Not one to put much credence in subjective or anecdotal evidence but do believe in budgeting, I track all expenditures with an accounting program. I have a few observations based upon those ledgers.

First note that I am very consistent with my purchases and usually purchase the same items and brands on weekly basis. I don't use coupons however I observe that the new store has ruled out any that go over one dollar which must impact those who formerly used such coupons. Secondly, I do not buy brand names but rather base my buying habits primarily on pricing as the majority of generic foods are brand name ones anyway. There are however a few exceptions.

One glaring fact that cannot be avoided is that food costs have risen approximately 26%. This does not include the very recent astronomical rise in fruit prices which has affected all grocery stores.

Non food items remain more or less the same. Some have gone up while others have decreased. So the prices even out.

So what does this mean in the real world? Given that the national average grocery bill for a family of 3 (2 adults, 1 child) is $101 which will be rounded to $100, that means that a family of 3 will spend approximately $26 more dollars per week. Considering a base price of $4 per gallon of gas and an average of 12 miles per gallon, one could make a round trip of more than 72 miles and still save money on groceries if they find a store with the old Giant Eagle prices.

I think it would be interesting to compare budgets with those who do buy only based upon brand name, and do use coupons and rebates.

Later,

Darrell

I dont know about the rest of Newton Falls, but the new shop n save is a joke. The prices are just as high as Giant Eagle was, the sales cant even be called sales when you are paying only a couple cents less. As far as I am concerend I will pay the few bucks more to go to Warren to Giant Eagle. I know there are a few others out there that feel the same way. I see them shopping in Warren at the Giant Eagle there. So if they are willing to pay the gas prices to go out of town that must say something about the new Shop N Spend!!!!!