4 Dastardly Ways Grocery Stores Rip You Off

Why is it that when you open your refrigerator you have four kinds of mustard but nothing to eat?

Here are four dastardly ways a typical supermarket rips you off (and four reasons we're no ordinary grocery store):

1. Amazing Mazes.

Major supermarkets are designed so you shell out cash. Have you noticed the essentials are tucked away? That movement is slowed thanks to traffic-bottleneck displays? And what about those little clicking tiles under your cart in the fancy markets...? They're there so you unconciously think you're moving faster than you really are... And once you slow down you'll fill up that cart.

Obviously: there are no mazes in George Bowers. Heck, we're so tiny we only have one "aisle"! We don't need to trick you with mazes. We just want to a-maze you!

2. Big Carts = Big Spending.

The Big Stores offer Big Carts. That's because it makes it feel like you're not really buying "that much".

By contrast, we'd prefer you buy only what you can carry home. This way you buy it fresher. And hey, you don't need to carry anything around our store. We hold it for you on the counter. Service!

3. Multiple Unit Purchasing Isn't Always Cheaper

Beware the signs that scream "5 for $5.99!" — particularly if they hide the word "each". Marketers are onto the idea that people don't always read the per unit pricing. And they aren't about to stop using that trick...

George can't stand this sleight-of-hand! We watch what is rung up versus what is advertised like a hawk. And we know you do, too.

4. Muzak

That soothing Barry Manilow you hear at the other stores feels familiar. It is. It was the same music you heard last time you were spending a lot of unnecessary money.

By contrast, we listen to 94.3FM (the radio station down the street). The reception crackles. But hey, we like it. We aren't aiming to aurally seduce you.

Here are four tried-and-true ways to get the best grocery value no matter where you shop (though, obviously, we'd prefer if you shopped at George Bowers):

1. Make a list, and stick to it.

2. Make sure the price advertised is the price you pay.

3. Don't shop when you're hungry.

4. Read manufacturer's coupons very carefully.

Happy shopping!