"Dillons, HyVee, and Checkers — I've shopped and compared. See the results." by Shop Talk with Jenn and Julie / LJWorld.com

8 November 2009
at 12:20 a.m.

Larzia (Jake Esau) says…

Just out of curiocity, which Dillons and Hy-Vee did you shop at? There are four Dillons stores and two Hy-Vee stores, some bigger and with a better selection than others.

I just say this because you mentioned the produce section at Checkers, where I'd guess the produce selection at the new Dillons on 6th street is bigger than those of the other Dillons stores in town (same for the Hy-Vee on 6th compared to Clinton Parkway).

8 November 2009
at 12:33 a.m.

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julieanderson (Julie Anderson) says…

I shopped at Dillons on 6th & Wakarusa and HyVee on 6th. Sorry I didn't make that clear.

The produce dept. at Dillons on 6th & Wakarusa is spread out, but I think Checkers has larger variety.

8 November 2009
at 12:59 a.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

Julie,

Those trips are not true comparison shopping trips. Those would involve buying the same products and then comparing the differences.

At better experiment would be to compare the prices of several items that are the same & that you purchase each time & see which one came out the better value. You could even pull items of the receipts you have if you have a few items that are the same that you already purchased and compare those.

8 November 2009
at 1:02 a.m.

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bookemdano (Anonymous) says…

All the best stuff is cheaper at Checkers!

Jingles aside, I too remember being pleasantly surprised the first time I shopped at Checkers. I had never gone in there because it's not close to where I live, and—to be honest it doesn't really “look” like it would be anything special.

Not only is their produce great but so is their meat dept… as good or better than any other grocery store in Lawrence. And you actually spend less money shopping there—go figure!

I'd bet there are people who won't set foot in that place because they think it's the “low-rent” grocery store…their loss.

8 November 2009
at 1:10 a.m.

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thadrosen (Anonymous) says…

Thanks for giving Checkers a chance. They can use all the help they can get. A local grocery store focusing on high volume low pricing. A win win situation for all.

8 November 2009
at 1:11 a.m.

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Pywacket (Anonymous) says…

Checkers' produce rocks! So does their meat selection, prices, and just the general atmosphere.

I like the fact that there is such diversity (in both employees and shoppers) at Checkers, instead of the sea of white, yuppie faces you see at both HyVees and the W. 6th Dillons. I think the diversity is the reason that Checkers carries such a great variety of “ethnic” foods.

And yes—their prices are much better than the others'.

There are two changes I'd love to see Checkers make. First, a salad bar would be wonderful. I like the salad bars at Dillons and HyVee but I don't go to either of those stores that often. If Checkers had a salad bar, I'd hit that thing at least once a week.

Second, it is really time to drop that gimmicky periodic spraying of the produce. Despite what the recorded voice says when the spray starts (seriously intoning that misting the veggies keeps them fresh, etc), getting the vegetables wet just shortens their shelf life. Most of them last longer (and are less likely to grow mold) if they are kept dry and washed right before using. Spraying produce started in the 80s—probably the idea of some marketing wonk. I think most stores dropped it a long time ago, but they still do this at Checkers. Please—if Jim Lewis is reading this, please take it under consideration!

8 November 2009
at 2:52 a.m.

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kcweather1 (Anonymous) says…

Don't forget to use your Lawrence GiveBack card when you shop at Checkers, they will donate 1% of your bill to the charity you designate on the card…

8 November 2009
at 3:11 a.m.

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thadrosen (Anonymous) says…

Katara: “Those trips are not true comparison shopping trips. Those would involve buying the same products and then comparing the differences.”

Whose the negative Nancy now?

8 November 2009
at 5:55 a.m.

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merrill (Anonymous) says…

Here's another eye opener for grocery shoppers.

The Merc is the largest mover of Central Soy Tofu, a good source of protein with good shelf life. The Merc easily does 250 lbs a week when including Firm,Hot Fiesta,Smoked and Herb Garlic….. sometimes 300 lbs a week like this week.

Checkers on the other hand does 125 lbs a week easily. This is THE eye opener. No other “conventional” grocery store comes close. This tofu section is busy.

The place that gives The Merc a run for selling the most Central Soy Tofu weekly is Zen Zero.

Local produce is also something to consider. Checkers and The Merc are big on local produce and other local products. Local produce cannot be matched for freshness,nutrition and quality no way Jose'

Misting produce is important. If one thinks it is too wet shake it off. When one gets home put the produce in a bag,tie at the top and it should stay crisp. In my mind most produce should be purchased weekly.

Checkers is huge on keeping their produce racks clean. Face it Checkers is not built on glamour just smart shopping prices and service. I guess smart prices and service can be glamourous. The aisles are wide = easier travel.

Jim Lewis, the local owner, has a good operation. I first met Jim as he home delivered groceries to an elderly friend/client of ours.

