Welcome to the Oprah Online studio! We are joined this evening by Phil Lempert, author of the "Supermarket Shopping and Value Guide." Phil is often called the Supermarket Guru because of his uncanny ability to identify and explain current trends and what they mean. You may know him from today's Oprah show "Supermarket Secrets."
Are you and your family buying a lot of baloney when you shop today? How do you judge a product - by it's cover, it's ingredients, it's advertising? Phil Lempert equips you with the tools you need to save money as you wheel your cart through the store. He'll help you steer clear of the money traps that await you in every isle! Don't take your supermarket for granted; it is a well-oiled selling machine. Phil tells us that 80% of all products are chosen when you are in the store. That's a lot of impulse shopping and also a lot of products competing for your attention.. Arm yourself against the stream of advertising and product teasers that surround you in every market.
Phil Lempert is a Chicago Tribune syndicated columnist and the author of the, "Supermarket Shopping and Value Guide." He presides within the food industry as a highly regarded analyst with an uncanny ability to identify and explain current trends and what they mean. He appears frequently on national television shows to offer expert advice to increase consumer awareness of food trends influenced by evolving lifestyles.
Welcome Phil Lempert!
Question: I was just watching the show and do you know if those self scanners are going to come to Seattle?
LempertP1: As of now they are only being tested in Kroger - but you can expect to see them soon in King Sooper, which is a division of Kroger.
Question: Are generic brands worth the less cost and what grocery store brand do you consider the best buy? Smilk? Yuk.
LempertP1: YES!!!!! By all means but compare ingredients and the nutritional info -- Kroger, Shop Rite, Presidents Choice are all good. (ps. SMILK is good - especially if it gets kids to drink milk! I love the blue one.)
Question: Do you compromise quality when buying generics, or store brands?
LempertP1: Be careful - some store brands are great -some others are cheap versions. Just try them and read that label.
Question: Hi Phil, I missed the show but do places pump subliminal messages into the music in stores?
LempertP1: Not any more, but a couple of years ago there was a company that sent messages "Do not steal" under their music. Hey, and don't forget that famous TV commercial for dog food that emitted a high pitched noise that drew the dogs to the TV and made them bark.
Question: Phil is an old friend...I don't need to chat with him now. I'd like to know where can call him tomorrow - Bill Sobel
LempertP1: Hi Bill - great to hear from you -- and glad to see you are an Oprah watcher. You (and everyone else) can email me at: LempertP1@aol.com.
Question: Hi Phil, do you have a book out??
LempertP1: I will very shortly - it's called Phil Lempert's Supermarket Shopping & Value Guide - and another coming out in September called The Lempert Report: Top Ten Trends For Baby Boomers IN Business.
Question: I would like to know why they put all the things that get smashed at the beginning of the store. I know they make more money on produce. Is that the reason?
LempertP1: Not really - produce sets the stage and atmosphere for the shopping trip - the smells, the colors, the freshness -- it makes us enjoy the trip and spend more -- its only a coincidence that they bruise easy. My suggestion (what I do) is shop produce last!
Question: Is there any REAL significance in a generic product vs. a 'brand' name? Is there a purer ingredient which would make one 'better' than the other?
LempertP1: Generics or private label brands can be the same or even better. Read that ingredient label. For example - jams and jellies - lots of the brand names have sugar or corn syrup as the first ingredient - some of the store brands have fruit. Chocolate chip cookies are also a great example - do they have flour or chocolate as the first ingredient? That'll tell you what is usually the better quality -- then compare the price.
Question: Should you shop after you have had a good meal. I have heard that you should never shop in a supermarket when you are hungry.
LempertP1: NEVER shop when you're hungry, had a bad day, cranky or in a rush. Psychologists have proven that the best time to shop is when your emotions are on an even keel.
Question: Why do the supermarkets make the egg section so darn confusing! It seems as if you need a Ph.D. in eggology to determine which box of eggs is which price.
LempertP1: Wondered where that one consumer with the degree in Eggology was? I agree -- biggest problem seems to be that there is a lack of standardization. Each egg producer wants to do their own thing. I always look for the freshness date or cracking and basically keep my fingers crossed about the rest. PS - always store eggs in the container you buy them in - they will keep the best.
