GROCERIES can be expensive – but a slight tweak to your shopping times can save you a fortune.
An expert has revealed that you can bag savings of up to 90 per cent by showing up at the perfect moment.
David Holmes, CEO of WhatPrice.co.uk , has revealed the exact time that coveted yellow stickers appear at Britain’s biggest supermarkets.
He explained each store has its own strict schedule for marking down items near their sell-by dates.
The biggest reductions happen during specific windows when managers need to clear stock fast, usually late afternoon or early evening.
He said: “Most people spot yellow stickers while shopping, but hardly anyone knows there’s a science to when they appear.
“Knowing exactly when to visit each supermarket could save families hundreds of pounds on their grocery bills .”
TESCO
Tesco starts with small markdowns from 8am.
The real savings of up to 90 per cent don’t happen until around 7pm at larger stores and 4pm at Express branches.
David commented: “Tesco uses a step-by-step system throughout trading hours.
“Morning discounts might only be 20-30 per cent off, but evening reductions can reach 90 per cent on fresh items that would otherwise be thrown away.”
SAINSBURY’S
Sainsbury’s yellow sticker routine looks completely different.
Their first price cuts appear around 1pm but don’t expect much of a discount then.
The best deals arrive after 7pm when prices can drop by up to 75 per cent.
ASDA
Asda shoppers should aim for 7pm.
David shared: “Asda does one big round of reductions in the evening instead of smaller markdowns throughout the day.
“You can find fresh food suddenly cut by 50-70 per cent if you turn up at the right time.”
MORRISONS
Morrisons beats most rivals to the punch, with the first yellow stickers appearing around midday.
Shoppers get the biggest price cuts between 5pm and 7pm when staff make final reductions.
David commented: “The fresh food counters at Morrisons are gold mines for yellow stickers. “The fish, meat, and deli sections can see huge reductions in the evening.”
ALDI AND LIDL
Aldi and Lidl break all the rules compared to traditional supermarkets.
These discount chains put out their red-sticker reductions (their version of yellow stickers) first thing in the morning, with Aldi starting at 8am and Lidl even earlier at 7am.
David pointed out: “The discount supermarkets work completely differently.
“Their products already sell quickly because of the low prices, so they reduce items at the start of the day rather than the end.”
WAITROSE
Waitrose begins markdowns around 2pm, with final yellow stickers appearing from 6pm onwards with discounts up to 80 per cent.
CO-OP
Co-op stores vary widely depending on location, but most make their final reductions in the hour before closing.
WhatPrice.co.uk’s CEO added: “Sunday evenings are absolute prime time for bargain hunters.
“With shorter trading hours and no deliveries the next day, stores are desperate to clear perishable stock.
“Staff putting out yellow stickers often face swarms of eager customers. Being patient and polite makes their job easier and creates a better atmosphere for all.
“While yellow sticker bargains can slash your food bill, you should only buy what you’ll use.
“The biggest saving comes from not wasting food. Only buy reduced items you’ll eat or freeze before they expire.”
How to save money on your supermarket shop
THERE are plenty of ways to save on your grocery shop.
You can look out for yellow or red stickers on products, which show when they’ve been reduced.
If the food is fresh, you’ll have to eat it quickly or freeze it for another time.
Making a list should also save you money, as you’ll be less likely to make any rash purchases when you get to the supermarket.
Going own brand can be one easy way to save hundreds of pounds a year on your food bills too.
This means ditching “finest” or “luxury” products and instead going for “own” or value” type of lines.
Plenty of supermarkets run wonky veg and fruit schemes where you can get cheap prices if they’re misshapen or imperfect.
For example, Lidl runs its Waste Not scheme, offering boxes of 5kg of fruit and vegetables for just £1.50.
If you’re on a low income and a parent, you may be able to get up to £442 a year in Healthy Start vouchers to use at the supermarket too.
Plus, many councils offer supermarket vouchers as part of the Household Support Fund.