8 November 2009
at 6:06 a.m.

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pissedinlawrence (Anonymous) says…

Hyvee is expensive, we never shop there. Also Hyvee on 6th, the employees seem to always be rude. Dillons is the go to store. When we have a big list we always go to Checkers, its the cheapest in town. (aldi doesn't count because they don't have a good selection)

8 November 2009
at 6:32 a.m.

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davidmcg (Anonymous) says…

We live in McLouth and go to Lawrence once a month to Wal-Mart for various things. While there we buy some grocery items because it is cheaper than up in this area. But we also stop by Aldi's and Checkers. If the writer of this article thinks Checkers is a long drive, where is she coming from? KC? Topeka? Because if she is living in Lawrence and going to Checkers is too far, she must be over pampered. But, Checkers is definitely worth the drive. They are cheaper than Hy-Vee or Dillons ever dreamed of being. Their meat and fruit/vegetable depts. are definitely well stocked and cheaper all around, quality is high. Checkers weekly ad is online. Our trips to Lawrence once a month generally cost us about $150 to get the grocceries and thats for 3 people. The trip is worth it. The rest of our groceries we get in Oskaloosa. Aldi we also love. The chicken, you can buy breasts and leg quarters flash froen in large bags very cheap. The canned goods are high quality, sugar and flour is good and cheap. We never buy their meat or fruits/vegetables, they don't last long. Milk is definitely cheaper there. Plus, they always have some kind of special purchase deals going on that are good. our one wish, they would put an Aldi in North Lawrence or in Oskaloosa. Our trips to Lawrence for groceries always means we have to bring coolers to keep the cold and frozen foods cold, especially in summer months.

8 November 2009
at 7:40 a.m.

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labmonkey (Anonymous) says…

To me, less traffic and congestion along with time saved are worth the extra I would pay going to the store closest to me. Then again, I have a Price Chopper and HyVee real close to me.

If you read my previous posts, you know that I refuse to step into a Wal-Mart for many reasons. I did shop at Target in Lawrence and found them to be much more expensive than HyVee or Dillons. I had a HyVee real close to me where I could pick things up on the way home, and Checkers was WAY out of my way….so again, the convenience was worth the time saved and not having to drive through the traffic cluster(f) that is 23rd street.

8 November 2009
at 7:42 a.m.

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labmonkey (Anonymous) says…

Merrill-

You should check out some studies done recently about men eating soy. It is not the best thing in the world for guys to eat because of estrogen-like hormones. Maybe you would be a little less anal about the cut and paste posts.

8 November 2009
at 8:03 a.m.

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shleppy (Anonymous) says…

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8 November 2009
at 8:04 a.m.

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LarryNative (Anonymous) says…

Checkers has great produce. I found that my bill is cheaper at Checkers because I tend to do much less impulse purchasing at that store. I also buy cheaper cuts of beef because the higher quality meats do not look to great. Trust me, I'll take braised short ribs over tenderloin any day but if I'm planning on tenderloin, rib eye or kc strips, I don't go to Checkers. Hy Vee is the most expensive store.

8 November 2009
at 8:24 a.m.

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nbnozzy (Anonymous) says…

Been shopping for groceries in this town for 30+ years and my opinion is:

HyVee on 6th gives the best customer service. They almost trip over themselves to help me out. Don't know what “pissedinlawrence” is pissed about. I get A1 treatment there.

Dillions has the best meat sales and is the most convienent store for me because of location. Just 2 minutes away from my home.

Checkers has the best everyday low prices and the quality is always good. People know this. That's why I don't go in there on weekends if I don't have to. The place is packed. Shopping in there at 1 or 2am is ideal.

8 November 2009
at 8:28 a.m.

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sweetpea (Anonymous) says…

I vote Checkers for great prices, freshest veges in town and the best meat. They also offer locally raised beef and poultry. Aldi rocks for staple items too.

8 November 2009
at 8:43 a.m.

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alm77 (Anonymous) says…

I'll second davidmcg and say to be prepared to follow up Aldi with Checker's. Especially if you need certain spices. I generally spend around $80-$90 at Aldi and then another $20 at Checkers. (For a family of five) Some weeks I don't have to go to Checkers at all though.

I'm so glad you're doing this! Feels very fair to me, even if you're not buying the exact same things. Most people buy basically the same stuff every week anyway, and have the same grocery budget. It's not like you're going to serve steak every night of the week you shopped at HyVee and bologna sandwiches the week you go someplace else.

8 November 2009
at 8:49 a.m.

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Kash_Encarri (Anonymous) says…

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8 November 2009
at 9:21 a.m.

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slowplay (Anonymous) says…

I like to shop Saturday or Sunday mornings and Checkers is way too crowded. Dillons on 23rd has a great deli with daily sales. Checkers is best for large meat purchases. I stopped going to Hy-Vee as my bill is always higher (regardless of what I purchase). I'll shop Walmart for misc stuff, but again as the only time I have is on the weekends, it's always too busy and I have better use for my time. The Dillons card + manufacturers coupons always result in $10 to $20 savings on a $75.00 purchase.

8 November 2009
at 9:29 a.m.

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inspire (Anonymous) says…

You just can't beat the quality of produce and meat at the Merc. Sorry to say it, but those who say the meat at Checkers is great probably haven't eaten meat from the Merc. There is such a huge difference! The Merc is likely more expensive but I believe the saying, “You can pay the grocer or you can pay the doctor.”

8 November 2009
at 9:38 a.m.

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slowplay (Anonymous) says…

OK inspire, tell me what terrible diseases I am going get if I don't shop at the Merc? I have eaten meat from the Merc. The meat selection is limited, way over priced and sure didn't taste any different.

