Short Pump/West Enders where do you shop for groceries?

S<3J

Hello!

We're moving to Short Pump in a few months (think the address is technically Glen Allen, but you get the picture lol) and I am trying to bargain grocery shop. Now I love Ukrop's, and will be so happy to have one near me again...but that's not the way to save money I don't think.  So which store do you shop at with so many to choose from and if you don't mind sharing how do you cut cost? I feel like our grocery bill is higher than it should be.

luv2smile06uva

I'm in Short Pump (technically the Glen Allen side). Two words: Trader Joes..not sure if you have ever herad of TJs, but once you go, you will be addicted Ok, well you probably can't do all your shopping there (I know I can't), but it is a great and cheap speciality store. And if you drink wine...two buck chuck is awesome.

We also have a Whole Foods now, but that is even more expensive than Ukrops. 

For normal, everyday shopping, we go to Kroger and try to hit Trader Joes once a month.  If I need something fast, I'll run into Food Lion because I live right next to one. 

Also, Tom Leonards is a good market to get good fresh veggies and meat.

 

ChrstmasBride

I live right at Short Pump. I do a lot of my basic grocery shopping at Food Lion or Walmart. I also love Trader Joes...they have great deals. I buy a lot of fresh fruits and veggies at Tom Leondard's and if I need something special I go to Whole Foods. Whole Foods is also a fun place to go for lunch because their hot bar is amazing!

2beJCrews

Honestly it depends on my mood and what I need.  The great thing about the West End is that there are so many options. 

If I need to do a mix of shopping we are at Wal Mart, but I can not stand the crowds and madness.  So I go to Ukrops mainly or Kroger some if just getting groceries. 

I guess I don't really hit up multiple stores though although there is the option, I just don't have the time.

 If your grocery bill is high, maybe you should try planning out your meals more and go cheaper on what you buy.  I have also become a big fan of the Sunday paper to cut coupons.  

evitawylie

Ditto Trader Joe's.  We used to shop exclusively at Ukrops, but their prices are too high.  We do a combination of Trader Joe's, Ukrops, Target (non-perishables) and Tom Leonard's.

missmeliss80

We just began to try and cut back on the grocery bill (read goodbye Trader Joes, Whole Foods and Fresh Market). Walmart and Food Lion have become our best friends and then if you have a big enough freezer- Sams/Costco/BJ's. 

We have started to buy chicken and other staples in bulk. It seems to be working, for now. 

Mrs.MLT

TJ's and Whole Foods.

S<3J

Looks like a lot of people go to Trader Joes! I am excited to go there, have never been actually. So I will definitely check it out..just wanted to say thank you everyone for all the great suggestions!

S<3J

Missmeliss..that's true about Sams Club/Costco..so far we've tried buying hamburger and chicken there and it's worked out really well. I haven't had to buy either in weeks. I bought it and froze it in separate bags (the hamburger) and dated them so I'd know when I got them. Only thing I forgot to write on them was about how much it was..lolol..but we figured that out.

Allison Bryant

Food Lion is not the prettiest and doesn't have all the perks of the fancier places but it's the cheapest. They also mark down their meat a lot and if you are going to freeze it anyway like I do then why not get the manager's special. Also there is good ol' Walmart but that is always so busy you don't want to go near there.