Grocery shopping is a routine task that everyone faces, but did you know that there are optimal times to shop for groceries, particularly if you’re looking for marked-down items? Whether you’re aiming to save money, find the best deals, or stock up on essential items, timing can make a big difference. South Africa, with its diverse retail landscape and varying regional shopping habits, offers unique opportunities for savvy shoppers to snag great discounts.
In this article, we’ll explore the best times to shop for groceries in South Africa, focusing on when and where you can find marked-down items, along with some tips and tricks to maximize your savings.
1. End of the Month: Financial Budgeting Cycles
Why it’s the best time: Many South African consumers receive their salaries at the beginning of the month, meaning by the time the end of the month approaches, people are looking for ways to stretch their budgets. As a result, retailers often discount perishable items or stock that is nearing its sell-by date.
What you can find:
- Fresh produce
- Dairy products
- Bakery items
Tip: Keep an eye out for special promotions on canned goods, frozen foods, or other non-perishable items, as they may be discounted to make room for new stock.
2. Mid-Week Shopping: Avoiding Weekends and Peak Hours
Why it’s the best time: Weekends, especially Saturday mornings, are often the busiest times for grocery shopping in South Africa. Mid-week shopping—on days like Tuesday or Wednesday—can provide a more relaxed shopping experience and fresher deals on marked-down products.
What you can find:
- New markdowns on meats, frozen foods, and canned goods
- Fewer customers in-store, making it easier to find discounted items
Tip: Mid-week is ideal for checking out new markdowns that stores put out to clear out products from the previous week.
3. Early Morning or Late Evening: Maximizing Store Restocks
Why it’s the best time: Early mornings and late evenings often provide quieter shopping experiences and better access to freshly discounted products. Many stores restock their shelves in the early morning before opening to the public, and some offer late-night discounts to clear stock before closing.
What you can find:
- Fresh bakery items
- Discounted meats, dairy, or perishable goods nearing their sell-by dates
- Clear-out items at reduced prices
Tip: Arriving early gives you first access to new markdowns, while shopping late in the evening can help you score items that the store wants to clear before the next day.
4. Public Holidays and Long Weekends: Special Promotions and Discounts
Why it’s the best time: Public holidays such as Heritage Day, Christmas, Easter, and New Year’s Day in South Africa often bring about special promotions and discounts on grocery items. Retailers frequently offer bundled deals, discounted prices, or sales events during these times to attract customers.
What you can find:
- Discounts on meats, drinks, and snacks for holiday meals or events
- Special offers on seasonal items
Tip: Take advantage of “Holiday Sales” promotions, such as Black Friday or end-of-year holiday offers, which often provide deep discounts on popular grocery items.
5. After Seasonal Events or Holidays
Why it’s the best time: After major events like Christmas or Easter, grocery stores often mark down seasonal items that were overstocked for the occasion. Items such as chocolates, baking goods, and festive treats may be heavily discounted to clear out excess inventory.
What you can find:
- Christmas-themed items (decorations, chocolates)
- Holiday-specific treats that have been discounted post-season
Tip: After major holidays, you can find seasonal goods at a fraction of the cost, especially if the store is looking to make room for the next season’s items.
6. Store-Specific Discounts and Loyalty Programs
Why it’s the best time: Many large supermarkets in South Africa, such as Woolworths, Pick n Pay, and Checkers, have loyalty programs and offer discounts to members. These loyalty programs often provide access to exclusive discounts, personalized deals, and early notifications of sales events.
What you can find:
- Exclusive member discounts on fresh produce, groceries, and household items
- Special offers on selected products for loyalty cardholders
Tip: Sign up for store-specific loyalty programs (e.g., Woolworths Rewards, Pick n Pay Smart Shopper) to maximize savings and gain access to special offers.
7. Discount Stores and Independent Retailers
Why it’s the best time: Discount stores like Makro, Food Lover’s Market, and independent local retailers are excellent for finding marked-down items, especially bulk products or seasonal stock.
What you can find:
- Bulk goods
- End-of-line products
- Surplus or seasonal stock at discounted prices
Tip: Discount stores and independent retailers may offer deeper discounts than large supermarket chains, especially if they’re clearing out items for new stock.
Additional Tips for Finding Marked-Down Items
- Know Expiration Dates: Always check the “sell by” or “use by” dates, as items nearing expiration are often marked down. Be sure to consume or freeze these items before they spoil.
- Check Store Flyers: Many stores release weekly flyers or apps with information about ongoing discounts. Check these flyers or subscribe to your local store’s newsletters to stay informed about sales.
- Look for Clearance Sections: Many grocery stores have designated clearance sections where items are deeply discounted. These sections may include damaged packaging, close-to-expiry products, or overstocked items.
- Buy in Bulk: If you find a great deal on a product that has a long shelf life, such as canned goods or frozen food, consider buying in bulk to maximize savings.
Check also: 7 Tips on How to Save on Groceries for the Holidays
Shopping for groceries in South Africa can be a rewarding experience when you know the right times to visit stores. By shopping at the end of the month, mid-week, early mornings or late evenings, during public holidays or post-season events, and taking advantage of loyalty programs or discount stores, you can score amazing deals on marked-down items. By following these tips, you can shop smarter and stretch your budget while enjoying high-quality groceries.