8 November 2009
at 9:49 a.m.

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AlligatorMama (Anonymous) says…

W 6th street Dillons is now carrying a great variety of gluten free products in their health food section!!! I was really pleased with their gluten free section and the prices! Plus if they don't have something, ask a manager and they will order it for you!!

8 November 2009
at 10:06 a.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

Katara: “Those trips are not true comparison shopping trips. Those would involve buying the same products and then comparing the differences.”

Whose the negative Nancy now?
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sigh.

In order to give all the stores a fair chance, one should do an accurate comparison. Otherwise the data is simply not going to give you a good picture as to where to shop and if you have no store loyalties, then that is what you want.

An example of a good comparison shop would be buying a list of the same items from each store.

For example:
1 lb of apples
1 gallon of milk
1lb hamburger
1 head of lettuce
1 box of store brand cereal
1 box butter/or margerine

and then do a receipt comparison.

If just simply the lowest price is what you are after and you just want to shop just 1 store, then you go with the lowest receipt. You also take in other factors too such as atmosphere of the store, employees' attitudes, return/exchange policy, etc.

I've shopped at Checkers. It isn't bad but I have issues with how they store food. Cream pies should be refrigerated and not sit out on a shelf. They should not sell meat past its date. I've been in there when they had a whole display case of meat that was past its date & was selling it as such. While this is not illegal, it certainly is gross and probably not completely safe.

I also shop Hy-Vee. I like the store. The employees are pleasant and friendly to me. There customer service has always been great to me. When I have questions, I've had employees stop what they are doing (non customer service stuff such as paperwork or stocking) and answer my question or find someone who knew the answer. But then I am a pasty white person and perhaps they were just following their Grand Dragon's instructions to help only white people out.

I also shop Dillons and it seems to depend on which employees are working as to what kind of experience I have. There are some regular employees that are just plain old surly. There are some that go out of their way to assist you. It is a crapshoot to me for there.

As been repeated constantly since these blogs have started, you shop for what is best for your family. There is no right way to shop as each family has its own unique needs. What has been requested is that you post the best deals you find so that others may share in them. Which you refuse to do.

BTW, I have a great contact for local beef. PM if you would like info and I will send you the link. Excellent prices, excellent service & excellent beef.

8 November 2009
at 10:09 a.m.

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beatle919 (Marcy McGuffie) says…

I'm with Alm77. I do the bulk of my shopping at Aldi, followed up by a trip to Checkers. The savings is incredible (I used to be a Dillon's gal).

In regards to buying meat, it does take a little time and extra gas money, but I really enjoy making occasional trips to Steve's Meat Market, in Desoto, to supplement what I purchase here in town. Their prices are reasonable and the quality can't be beat. I'm currently obsessed with their boneless, skinless chicken breasts - wow- tender and flavorful. The bacon is also “bomb” - sliced however thick you like it.

8 November 2009
at 10:11 a.m.

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Dover (Anonymous) says…

I used to always think Hy-Vee was more expensive across the board, but after stopping in (to the one on 23rd) on the way to my folks' house for random items I found some great sales. I still check their fliers every week and stop in for the sales in produce, meat and random groceries. They also have great one-of-a-kind items in cheeses and the bakery. I also agree that customer service is tops at Hy-Vee. They're just plain friendly and I've had more than one instance here of an employee going out of their way to help.

Dillon's on 23rd is within walking distance for me, and it's my most frequented grocery store. They always seem to have good deals in the meat department and, after purchasing meat from every other store in town, can say I think theirs is the top in quality. With the remodel of their stores I just love Dillon's bakery, deli, sushi station, produce department, cheese counter, etc. That area is lovely and makes me want to linger in it.

Checker's I'll visit on a less frequent basis to stock up on staples. I love their produce department, and you can't beat their Thursday special (19 cents a pound) on bananas, though some weeks the bananas are not too savory. One week my bananas were inedible. Had to toss them. I have purchased meat here and have not been too satisfied with it. In non-perishable departments there are some hard-to-beat deals.

Though I hate to admit it (just like the SP episode), Wal-Mart has great deals that are tempting for even those with moral opposition to the chain. In this recession with many out of work, myself included, some can't afford to not take advantage of some of the prices at wally world.

Basically it's all about finding the best deal. Even the stores that are generally pricier will have specials some week that are worth a drive out of your way. Check each store's fliers online and know what your bottom price is for each item.

8 November 2009
at 10:11 a.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

AlligatorMama (Anonymous) says…
W 6th street Dillons is now carrying a great variety of gluten free products in their health food section!!! I was really pleased with their gluten free section and the prices! Plus if they don't have something, ask a manager and they will order it for you!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Special diet needs are also an important factor in where you shop.

Both Hy-Vee and DIllons will special order items for you. I don't know about Checkers because I've requested them to. I don't shop there regularly enough to do so.

8 November 2009
at 10:14 a.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

Dover (Anonymous) says…
Basically it's all about finding the best deal. Even the stores that are generally pricier will have specials some week that are worth a drive out of your way. Check each store's fliers online and know what your bottom price is for each item.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You definitely get it!

And any coupons you use add to the savings when you pair them to the sales prices.

8 November 2009
at 10:18 a.m.

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Seamus (Anonymous) says…

Three 20 packs of Coke?

