So many grocery stores!

Grocery stores have been around for 106 years. Today, we have countless stores around the nation that are regional, like Safeway, Save A Lot and Publix, or more nationwide like Costco, Sam's and Walmart. With so many grocery stores out there, the question is, "which one?"


Most grocery stores are known for something, whether it is Save A Lot, where you know you're going to get a good deal on at least one thing in your cart, or Target, where you know that you aren't going just to get food. I think someone should invent a manual on how to shop in different regions of the United States. For example, in Lincoln, Nebraska, we have Aldi's, Costco, Russ's Market, Sam's Club, Super Saver, Target, Trader Joe's and Walmart, just to name a few. 


The issue is that if I am going grocery shopping, I could pick one of any of these stores and buy a product that is only sold in that store. This can cause problems because what if I like that product and I can only go to that specific store to get it? I could find eight different products like that and spend just two hours in the car commuting from one store to another to just get those products. 


I find that Walmart is where I go when I don't exactly know what I want. I go there for general items like milk, cheese and bread. I will buy the majority of the things I need there because it is on the cheaper end. Then I will go to Trader Joe's for those more specific items. 


This got me thinking. Why don't people just go to one store? Why isn't it possible for a person to just go to Target or Hy-vee for all of their groceries? Every grocery store has its community, and where you are from and how long you have been in Lincoln can really influence what store you go to. I find that those Hy-Vee goers are local and dedicated to the company because of the prices. Who wants to pay more for something that you know is cheaper at a different store? That is why I don't go to Hy-Vee on a regular basis. 


I find the people wanting to save money go to Super Saver, Walmart and Aldi's. Those are the best stores for you if you want to save some cash. If you like to empty your wallet as fast as possible, go to the local Trader Joe's or endless amounts of Hy-Vees for those "deals" that will never end. 


By: Gabriel Sanders