The 3-Store Rule: How To Split Your Shopping Among Costco, Walmart and Dollar Tree
Thanks to inflation and recent tariffs, a simple run to the grocery store feels more expensive than ever before. This is especially true for consumers who are in a hurry and feel forced to one-stop-shop at one location, leaving themselves at the mercy of a single grocery store’s pricing.
Kyle James of Consumer Affairs says the “3-Store Rule,” which divides your shopping across multiple stores based on low prices, can help you save a shocking amount at checkout time.
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The three-store rule is rather simple: It's a division among three grocery locations -- in this case, the common retailers Costco, Walmart and Dollar Tree -- in which you shop for specific items at each store based on that location’s particular deals and specialties. This works because not all stores are designed, stocked or priced the same; as a result, the three-store rule allows you to assign shopping categories to the store that has the best prices for individual product types.
“By combining the strengths of each (store)," James said, "shoppers can capture the lowest prices across their entire grocery list. And in a time when food costs remain a major concern for many households, a smarter shopping strategy can make a noticeable difference and can easily save you hundreds of dollars per year.”
Store 1: Bulk and High-Quality Items (Costco)
When to shop: Monthly
The massive warehouse chain Costco allows members to buy bulk products at highly reduced per-unit prices. This is where you should shop for items that don’t expire fast and that you’ll use every week. Household essentials (bath soap, detergent and trash bags), frozen foods, pantry items (such as cooking oils, rice and pasta), toilet paper, paper towels, meat, poultry and seafood should all be purchased at Costco. Doing so will allow you to save on bulk items you’re always sure to buy.
Store 2: Everyday Items Not Needed in Bulk (Walmart)
When to shop: Weekly
Walmart's competitive pricing makes it an excellent secondary store – a place you stop for groceries you regularly purchase but never need in bulk. Essentially, it’s a place to fill some of your shopping gaps between bulk Costco buys. Here you can buy the things you need for the week: produce, eggs, dairy products, low-priced name-brand groceries, snacks and assorted personal care items.
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Store 3: When Brand Names Don’t Matter (Dollar Tree)
When to shop: As needed
For products you might use only once (such as party supplies), or for smaller groceries that don’t require a brand name or preference (such as low-level cleaning supplies, condiments, spices and smaller snack items), Dollar Tree is the perfect place to pick up off-brand products for exceptionally cheap prices.
“Having a set schedule with multiple shops has given us more discipline and flexibility in our weekly shops,” food blogger Taylor Kocher wrote for The Kitchn, about her version of the 3-store rule (she prefers to hit all three stores in the same week). “All things considered, we’ve been able to curb our spending to $70 for the larger trip, and $30 to $40 for those smaller trips — combined. That adds up to at least $90 a week.”
Even if you find yourself at the mercy of an extremely busy schedule, the three-store rule can still be a lifesaver. Not only does it allow you to save money; by reducing your wasted food, lowering your average cost per item and eliminating a great deal of decision fatigue during shopping, it allows you to stress less.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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