How are you saving any money at all by buying this crap? The long term costs associated with diabetes and other illnesses caused by these cans of liquid candy will far exceed the nickels and dimes you save with your coupon clipping.

But don't let me interrupt the cluelessness.

8 November 2009
at 10:31 a.m.

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Seamus (Anonymous) says…

Oh wait— last week I was informed that this was a “positive” blog. Well, let me just say that I'm positive that a home in which 60 cans of Coke are consumed is a place where there are going to be long-term health problems.

8 November 2009
at 10:36 a.m.

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dbrm4ever2006 (Anonymous) says…

I shop at walmart for all of my staple items, unless I have coupons that will double and make it free or cheap at dillons. I buy my meat and produce at Checkers. Yesterday it took me 4 hours to grocery shop because I had to go to all 3 stores, but my total bill from all 3 places was $200 and I saved almost $70 using coupons at walmart and dillons.

8 November 2009
at 10:58 a.m.

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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…

Seamus (Anonymous) says…
Three 20 packs of Coke?
How are you saving any money at all by buying this crap? The long term costs associated with diabetes and other illnesses caused by these cans of liquid candy will far exceed the nickels and dimes you save with your coupon clipping.
But don't let me interrupt the cluelessness.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Seamus (Anonymous) says…
Oh wait— last week I was informed that this was a “positive” blog. Well, let me just say that I'm positive that a home in which 60 cans of Coke are consumed is a place where there are going to be long-term health problems.
________________________________________________
Were you born grumpy or do you just get some satisfaction out of irritating people?

If you don't like these type of threads don't read them much less comment. If you do not like soda pop, no one is making you drink it. Either way the content of your posts make me wonder who really is the clueless one.

Would you like a list of how many people who were health fanatics that never enjoyed a long life? News flash for you. If you drink or shower with typical city treated water you have a higher risk of diabetes. If you eat any food with high fructose corn syrup, MSG or other types of preservatives that are way less harmful than MSG, mix to high of a proportion of carbs with fats, you run a higher risk of diabetes.

To borrow some humor from one of our past surgeon generals, Minnie Joycelyn Elders. (Uh, everybody dies of somthun.)

8 November 2009
at 10:59 a.m.

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really_again (Anonymous) says…

I do our family shopping once a month (except for fresh produce and bread, milk weekly) we have a family of 4 plus i shop for extras during the week since i feed several extra kiddos all week. I roughly spend $400 at that monthly shop. I start at aldis and then go to walmart then to checkers. I pretty much know what is cheaper where since i have been doing this for so long now. but i use to go the night or two before and check prices of things on my list. I have found most canned items are always cheaper at aldis, so is milk.(since we go through 6-7 gallons of whole milk a week that price is important to me) Checkers is always great on meat buy in bulk and split it up when we get home. chicken breast are pretty much on sale all the time, there. we have yet to have a bad experience with meat there. I also do most of the produce there too. Walmart (i know gasp i shop there) is great for the other random stuff like crackers and tea bags, snack things, and canned fruit, macaroni shells.
on average i feed 6 for breakfast 7 for lunch and 4 for dinner, monday- friday and then 4 all weekend. we make most things from scratch including bread. we dont buy boxed dinners which makes things cheaper and healthier.
Even with the extra produce and milk everyweek we only spend about $500 total a month. we do shop random things during the month when we decide to try something new, just because its close but again fairly hyvee is fairly expensive.

8 November 2009
at 11:02 a.m.

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Hop2It (Anonymous) says…

1. I LOVE the greeter at 6th and Wakarusa Dillon's. He is a retired school teacher and is friendly and hilarious. He tells me about the sales that week and new books. I think his name is Werner.
…and Dillon's has the best meat sales.

I shop at all the stores depending on the sales, but I always stop by that Dillon's now. And maybe because of the free food samples.

8 November 2009
at 11:03 a.m.

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puddleglum (Anonymous) says…

Its hard to even buy a lunch at the merc for less than $10.00

I love the idea, but selection is stale and the employee attitude can be a real turn off.

checkers is cheaper, but then i always feel like I have to shower after shopping there. Kinda like going to wal-mart (gross).

not a big fan of chains, but a wholefoods would look real good out at the 6th & wakarusa intersection.

8 November 2009
at 11:03 a.m.

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srj (Anonymous) says…

Checkers has always been the cheapest by far then Dillions and HyVee. Plus they did some minor cosmetic changes inside after the 23ed St. Dillions so it looks a little nicer.

8 November 2009
at 11:06 a.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

Seamus (Anonymous) says…
Three 20 packs of Coke?

How are you saving any money at all by buying this crap? The long term costs associated with diabetes and other illnesses caused by these cans of liquid candy will far exceed the nickels and dimes you save with your coupon clipping.

But don't let me interrupt the cluelessness.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It's okay, Seamus. Bayer glucometers are on sale at Walgreens and combined with a coupon, you can get them for free.

See, that's is how you post a positive post with a great deal in it!

8 November 2009
at 11:07 a.m.

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srj (Anonymous) says…

And Checkers, I have noticed that too, I go in the mornings on a weekend, and they never have “Eggo cinnamon toast waffles” in stock, like today.