Question: I missed today's show, so can you tell us why is the milk always stored in the back part of the store?
LempertP1: What do you mean you missed Oprah and me? Oh well, I'll tell you anyway! The milk started out in the back as a way to get us to shop the whole store. Today it's much more of a practical matter -- because of the quantity sold, it's better to be near the loading area.
Question: Kroger is a pretty progressive supermarket...they have a web site and stuff...any other "progressive" markets out there worth hearing about?
LempertP1: Kroger is great! Also my favorites are Dominick's in Chicago, Byerly's in MN, Publix in Florida, Gelsons in LA, Vons in LA -- stores are getting better and better all the time.
Question: What are the most common ways stores get consumers to impulse shop?
LempertP1: By putting items on sale in the front of the store, integrating merchandise - for example - displaying strawberries, whipped cream and pastry shells all together. Mostly by giving SAMPLES and coupons.
Question: Are organic products better than non-organic?
LempertP1: Depends on what you are looking for - organics will cost about 20% more (for now) and have no pesticides -- usually that means a purer or truer flavor. If you haven't tried Newman's Organics (developed by Paul Newman's daughter) I'd suggest it -- their pretzels are great.
Question: I recently noticed that the chicken in the butcher's department was cheaper than that in the freezer case. What's the difference?
LempertP1: Probably a different product -- check those labels carefully. 1) Make sure it's not a thawed product 2) Make sure it's not close to the freshness expiring 3) And, if in doubt, ask the butcher.
Question: What are the best buys right now? Especially on items which are "stock-ups"?
LempertP1: Best buys this time of year are holiday products: and a lot more than day old cards and gift wrapping. For example - look for Xmas cookies, Italian Pannetone cakes, fruit cakes (someone must like them) and candies. But check that expiration date - otherwise wrap them in aluminum and freeze them if you will use after the holidays.
Question: I know some people who actually go to several different stores to complete their grocery shopping. Are the savings worth it from one store to another or aren't the savings wasted by going from store to store?
LempertP1: Depends on the distance between stores. I am one of those shoppers myself. I find that by checking the ads I can group purchases and save more $$$$ - but it takes more time in planning up front.
Question: What effect does the music have in a grocery store on the shoppers?
LempertP1: Music, as explained on today's show, can make us buy more, buy less, shop faster, and even feel sexier. There is a science at work here -- if you find it affects your $$$ spent -- might want to wear ear plugs or even bring your own tunes on a walkman.
Question: What about "Price Club" or other member stores...how do they rate next to grocery store savings?
LempertP1: Warehouse clubs are sometimes cheaper than supermarkets but you have to give up a couple of things. First is package size - you may have to buy a larger size. Second is brands - typically these type of stores have the same type of products at all times but the brands might vary from week to week. I have a close friend that only shops there -- I on the other hand hardly ever do. Be careful though that you don't wind up buying lots of large sizes that you need to build another garage to store them in.
Question: What is the best way to find the bargains? I compare all the sale ads weekly, but still wind up paying a lot for basic products?
LempertP1: You are doing the right thing by checking those ads -- but also remember to use coupons. On average, if you keep checking the ads and use coupons you should be able to save 20% over the normal prices. Send me an Email to LempertP1 and I'll send you a copy of my "ultimate shopping list" procedure to try.
Question: What are some of the things to look out for when shopping?
LempertP1: Little kids that are shorter than the cart! LOL
Question: What is some simple things a single person can do to save money?
LempertP1: Shopping for singles is tough but here are some hints. Buy as close to exact portions as possible - you can in the deli, bulk foods dept., meat etc. Don't be fooled by those products that are designed "for one" - they usually cost a lot more than if you bought the regular size and then stored (or even threw out) the rest.
Question: Do grocery stores typically raise prices during double coupon days?
LempertP1: No -- they can't by law. If you are in a city that offers double couponing -- go for it -- it's one of the best ways you can save lots of money.
Question: Why are some grocery stores so expensive compared to others and not necessarily bigger?
