OT - Grocery Shopping….. How I do it.

Mark_B_Good

GrateEggspectations said:

Recent comments I read elsewhere about grocery shopping got me thinking about the various ways in which one can conduct this activity. I often think deep, deep thoughts about this, because my process differs wildly from that of my wife. 

For me, this is the recipe for success:

i) Keep a running list, at all times, of items that I have just run out of or am in short supply of, including stocks of pantry backups to in-use products. (When I head out shopping five days from tonight, I won’t remember that in making tonight’s stir fry, I finished the oyster sauce. This one is good for those with deficient memories. Keeping a list will also mean that I won’t be making as many impulse buys once in the store.)
ii) Consider any recipes I plan on making and add those supplementary ingredients to my running list.

iii) Prior to heading to the store, check my fridge and pantry to gauge stock of staples that are essential (e.g., eggs, milk, etc. Staples are just my individual preference as dictated by repeated consumption patterns.)
iv) Identify the store most likely to stock all of the ingredients on my list and seek its opening hours if not already known. (Reason detailed in step “vi”.)

…Now this next step is absolutely crucial for minimizing my time within the store…

v) Still prior to heading to the store, organize the grocery items on my list according to my trajectory through the store. (Obviously, to do so, I must be well-acquainted with the layout of the store I will be visiting. Bonus points if I can route my trip down the aisles such that I hit up the cold and frozen items last. Note that Costco employs powerful and effective countermeasures to this step by re-arranging the placement of their products, thereby thwarting efficiency and generating the potential for impulse buys.)

…And the only in-store step…

vi) Shop at my chosen store, right at opening if possible. (I get parking closer to the door. All carts will be available. Shelves will be more well-stocked. Produce will be topped up. Equipped with my list, I will not need to think. There will be fewer people in the aisles and at the registers, which renders me safer and more efficient than were I to go into a crowded store. With less people there, I will be more likely to get the privilege of being served by a real human cashier, who can scan my items more quickly and with less technical difficulties than were I to use a self-serve station, for which help from staff would invariably be needed. Because I have taken step “v” above, I will be first at the cash as well.)

How do you like to get the job done?

I do the same, but here's the kicker ...

I use a task app on my phone, to create the checklists.
As I check things off, they don't delete, they just get a strikethrough and move off the active list to underneath it (I use an app on my phone called Tasks).

The cool thing about that, is I have a completely checked grocery list on my phone ... so as I do my inventory, or I need something, I just uncheck an item I need, and it goes back onto my "active list"

The other cool thing about it, is the list is organized top to bottom by the items as I find them navigating my path through the grocery store. So, as I uncheck them, they go into the correct order on the list according to my path.

Therefore, once you setup the list the first time around ... it's done, saves a ton of time.

ColbyLang

wife and I use joined app for calendar and grocery lists. Costco/Sams needs get added to wholesale. There’s a category for Walmart/Target as well. It updates regularly or when you open the app. Calendar function handy for kids events, appointments, whatever. It’s called Cozi 

buzd504

Ozzie_Isaac said:

caliking said:

This is a good time to discuss whether it should be "dildos" or "dildoes"...

Dildii

dildae

Botch

dildus, dilda, dildum 

northGAcock

I apply a Similar approach. I use a list app that allows be to build store layouts by store. I don’t do the early morning thing though…..

GrateEggspectations

@northGAcock: Are you saying that you yourself map out the store’s floor plan? That sounds intensive. 

Legume

GrateEggspectations said:

@northGAcock: Are you saying that you yourself map out the store’s floor plan? That sounds intensive. 

Um.  

Never mind.

GrateEggspectations

Legume said:

GrateEggspectations said:

@northGAcock: Are you saying that you yourself map out the store’s floor plan? That sounds intensive. 

Um.  

Never mind.

If he was joking, I’ll have you know that I find it very hard to read sarcasm in written form. And also, I can be dense at times. 

