekend often unlocks bonus gift card promotions, spend $50 and get $10 free. These incentives are designed to look generous, but most go unused. When redeemed fully, they shift the advantage away from the store and toward the smart shopper.
Related Post: 11 Connecticut Grocery Stores Where Celebs Secretly Shop
Sign Up for Loyalty Programs
Stores frequently offer loyalty bonuses to first-time signups, especially around holidays. You can often receive instant discounts or bonus points at the register. Combined with other deals, this cuts deeper into the store’s expected earnings per customer.
Related Post: 14 Stores In Florida Where You Can Stock Up For Less Than $75
Access Ads Before they Go Live
Many store apps preview the upcoming week’s flyer before it starts. By shopping early with preview pricing in mind, you can secure discounts before crowds catch on. This disrupts their promotional cycle and forces them to honor lower prices sooner than planned.
Related Post: 10 Farmers Market Vendors Who Are Changing The Way You Think About Local Food
Shop Early on Holiday Monday
Most restocks arrive before stores open on the actual holiday, filling shelves with fresh markdowns. Shopping right when the doors open gives you access to the best prices and products. Waiting until later usually means limited choices and missed opportunities.
Related Post: 10 Must-Visit NYC Restaurants That Are Practically Made For Your Next Photoshoot
Call Out Errors on Social Media
When you find a pricing discrepancy, posting a photo online can pressure stores into a fast correction. Stores want to avoid public embarrassment, especially during high-traffic weekends. Public accountability often forces faster refunds and policy changes in your favor.
Related Post: 13 Star Wars Inspired Dishes You Can Only Find In These American States
Sign up now to receive our exclusive e-cookbook filled with top-rated recipes for FREE!
Knowing these strategies lets you avoid overspending while still enjoying the weekend. Grocery stores may expect crowds and confusion, but preparation puts you ahead. With the right moves, you save more, shop better, and make the system work for you.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
11 New York Grocery Stores Where You’re Probably Overpaying Right Now
Grocery shopping in New York is already a juggling act between convenience, quality, and price. But some stores are quietly charging more than you might realize, even for everyday essentials. Whether it is the markup on produce or the price tag on pantry basics, these spots are known for ringing up more than expected.
Read it here: 11 New York Grocery Stores Where You’re Probably Overpaying Right Now
How to Save $100+ Every Month at the Grocery Store
From planning your meals to avoiding sneaky upcharges in the snack aisle, here’s a realistic guide to trimming your food budget without adding stress to your week.
Read it here: Things Moms Waste Money On (and Don’t Even Know It)
Is Walmart+ Still Worth It in 2025? The Truth After 3 Years
Is the new Walmart Plus worth the annual fee or is it just another failed version of Amazon Prime? I spent my own money trying this service out for 12 months and counting. I have a lot to say about the benefits and drawbacks in this Walmart+ honest review.
Read it here: Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!
You’ll love these related posts:
- 11 Farmers Markets In Ohio That Locals Say Are The Best Kept Secrets
- 11 Local Restaurants In Colorado That Food Bloggers Can’t Stop Posting About
- 10 Restaurants In Colorado That Mix Local Ingredients With Global Flavors
- 10 Arizona Restaurants That Serve Famous Dishes You’ve Never Heard Of
- 11 Grocery Chains in Washington With Shockingly Good Deli Counters