Friday Frugalista: Publix Shopping Tips

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This week’s spotlight is on savvy grocery shopping at Publix. Their regular prices are not going to be the lowest, but Publix’s BOGO sale prices are extremely competitive. They carry some of the best quality produce and meat in Atlanta, and Publix coupon policies are the best around!

Remember, in Georgia you don’t have to buy two of the BOGO items to get the discounted pricing.  They will each ring up half price. Publix will issue rain checks for any sale items not in stock. Don’t forget to read up on my recent post about understanding grocery sales before you head to the store!  Whether you’re a Publix newbie or even a long time loyal customer, there are a few things to keep in mind to get the best deals while shopping there.

  1. Ecoupons: You can gain extra savings by using ecoupons at Publix. Publix Digital CouponsThese can be accessed from Publix’s website (or mobile app). Simply enter your telephone number before paying, and your saved ecoupons will be applied to your total. Don’t forget to use digital rebate offers like Upromise, Ibotta, and Checkout 51 at Publix for even more savings! (See my post on digital coupons for more info on those offers!)
  2. Doubling Coupons: Atlanta area Publix stores will double all manufacturer coupons worth 50 cents or less. Suddenly that 50 cent coupon is worth a dollar off your shopping trip! Love it!
  3. Competitor Coupons: Ask customer service for the list of which stores your Publix considers to be competitors. This is usually a list of the other grocery stores in the area.  Some locations even consider Target to be a competitor! If you have a store coupon from one of your Publix’s competitors, they will accept it!
  4. Stacking Coupons: Publix allows you to “stack” coupons, which means you may use one store OR competitor coupon in addition to a manufacturer coupon on a single item. This is going to make that item very cheap, or even free!Publix Coupon Mailer
  5. Mailers: Make sure you have updated your current address information on Publix’s website.  They send really great coupons in the mail! Recently, I have received $5 off $40 purchase coupons in the mail very regularly.  These are awesome because you can stack them with manufacturer coupons for double savings! Also, definitely sign up to receive the Grape magazine in the mail, which features additional coupons. They do offer these in store, but those editions have less coupons than the mailed copies. Baby Club and Pet Club both contain great coupons that are useful even if you don’t have a baby or pet.  Register for those too!
  6. In Store Coupons: Don’t forget to visit the display in front of the store before walking in.  Pick up a yellow Advantage Buy flyer (food/household item coupons) and a green Advantage Buy flyer (health/beauty coupons).  Customer Service often carries additional coupon pamphlets they don’t put on display, so be sure to ask for them.Publix Coupon Pamphlets

Another Publix specialty… they feature a penny item each week. These come out usually on Thursdays, but for some Atlanta area locations it could be on Wednesdays (first day of the new ad).  Technically, you’re supposed to present the coupon from that day’s AJC in order to get the penny item for one cent.  Sometimes they will require the coupon, and sometimes the cashiers will let you get it without the coupon.

There’s clearly a lot to love about Publix, but just a couple more things… They make fresh cookies in the bakery each day specifically to give out to kids. We always stop by the bakery because my kids really look forward to their Publix treat!  The cashiers will often hand out stickers to the kids, which is another big hit with my little ones.  Publix is well known for having outstanding guest service, and moms can particularly appreciate that their grocery baggers always offer to assist customers in getting their groceries loaded into their cars.

About Author

Megan has a 3.5 year old son, Holden, an angel baby, and a one year old daughter, Hadley, and she is a high school and college level math teacher. Megan has been both a donor milk recipient/formula user as well as a milk donor/exclusive breastfeeder. She enjoys co-sleeping and babywearing, and she leans towards attachment parenting.

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