Why I usually don't store hop, and why sometimes I do.

Many people will tell you that the trick to saving money is shopping around, checking sale ads and going to the store with the best price. That just doesn't work for me. I shop at WalMart. Yes, I know it's the devil of the mass merchandising giants, but their slogan is right on the money... Save Money. Live Better. And Sam Walton and I were born in the same town, so I figure I get a bye on the karma.

Why WalMart?
1. When I've price compared, 9 times out of 10, they're cheaper. When their not, it usually isn't much different so if I factor in the gas and time, its not really worth it.
2. They price match competitor ads. So if it's on sale elsewhere, I can get it at the same price at WalMart and not have to go all the way to another store.
3. This is likely unique to my situation, but I do my grocery shopping at night, late at night when other stores are closed. If you're self conscience about holding up a line because you want to price match a competitor ad or have a stack of coupons, go after the kids are in bed. Your hubby can hold down the fort. When you get home put away only perishable stuff and save the rest for morning. Other benefits... This is when they're restocking and trust me, these are folks who know where stuff is so no more wild goose chases. Also, the isles are fairly empty so I don't feel bad flipping through my coupons if I see a good deal.

When to store hop?
1. When WalMart doesn't carry what I want (duh). I am brand loyal to some products that WalMart just doesn't carry so I have to get them elsewhere. When this is the case, I watch for a sale and stock up so I don't have to make a special trip each week.
2. When I have a store coupon that makes the item cheaper than what I can get at WalMart. Target and Walgreen's both offer a lot of store coupons. Sometimes on specific products and sometimes in the form of register rewards - those little tickets that print at the register for $X off your next purchase. WalMart won't match or honor these coupons. Even better, you can combine the store coupon with manufacturer coupons for even more savings.
3. When I can double my coupons for a significant savings over WalMart. In St. Louis, Schnucks and Dierbergs double coupons up to $0.40. The extra trip doesn't make sense if I'm buying one thing, even if the coupon is doubled. So, I wait until I'm stocking up on several things with coupons under $0.40 and go then. Periodically, Kmart doubles coupons up to $2.00. This is the time to stock up on lots of stuff, especially toiletries. Often items are free after the Kmart double.