Ozzie_Isaac

Mark_B_Good said:

GrateEggspectations said:

Recent comments I read elsewhere about grocery shopping got me thinking about the various ways in which one can conduct this activity. I often think deep, deep thoughts about this, because my process differs wildly from that of my wife. 

For me, this is the recipe for success:

i) Keep a running list, at all times, of items that I have just run out of or am in short supply of, including stocks of pantry backups to in-use products. (When I head out shopping five days from tonight, I won’t remember that in making tonight’s stir fry, I finished the oyster sauce. This one is good for those with deficient memories. Keeping a list will also mean that I won’t be making as many impulse buys once in the store.)
ii) Consider any recipes I plan on making and add those supplementary ingredients to my running list.

iii) Prior to heading to the store, check my fridge and pantry to gauge stock of staples that are essential (e.g., eggs, milk, etc. Staples are just my individual preference as dictated by repeated consumption patterns.)
iv) Identify the store most likely to stock all of the ingredients on my list and seek its opening hours if not already known. (Reason detailed in step “vi”.)

…Now this next step is absolutely crucial for minimizing my time within the store…

v) Still prior to heading to the store, organize the grocery items on my list according to my trajectory through the store. (Obviously, to do so, I must be well-acquainted with the layout of the store I will be visiting. Bonus points if I can route my trip down the aisles such that I hit up the cold and frozen items last. Note that Costco employs powerful and effective countermeasures to this step by re-arranging the placement of their products, thereby thwarting efficiency and generating the potential for impulse buys.)

…And the only in-store step…

vi) Shop at my chosen store, right at opening if possible. (I get parking closer to the door. All carts will be available. Shelves will be more well-stocked. Produce will be topped up. Equipped with my list, I will not need to think. There will be fewer people in the aisles and at the registers, which renders me safer and more efficient than were I to go into a crowded store. With less people there, I will be more likely to get the privilege of being served by a real human cashier, who can scan my items more quickly and with less technical difficulties than were I to use a self-serve station, for which help from staff would invariably be needed. Because I have taken step “v” above, I will be first at the cash as well.)

How do you like to get the job done?

I do the same, but here's the kicker ...

I use a task app on my phone, to create the checklists.
As I check things off, they don't delete, they just get a strikethrough and move off the active list to underneath it (I use an app on my phone called Tasks).

The cool thing about that, is I have a completely checked grocery list on my phone ... so as I do my inventory, or I need something, I just uncheck an item I need, and it goes back onto my "active list"

The other cool thing about it, is the list is organized top to bottom by the items as I find them navigating my path through the grocery store. So, as I uncheck them, they go into the correct order on the list according to my path.

Therefore, once you setup the list the first time around ... it's done, saves a ton of time.

So I keep repeating my same meandering inefficient way every time?  My shopping looks like a Family Circus comic.

Legume

GrateEggspectations said:

Legume said:

GrateEggspectations said:

@northGAcock: Are you saying that you yourself map out the store’s floor plan? That sounds intensive. 

Um.  

Never mind.

If he was joking, I’ll have you know that I find it very hard to read sarcasm in written form. And also, I can be dense at times. 

To me, your methodology is intensive. I thought  it was funny to read your reaction.  Pot calling the kettle black kinda thing.

GrateEggspectations

Legume said:

GrateEggspectations said:

Legume said:

GrateEggspectations said:

@northGAcock: Are you saying that you yourself map out the store’s floor plan? That sounds intensive. 

Um.  

Never mind.

If he was joking, I’ll have you know that I find it very hard to read sarcasm in written form. And also, I can be dense at times. 

To me, your methodology is intensive. I thought  it was funny to read your reaction.  Pot calling the kettle black kinda thing.

Actually, my process seems laborious, but for me, it’s intuitive. It isn’t complicated for me because it was came about organically as a function of the efficiencies I found as I developed a shopping rhythm - it just likely doesn’t sound that way Kind of a tongue in cheek sort of a deal. I don’t go through this list every time; it is inborn, and I had to write it out to express it.

