If you resolve to spend less money on groceries in 2012, I suggest you check out the new Valu King in the West Erie Plaza. My recent shopping trip was my first Valu King experience and will certainly not be my last.
The philosophy behind the low prices at Valu King seems to be similar to Aldi’s. No fancy shelving, elaborate store signs or excessive advertising equals lower prices for us, the shoppers. Unlike Aldi, they take coupons. They don’t double them but they do offer several name brand products with manufacturer coupons available. They also don’t charge a $.25 deposit for your cart and provide a shopping cart drop-off area in the parking lot (a feature I love when I’m shopping with young children). Like Aldi, they do charge for bags ($.05 each) so bringing your own is recommended. To me this saves a lot of unnecessary waste and something I wish more stores would do.
I was pleasantly surprised at the selection of products available, especially for produce. And nearly all the produce I bought was from the U.S. and looked fresh. I was also surprised to see a Deli in the store.
On to the prices. Below is a list of the items I bought and what I paid for them. See the savings for yourself!
Bananas: $.32/lb
Green Leaf Lettuce: $.99/lb
Cucumbers: 2/$1.00
2 lb bag of Lemons (6 medium sized lemons): $2.49
3 lb bag of Golden Delicious Apples: $2.29
4 lb bag of Navel Oranges: $3.49
Planters Peanuts, 16oz jar: $3.29
Valu Time Rice Cakes: $1.39
Valu Time Quick Oats: $1.79
Valu Time Butter: $1.89
Valu Time Colby Jack Cheese, 8oz block: $1.99
Riverside Hickory Smoked Turkey Breast: $2.99/lb
American Cheese, sliced: $2.99/lb
Roman Meal Whole Wheat Bread $1.88/loaf
Roman Meal 12 Grain Bread $1.88/loaf
Shearer’s Kettle Potato Chips: $1.99
Total Cost: $32.87
One final thing to note. Valu King accepts cash, credit cards and debit cards but no checks so shop prepared. Check it out and let me know what you think!
Click here to view this week’s Hot Deals at both Erie Valu King locations.
Happy shopping!