8 November 2009
at 11:10 a.m.

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edgeofbaldwin (Anonymous) says…

I'm going to agree with Katara…how are these 'results' in ANY way accurate when during each trip you bought a whole slew of different items.
How about comparing the same prices of basic items at each store…you dont even have to buy them, just write it down.
If you're going to go to all the trouble to report this, you may as well make it accurate.

that being said, checkers is definitely my preferred store.

8 November 2009
at 11:36 a.m.

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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…

This weeks news paper ad for Checkers contained more items than usual. It still doesn't have many things listed that coupons work on, but anything is an improvement over what they were doing.

If you are just shopping for variety without paying attention to sales and or using coupons, I would have to agree that Checkers would more than likely come out on top as the cheaper store to shop at. If you are paying attention to sales and using coupons Checkers is not the place.

8 November 2009
at 12:07 p.m.

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pace (Anonymous) says…

Sigh, one can get good information without using a strict protocol of comparison. Given that, my husband happens to take the same lunch every day. Celery, carrots, apple, peanut butter, occasional banana, two slices of whole grain bread. He use to go to Dillon's, after being forced to go to Checkers, he is a convert. The produce is better and on an average much cheaper, and often locally grown is available.
My grocery purchases are more varied than his ( because I could not stand to eat the same damn lunch for 40 years). I am impressed with the quality and cost of Checker's pork and beef, not so much with their chicken, fish and lamb. I prefer Hyvee lamb and poulty over Dillons. I am not happy with the fish quality or prices at either HyVee or Dillons, but have had great luck with Checkers frozen fish selection. I am so picky about fish, I might need an ocean.

8 November 2009
at 12:36 p.m.

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worknmomof3 (Anonymous) says…

Wow…. who paid you to write this article? Nothing beats inaccuracy better than comparing apples to pot roast.

As already mentioned, fairness would come from buying the same products at each store, ad or no ad. After comparing equal receipts, your bill might still be higher at Hy-Vee because you found more items than you “planned” on buying, a great shopping experience I'd say. Or your trip at Hy-Vee might take longer because people actually stopped to greet you throughout the store and care about your shopping experience.

I am partial to Hy-Vee obviously, but in the end our shopping experiences are based on personal preferences of location, selection, friendliness, loyalties. Shop where you will, but at least compare apples to apples.

8 November 2009
at 12:58 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

Puddleplum I'm like you to a degree, would love to use the Merc but it is more of an overpriced new age store for the well off. Just the idea that they needed more “parking” and that parking is filled with overpriced European cars and suvs indicates the crowd catered to now days, heck it is one of the most dangerous intersections to walk or bike through. A whole row of supplements and new age aromas etc. I can find more local things at Checkers and I love the feel of it being more of a world market than the other white bread store with that name. Checkers isn't hootie tottie and does more for the community then the Merc. Truly, I would love to be a member of the Merc and use it but it sure seems they have decided they would rather cater to the well off. Perhaps that is something they might consider even though that's where the money is for their niche market, perhaps they just need to update the image to reflect that. Be more like the famous chef in east Lawrence that thinks that only the best no matter where it has to be flown in from will do.

8 November 2009
at 1:07 p.m.

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mom_of_three (Anonymous) says…

I am an equal distance from checkers and dillons. I do lots of shopping at both stores. What I love about checkers is the local produce. They had apples from an orchard in Baldwin? or somewhere close and my kids loved them. The price was a little more expensive than the other bags, but no waste, and I felt great supporting a local farmer.
Checkers does have great produce generally cheaper than dillons, like cauliflower and red peppers, and various types of lettuce. Some things aren't any cheaper, but i can usually find what I want. Dillons has some good sales on meat and other items. Hyvee is too far away from me, but will shop there if I am nearby for another reason. They sometimes have great sales on cereal and other items.
I haven't used coupons in a while, but need to get back to it. I used to buy the paper, but now read it online. Hate to buy it just for the coupons, but don't have a printer at home to print out the coupons online. And I have saved money using coupons in the past.

8 November 2009
at 1:15 p.m.

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shorttrees (Anonymous) says…

I buy milk at Dillons, it tends to be the cheapest or at least cheaper and lasts longer than the Checkers milk I've bought in the past. I also agree Dillons has the best meat sales (I HATE promoting Dillons, most store visits leave me cussing about something). 6th street HyVee is the friendliest, most of the time, but quite a few things are cheaper at the Clinton Parkway HyVee (store brand margarine $1.07 vs $1.47, etc).

I totally agree that to have an accurate comparison of the stores' prices the items priced need to be at least similar if not identical. Comparing apples to oranges to bananas doesn't do that.

8 November 2009
at 1:21 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

mom_of_three (Anonymous) says…
I used to buy the paper, but now read it online. Hate to buy it just for the coupons, but don't have a printer at home to print out the coupons online. And I have saved money using coupons in the past.
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You can get a Sunday only subscription from the LJW, which is what I do. It isn't cheaper than picking a copy up at the store though.

I would recommend getting a subscription from the KC Star. The smallest subscription is a weekend (Fri, Sat, Sun) but because it is a bigger market, it has a much bigger variety of coupons. I find coupons in it that are never in the LJW inserts.