You mentioned a Kroger app, which surprised me, as I would have thought you’d simply go into any store and head straight for the kidney beans, chickpeas, Lima beans, peanuts, etc. 

sumoconnell

I'm lucky enough to live close to a large HEB, no planning needed. I say lucky since it wasn't there when we moved in, and we aren't look ahead planners. 

fishlessman

grid paper and a ticonderoga #2 soft. i may be the last one after reading all these posts

bradleya123

Use an app on the phone so when something needs replaced I'll put it on the list, early shopping here doesn't do you any good, produce & meat won't be stocked properly until like 10AM.

northGAcock

GrateEggspectations said:

@northGAcock: Are you saying that you yourself map out the store’s floor plan? That sounds intensive. 

Not at all. I order categories like produce, frozen, meat etc. so if you can order the categories for say Publix and another for Kroger. I ain’t got the time nor interest to do so at an item level. 

northGAcock

Legume said:

GrateEggspectations said:

@northGAcock: Are you saying that you yourself map out the store’s floor plan? That sounds intensive. 

Um.  

Never mind.

No….category order only. Crazy but not that crazy. 

Foghorn

sumoconnell said:

I'm lucky enough to live close to a large HEB, no planning needed. I say lucky since it wasn't there when we moved in, and we aren't look ahead planners. 

This.  I wander in and go to the left.  I get whatever produce I need.  I head toward the back of the store and see Kelly in the butcher shop and ask if he has any special deals.  Then I turn right and maybe pick up some cheese - maybe not depending on the situation - and go talk to Brian who is the beer/wine manager.  He's a really smart guy with a degree in applied mathematics from Johns Hopkins.  He uses it to analyze data on beer and wine pricing and how it drives customers to come in the store.  They don't use wines as "loss leaders" any more because he found that those who come in to buy the pretty good wine that they would sell for $10 would typically only pick up a few items that were also on sale.

Once I'm done with that, I look at the list of items on my phone to see what else I need and wander inefficiently around the store to get them before I wander through the BBQ/charcoal aisle on the way to the cash register.  That usually (not always) gets me to think about making a quick turn at the end of the aisle to pick up some flowers to take home.  

When you have a store that you like - that is like a small town main street with specialty shops (OK, I know I'm exaggerating here) with people with expertise - maximizing efficiency becomes less important.

I've never liked a grocery store before.  But I like my HEB.

fishlessman

i always enter on the right side next to the tanning salon, its not the main entrance butt.....

Mark_B_Good

Ozzie_Isaac said:

Mark_B_Good said:

GrateEggspectations said:

Recent comments I read elsewhere about grocery shopping got me thinking about the various ways in which one can conduct this activity. I often think deep, deep thoughts about this, because my process differs wildly from that of my wife. 

For me, this is the recipe for success:

i) Keep a running list, at all times, of items that I have just run out of or am in short supply of, including stocks of pantry backups to in-use products. (When I head out shopping five days from tonight, I won’t remember that in making tonight’s stir fry, I finished the oyster sauce. This one is good for those with deficient memories. Keeping a list will also mean that I won’t be making as many impulse buys once in the store.)
ii) Consider any recipes I plan on making and add those supplementary ingredients to my running list.

iii) Prior to heading to the store, check my fridge and pantry to gauge stock of staples that are essential (e.g., eggs, milk, etc. Staples are just my individual preference as dictated by repeated consumption patterns.)
iv) Identify the store most likely to stock all of the ingredients on my list and seek its opening hours if not already known. (Reason detailed in step “vi”.)

…Now this next step is absolutely crucial for minimizing my time within the store…

v) Still prior to heading to the store, organize the grocery items on my list according to my trajectory through the store. (Obviously, to do so, I must be well-acquainted with the layout of the store I will be visiting. Bonus points if I can route my trip down the aisles such that I hit up the cold and frozen items last. Note that Costco employs powerful and effective countermeasures to this step by re-arranging the placement of their products, thereby thwarting efficiency and generating the potential for impulse buys.)

