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Choosing the right grocery store can save you time, and money. Whether you're single, or shopping for a family of eight, there are a few key tips to finding the supermarket that works best for your schedule - and budget.

First, select your LOCATION and TIME frame for shopping.
Perhaps you want to do your shopping every Friday after work. If you work in a city other than where you live, your options for stores increases. You can narrow down your selections using the tips later mentioned. If you are a Sunday morning shopper, you might want to stick close to home, rather than driving twenty extra miles each week. Either way, map out all routes to the store of your choice to find the easiest way there. Sometimes, going two miles out of your way to hit a side street can save you thirty minutes in driving time if you bypass rush hour traffic!

Now check out the SALES and SPECIALS that your store offers.
Many places offer the same type of sale every month. For example, one large chain offers a sale on Coke products one week, and Pepsi the next - rotating each week. If you are a soda drinker, this may be a bargain for you! Another chain may offer deals on milk if you purchase their store brand cereal - perfect for those who have small children in the household! Determine which store offers discounts that fit your budget and family type accordingly.

SELECTION and SUPPLY are also very important.
If your grocer advertises that they are having a "buy one get one" sale on something you need, they should have a large quantity of those items. There is nothing worse than making a special trip to the store for a great deal on shrimp, only to find that they are sold out, and not offering rain checks! If money is tight, you may prefer non brand name' food items. Be sure to see if your store carries a wide variety of these items. Likewise, if you have a taste for rare foods, make sure that the store you choose offers them. If you are a nighttime shopper, be aware of the stock hours/days. Trying to man the aisles of a grocery store cluttered with palates of canned veggies, and box after box of crackers - can be an utter disaster.

LAYOUT and SIZE can be a nightmare if it does not suit you.
Single parents who plan to push a cart stuffed full of food - and three children, might find narrow aisles to be a pain in the rear. Anyone who uses a wheelchair wants to be sure that the lower shelves of the store they choose are well stocked. If it's hard for you to get around, you might not be pleased

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