RVA Deals

Check out this week’s top picks for deals on meat, produce, staples, and more. And find out what losing Ukrop’s would mean for grocery prices.

July 22, 2009; 6:00 AM • by Alison Brown

Listening to last week’s stories about Richmond grocery icon Ukrop’s being for sale, I immediately thought “What would losing Ukrop’s mean for grocery prices?”

Very little, in my non-expert opinion.

Even though recent promotions like One Day Deals and double coupon Wednesdays have shown some progress towards lower sale prices, Ukrop’s reputation is not built on price-competitiveness. It isn’t the store putting downward pressure on prices, like Kroger, Food Lion, or Walmart. Instead, Ukrop’s has traditionally positioned itself as the “high-quality products and customer service” game in town… with the occasional good sale.

Any outcome, except for closing or being bought by a chain already in Richmond, would likely have no effect or a downward effect on grocery prices. If Ukrop’s were bought by Harris Teeter, as some rumors suggest, the coupon policy would actually become more favorable – Double coupons up to $.99 every day, and sometimes triple coupons up to $.50! A girl can dream, with apologies to Richmonders distraught at the thought of losing their beloved institution.

(The Kroger Mega Event “Buy 10 participating items, get $5 off” continues this week, so some Top Picks from last week are still on sale.)

Meat Top Pick

With coupon from Ukrop’s Savings Spot kiosk in-store, score Bumble Bee Chunk White Albacore Tuna for $.88/can (limit 10).

Veggie Top Pick

Slice up some Virginia-grown cucumbers, only $.58 each at Ukrop’s.

Fruit Top Pick

Get your blueberries before it’s really too late, $2 for 1 pint at Ukrop’s.

Dairy Top Pick

Smart Balance Spread or Butter Blend is $1.49 with Kroger Mega Event savings (6/21 Red Plum coupon insert also had a “$1 off 2” coupon).

Staples Top Pick

Walgreen’s has $.99 Betty Crocker Au Gratin boxed potatoes this week.

Snacks & Sweets Top Pick

At Kroger, choose between Tostitos chips or 15-oz salsa jars for $1.99 after 10-item Mega sale discount.

Beverages Top Pick

Stay hydrated in the summer heat! Deer Park water 3-liters are just $.49 when bought as part of the Mega Event promotion.

Household Top Pick

Rain+SummerFun=Dirt. Ivory 12-oz body wash or 3-ct bar soap are on sale for $1 at Kroger.

Find more deals by accessing the stores’ weekly ads online:

• Prices valid 7/20-7/27: Kroger, Ukrop’s, Target, Walgreen’s, CVS
• Prices valid 7/22-7/29: Tom Leonard’s, Whole Foods, Fresh Market

Check out more of Alison’s stellar cost-cutting tricks and tips over at Richmond Bargains or follow her on Twitter. Your wallet is sure to thank you.

July 22, 2009 6:00 AM 6