LempertP1: Stores mark up their prices based on their overhead. For example, do they have lots of employees to help you? Also important is their 'buying' power - if a chain has 500 stores they will pay less than a chain of 100.
Question: I clip coupons and it seems to take forever to get and keep things organized. Any suggestions?
LempertP1: Sure, first let me tell you that clipping is the hardest part! So congrats. What I do is to file them by product category. Then I put them in the order of the highest value first, that way I use those first. Next I put them in the order that I shop the store - most stores will give you a layout of the store at the courtesy desk. You should email me also and ask for a free copy of my ultimate shopping list - it'll help.
Question: I own a Shop and Stop what is the best produce to buy?
LempertP1: Produce is a very personal choice - depends on where your store is and what your area demographics are. For example, if you are in a "yuppieville" type of area, you want to go for exotics (call Fredas Finest in LA). If in an Italian ethnic area - go and checkout what the local markets have. Most importantly -- ASK YOUR SHOPPERS what they are going to other stores to buy.
Question: Are the "ultra" versions of detergents really more economical or is it just a ploy?
LempertP1: That's one that I think only rocket scientists can answer - but I'll offer my thoughts. First, by law, a company can only use the word NEW on a package for 6 months so they are always trying to find words to make us stop and look at their products. The average package only has about 1/17th of a second to attract our attention. There has been true innovation in laundry products though - in environmental issues -- smaller packages, more concentrated etc. If you have a specific question Id suggest you call the 800 number on the package, especially in the case of P&G products. Their customer service reps are great and will tell you the truth!
Question: Is there a time of day or day of the week that is best to shop??
LempertP1: Yes - but it's not that simple - depends on what products. You may find that the store gets deliveries on frozen foods on Mondays, groceries on Wednesdays, and deli every day - ask your manager. Also for me, the checkout is a major motivation and I find that shopping early in the morning I get the brightest, quickest cashiers. Check out the store and ask the manager.
Question: Why don't the healthy foods have fancy wrappers like the junk foods?
LempertP1: They are starting to - just look at Snackwells! But until now, most of the "healthier" foods were developed and made by smaller companies who frankly just couldn't afford the expensive designs - but now - especially with the technologies that are available from desktop computers we can look for that to change.
Question: What are "loss leaders" or something like that? I don't know the exact terminology, but I do know that they encourage impulse buying.
LempertP1: Loss leaders are products that are sold and advertised BELOW COST in order to get us into the store - perfect example is turkeys at Thanksgiving time.
Question: What are the best ways to get coupons, besides the Sunday paper inserts?
LempertP1: Coupons are everywhere - as you mention newspapers - but also check out magazines AND the highest value ones are at in store samplings, at the checkout (on that cash register receipt or Checkout Coupon.)
Question: Is it ok to buy meat in the close out section with the same expiration date?
LempertP1: Be careful - food safety is critical! Look at the meat carefully - no brown edges, smell the package, it should NEVER smell bad, and check the juices -- should have little or none and should not be dark.
Question: Phil, are damaged canned goods, etc. ok to buy? Do you recommend that they be bought?
LempertP1: NO WAY - never buy a dented can or one that has rust on it - these are breeding areas for harmful bacteria that will make you ill.
Question: Why can't we be told the truth about ingredients and fat content...we are adults and we can make our own decisions.
LempertP1: I agree - in fact I have said that I can retire when we all can read the labels. Companies are always trying to get our attention - unfortunately at times they think stretching the truth is the way. THEY FORGET WE HAVE TO EAT THIS STUFF. There is so much data out there now that is released before proper testing that it's hard for us (kids and adults) to know what's right or not - best way is through
reading and watching. Best sources [plug, plug] Oprah, my syndicated newspaper column - Chicago Tribune and elsewhere - and my chat every Wednesday night on AOL - Keyword is COL at 8pm EST.
Thanks all! I had a great time.
Thanks so much for joining us tonight! We hope you've learned some money saving tips here today Phil Lempert's book is called the "Supermarket Shopping and Value Guide." For more information on how to get the book you can email: VSMP1@aol.com, and/or send your questions to Phil at: LempertP1@aol.com. Thanks so much to Phil for joining us tonight! Happy shopping everyone!