8 November 2009
at 1:23 p.m.

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pace (Anonymous) says…

i find the Merc a great and friendly store to shop at. It isn't the cheapest, but if I think it is careful, I know I can get organic, vegan, and wider choices on health food. I understand someone wanting to label the organic and bulk food choice as new age. I don't. If I am looking for a supplement or “healthier” product I know I can get it there with pretty good information back up. when I quit smoking, I used a lavender spray to perk me up and to get rid of the odor in my car. I hate the chemical sprays, like glade, I have always hated them The natural spray worked for me. Some of my cooking is very particular, If I make a cake I want very fresh eggs. I can buy very good grains (better quality than normal grocery store fair). That matters to me in area's such as holiday cooking.
If I were still baking and feeding a family I would shop a lot more at the Merc, as growing those kids on crap food is not a good long term care plan.

8 November 2009
at 1:23 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

The idea of what is cheap is not quite including the costs not included in the purchase. Corporate agriculture is skewing the cost scale with all the benefits they get at taxpayer expense. The people doing it locally are paying the full price and have no option but to hope consumers will become aware of that and vote with their dollars. Also the amounts of some things Americans eat aren't not healthy to begin with. Cutting back on meats and dairy could help offset the price of buying local. Just something to think about.

8 November 2009
at 1:24 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

shorttrees (Anonymous) says…
I buy milk at Dillons, it tends to be the cheapest or at least cheaper and lasts longer than the Checkers milk I've bought in the past. I also agree Dillons has the best meat sales (I HATE promoting Dillons, most store visits leave me cussing about something). 6th street HyVee is the friendliest, most of the time, but quite a few things are cheaper at the Clinton Parkway HyVee (store brand margarine $1.07 vs $1.47, etc).
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If you are not picky about brand on milk. Roberts puts out a lot of $.50/1 gal. coupons & when doubled, usually brings the price of that gallon cheaper than Dillons brand. I think it depends on what % milk you buy though.

8 November 2009
at 1:30 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

pace I think we agree on the most of it but it isn't the “bulk” and organic that makes it new age (the old WIld Oats had a real bulk selection) but all the supplements and new age therapies. I agree, can't stand chemical smell either but good ol fresh air with the windows down will be effective, smoking is nasty to begin with so it isn't going to disappear. As far as eggs, there are many local sources around here that have true cage free and insect eating chickens that are far and away much better. The Merc may carry those now, not sure but when I've gone looking for local meats and produce I've been surprised how many times they came from out of state. Why aren't there more local ties to the local producers. I'm not talking here and there which they do but know many times there is no local option. And I still maintain that as far as the image the Merc use to portray, a car lot full of luxury cars at the one of the most dangerous insections in Lawrence isn't doing much to encourage alternative modes of transport like the old stores did. And it is amazing how many plastic bottles of new age stuff from many, many miles away in that place can have anything to do with their “message”.

8 November 2009
at 1:31 p.m.

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maxcrabb (Anonymous) says…

And I thought the political blogs were polarizing!

8 November 2009
at 1:33 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

I think the Merc is afraid of being what Lawrence really needs, a good ol country market with real bulk items and the farmers market items available(Checkers comes closest). Something too down home I suppose for the beemer sorority girls and hippies from wealthy family doing their few years of hippiness while at college before going to be stock brokers.

8 November 2009
at 1:35 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

Think about the money that goes into lobbying from corporate ag that tries to maintain the status quo in regards to food. It will be a hot button issue in the not to distant future.

8 November 2009
at 1:43 p.m.

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thadrosen (Anonymous) says…

http://media.lawrence.com/img/marketp…

8 November 2009
at 2:22 p.m.

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Aisling (Anonymous) says…

just playing devil's advocate here Seamus but didn't she say “coke products” and technically coke products could be Dasani water, right?

8 November 2009
at 2:38 p.m.

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alm77 (Anonymous) says…

“Its hard to even buy a lunch at the merc for less than $10.00” They have ready-to-eat lunches for around $6 and you can use the microwave and eat it in the cafe right there. I've done it a few times. They are in the island just as you come in the door to the left. Loads of yummy stuff, some vegetarian, all for a good price.

8 November 2009
at 2:42 p.m.

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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…

Aisling (Anonymous) says…
just playing devil's advocate here Seamus but didn't she say “coke products” and technically coke products could be Dasani water, right?
__________________________________________________
Seamus is a lot like some of the others here on LJW. They are not about to let facts get in the road of them ranting or posting their grumpy, snotty comments.

I have been doing coupons for years and I have yet to understand why some get so upset about coupons. There is no rhyme or reason to the naysayer's insanity. It is almost like they are jealous that someone is saving money and they are not but at the same time they will not even give it try.

8 November 2009
at 2:45 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

maxcrabb (Anonymous) says…
And I thought the political blogs were polarizing!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yup. Who knew that a coupon blog would provide lectures on corporate agriculture, buying local and a whole slew of things.

Funny thing is, the people who are actually doing the couponing and posting the deals aren't lecturing the others on how to live their lives. And the couponers have actually provided advice on how to save money on the organic foods to the holier than thou folks who seem to think that those products are going to stop illness and death in their tracks.

Oh well.

8 November 2009
at 2:51 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

thadrosen (Anonymous) says…
http://media.lawrence.com/img/marketp…
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Why did you post a small sales ad that expires today? And why aren't you assisting with matching the coupons with the sales thus making your Checkers shop even cheaper? That is the main reason coupon blogs exist - people tell others of the best deals available and assist with working on making the deal even better.