…And the only in-store step…

vi) Shop at my chosen store, right at opening if possible. (I get parking closer to the door. All carts will be available. Shelves will be more well-stocked. Produce will be topped up. Equipped with my list, I will not need to think. There will be fewer people in the aisles and at the registers, which renders me safer and more efficient than were I to go into a crowded store. With less people there, I will be more likely to get the privilege of being served by a real human cashier, who can scan my items more quickly and with less technical difficulties than were I to use a self-serve station, for which help from staff would invariably be needed. Because I have taken step “v” above, I will be first at the cash as well.)

How do you like to get the job done?

I do the same, but here's the kicker ...

I use a task app on my phone, to create the checklists.
As I check things off, they don't delete, they just get a strikethrough and move off the active list to underneath it (I use an app on my phone called Tasks).

The cool thing about that, is I have a completely checked grocery list on my phone ... so as I do my inventory, or I need something, I just uncheck an item I need, and it goes back onto my "active list"

The other cool thing about it, is the list is organized top to bottom by the items as I find them navigating my path through the grocery store. So, as I uncheck them, they go into the correct order on the list according to my path.

Therefore, once you setup the list the first time around ... it's done, saves a ton of time.

So I keep repeating my same meandering inefficient way every time?  My shopping looks like a Family Circus comic.

There is a huge difference between having a plan and execution of that plan. Once I hit the chips and candy isle, what do you think happens to that little 'ol list of mine?

Legume

GrateEggspectations said:

Legume said:

GrateEggspectations said:

Legume said:

GrateEggspectations said:

@northGAcock: Are you saying that you yourself map out the store’s floor plan? That sounds intensive. 

Um.  

Never mind.

If he was joking, I’ll have you know that I find it very hard to read sarcasm in written form. And also, I can be dense at times. 

To me, your methodology is intensive. I thought  it was funny to read your reaction.  Pot calling the kettle black kinda thing.

Actually, my process seems laborious, but for me, it’s intuitive. It isn’t complicated for me because it was came about organically as a function of the efficiencies I found as I developed a shopping rhythm - it just likely doesn’t sound that way Kind of a tongue in cheek sort of a deal. I don’t go through this list every time; it is inborn, and I had to write it out to express it.

You mentioned a Kroger app, which surprised me, as I would have thought you’d simply go into any store and head straight for the kidney beans, chickpeas, Lima beans, peanuts, etc. 

Kroger app was a dildo/gun joke, I assume there is one, but I don’t have it.  

Wife orders online from the local flavor of Kroger.  Avoids things we can’t rely on them to pick out like avocados. We don’t meal plan for the week.  We replace staples and anything that we may need for the coming week or two, e.g. cold weather shopping and hot weather shopping can look different.  We don’t have a shopping schedule, but it’s typically driven by running out of fresh fruit and veg.  We try to stay out of the big supermarket for big shopping because there are too many people breathing in a small space and it’s more frustrating than walking in an airport during spring break.  When we lived in Austin (pre Covid), the best times to shop were during UT games and Dallas Cowboys games, HEB was an absolute ghost town.  We will run to the supermarket for an ingredient or two and we do go into Trader Joe’s, Costco and occasionally Whole Foods when we want something specific to Whole Foods (not that often).  We make a rough list of what we want and augment on the fly with what we see that appeals to us. We’re pretty good about eating leftovers and keeping the local taco and Thai places in business as well.  The casual, barely organized approach works well for us, but we all have our preferences.

dstearn

1) My lovely wife gives me the list.
2) I enter the items in Fry’s shopping app.
3) When my order is ready I drive to the store for curbside pickup.
4) For larger primal meat cuts I order from Creekstone or SRF.

caliking

Legume said:

 ...
When we lived in Austin (pre Covid), the best times to shop were during UT games and Dallas Cowboys games, HEB was an absolute ghost town.  ...

Absolutely true. Sunday morning is the best time to shop Costco. Everyone is at church.

JohnInCarolina

Legume

Ozzie_Isaac

Tries shopping during the NFL Playoff game.  It was still busy.  Also put of Pillsbury Cinnamon rolls, tostitos, and Ramen.