If you don't know how to locate the coupons, this site will tell you what insert they are in or if there is a printable available. http://coupontom.com/

8 November 2009
at 3:18 p.m.

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errita (Anonymous) says…

Katara I agree this is not a true comparison shop. It's not being negative it just doesn't make much sense to compare totally different products on price.
As for HyVee I have always been very surprised by how friendly and helpful they can be. I lived right by the 6th street store for several years there was never a time someone didn't at least smile or ask to help.
Checkers has some good different items you can't find at every store love that store too.

8 November 2009
at 3:47 p.m.

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Bronco7fan (Anonymous) says…

when did hy-vee open on clinton parkway…i did this shopping comparision weekly between that time and when i left lawrence in 06. the only time Hy-Vee was even close to being the best price was when it opened. they increased prices steadily over the next 4 months, when they finally were priced higher than dillons on 23rd. Dillon had a better selection but over all you could not beat Checkers.

8 November 2009
at 3:51 p.m.

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camper (Anonymous) says…

Dillons, HyVee, and Checkers are all great stores. I especially like checkers because of their produce and sardine selection. The 1% giveback is also a good program. Dillons is good because of the discount card and all of the stores have good friendly customer service. HyVee on Clinton Parkway is also good because of customer service, and they also have a great pet point program. After you accumulate $150 of pet products, you get a $10 dollar gift card to purchase anything in the store. For me this kicks in about 2-3 times a year.

I must also say that I am a big fan of the Merc. There are simply products there that you cannot find at the other stores. I am currently interested in meat and milk products that are not treated with hormones and antibiotics. Also range fed rather than grain fed. If you have a moment look up the benefits of Omega 3 vs Omega 6 fat. I'm a firm believer in the benefit of fat in your diet, but omega 3 seems to be the better choice.

All in all I shop at all four stores, and even though some prices vary, I realize I am saving money by going grocery rather than buying fast food. The key to this is keeping the kitchen clean and having a good set of containers where you can store leftovers. This can come in handy and makes it easier to resist laziness or fast food when you are hungry.

8 November 2009
at 4 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

camper (Anonymous) says…
All in all I shop at all four stores, and even though some prices vary, I realize I am saving money by going grocery rather than buying fast food. The key to this is keeping the kitchen clean and having a good set of containers where you can store leftovers. This can come in handy and makes it easier to resist laziness or fast food when you are hungry.
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So very true, camper!

8 November 2009
at 4:16 p.m.

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pace (Anonymous) says…

On the Merc, yes I could go looking other places for fresh free range eggs and for assort quality grains but I don't need to, as I can just go to the Merc. They have a great selection. I do bake my own granola and most things from scratch. I know this is no longer considered the norm, but I am picky. I find the merc lunches around $6. I get a better deal on salads there than most cafes. Great roasted sweet potato salad.

Most of my problem with coupons is they aren't for the food I buy. I buy potato's not packages of potato, Most coupons are for name brand processed food. I do use some coupons but for paper goods. ketchup, but I don't buy a lot of boxed food, tins or drinks.

I have really enjoyed this thread. My reaction is I will be going to Aldi's about once a month to pick up canned goods.

8 November 2009
at 4:32 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

Katara I wouldn't expect you to be able to link coupons and corporate agriculture together.

8 November 2009
at 5:21 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

JackRipper (Anonymous) says…
Katara I wouldn't expect you to be able to link coupons and corporate agriculture together.
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That's fine. I don't expect a lot out of you either.
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pace (Anonymous) says…
Most of my problem with coupons is they aren't for the food I buy. I buy potato's not packages of potato, Most coupons are for name brand processed food. I do use some coupons but for paper goods. ketchup, but I don't buy a lot of boxed food, tins or drinks.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There's that myth again. Coupons exist for about any product you can think of. If you check previous coupon blogs by these ladies, you will find links to coupons for organic products. There are coupons for spices. There are coupons for household cleaners. There are coupons for personal hygiene items. There are coupons for feminine hygiene products (Why don't you link those to corporate agriculture, JackRipper?). There are coupons for car repair. There are coupons for gardening items (so one can be completely local and grow their own).

But far too many here want others to do the legwork for them while they complain and moan about this and that (although I am not saying that pace is one that is guilty of that here).

Others are so worried about the vast coupon “conspiracy” perpetuated on us by the “Man”, that they should really be on the look out for a good recycled aluminum foil sale.

And yes, there are coupons for just plain old potatoes.

8 November 2009
at 5:35 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

Coupons are a game. Most if not all the stuff I get has no coupons because I'm buying store brand stuff and local. I'm not going to pay for the marketing that makes up a large part of the price of the goods you buy and then have a token like a coupon tossed out there to make me feel I'm really getting something for less. You understand that companies aren't really giving away things at a cost to themselves don't you? Feel like the savvy shopper all you want but I balance what is worth spending more money to buy with the things that doesn't matter whether it is a name brand or store brand and come out pretty good. Like most neurotic boomer games I don't have to feel like I'm winning some game that doesn't factor in other costs. By the way, a lot of “organic” stuff is much like, if not actually owned by, corporate ag as they push into that market also.

8 November 2009
at 5:45 p.m.

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red_devil (Anonymous) says…

Did I really see a comment about a “sea of white faces..”? Is that a racist remark? What if someone comments about the sea of black faces in the supermarket? WTF?!?!

And the Merc is overpriced and nothing special.

8 November 2009
at 5:56 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

JackRipper (Anonymous) says…
Coupons are a game. Most if not all the stuff I get has no coupons because I'm buying store brand stuff and local. I'm not going to pay for the marketing that makes up a large part of the price of the goods you buy and then have a token like a coupon tossed out there to make me feel I'm really getting something for less. You understand that companies aren't really giving away things at a cost to themselves don't you? Feel like the savvy shopper all you want but I balance what is worth spending more money to buy with the things that doesn't matter whether it is a name brand or store brand and come out pretty good. Like most neurotic boomer games I don't have to feel like I'm winning some game that doesn't factor in other costs. By the way, a lot of “organic” stuff is much like, if not actually owned by, corporate ag as they push into that market also.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You shop your way. I'll shop mine.

You can keep your holier than thou attitude though. I find that to be more expensive than its worth.

8 November 2009
at 6:01 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

Agreed, I'm not sold on coupons and I think I can determine if it is more expensive than it is worth. By the way, you say my holier than thou attitude but really who is that? What about all the coupons and ads I have to deal with in the mail and hanging from my door because I have no ability to say don't send that crap to me? Who is it that has the attitude problem? You can go on thinking coupons for junk is great but I don't agree and yet I also have to deal with them crammed down my throat. I'd rather not see all that paper and fancy printing wasted on my behalf yet because corporate America runs the show I will have to deal with it.

8 November 2009
at 6:14 p.m.

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CLARKKENT (Anonymous) says…

i agree with you on checkers produce. it is truly fresher than the others. aldi has very little produce, but what they have is the freshest in town. nobody has a better meat case than checkers. if you do not believe it, buy sirloin strips from all them, then grill, you be the judge.

8 November 2009
at 6:17 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

JackRipper (Anonymous) says…
Agreed, I'm not sold on coupons and I think I can determine if it is more expensive than it is worth. By the way, you say my holier than thou attitude but really who is that? What about all the coupons and ads I have to deal with in the mail and hanging from my door because I have no ability to say don't send that crap to me? Who is it that has the attitude problem? You can go on thinking coupons for junk is great but I don't agree and yet I also have to deal with them crammed down my throat. I'd rather not see all that paper and fancy printing wasted on my behalf yet because corporate America runs the show I will have to deal with it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yup, most definitely a holier than thou attitude you have. You don't have to read this blog. You don't have to comment on it. You come here voluntarily yet complain that it is shoved in your face?

And you can stop the coupons and ads in your mail. There is an article in the paper about how to cut down on junk mail about once a year.

http://www.ftc.gov/privacy/protect.shtm

Click on Direct Marketers.

Now that you have the info and tools to stop the coupon conspiracy from invading your home, will we have the pleasure of knowing that you will no longer show your sourpuss on the coupon blog threads?

After all, we don't want of shove it in your face.

8 November 2009
at 6:20 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

Coming on to a coupon blog to complain about people using coupons and what they buy with them is like going to a porn site and complaining about the naked people.

8 November 2009
at 6:21 p.m.

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Bassetlover (Anonymous) says…

Can someone please explain to me the psychology behind the floor plan at Checkers? Honestly, it is the most customer-unfriendly floor plan of any store I have ever been in and it keeps me from shopping there on a regular basis. I really want to support Checkers but their egress is a nightmare! I simply makes no sense. You walk in the front doors and BAM, you run right smack into a huge wall. Jim Lewis and Mike Smith….what's the deal? Love you guys but man, it's frustrating!

8 November 2009
at 6:33 p.m.

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pace (Anonymous) says…

Not to sidetrack, but I have tried for 10 years to stop the Wed. paper from LJW. If you don't take the paper, they deliver the supplement. I have felt like sueing them for trespass. I have called, I have written, I have called. I guess I should become a rock star and sing about it on Utube. If I am gone two weeks, there are two hanging from my door. I hate the “free” supplement, and I hate the “free” bulk mail ad packages that litter my mail box. I am signed up to stop junk mail, but those come in. I put them in a sack and take them to a recycling center. I hate the Wed. supplement.

8 November 2009
at 6:39 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

Katara you must have some interest in making sure the coupon world thrives. Your link is for direct mail, people who have my name and address and send that kind of stuff, what I'm talking about and sure as a coupon genius is the stuff that comes to “whoever lives here” that the post office delivers to everybody. If you can get me off of that then that takes it out of my life some what.

The point about coupons, whether you like it or not, is about marketing gimmicks that corporate America can do because of all the advantages they have that the little local doesn't. Let's just look at the clout of the dairy industry trying to make little guys like our local milk producers already suffering to add to their bottles because God forbid all the crap put in our food that we really aren't sure what the effects are is less of a problem then saying they don't use hormones in their cows. But the big guys are your hero though because they may give a 50cent off coupon? You can play dumb or maybe not playing but when the big guys are constantly bombarding people with marketing gimmicks and then here and there make it look like they care for the little guy by giving out a coupon is the little voice on a blog in the jw really such a threat? Are you and the ilk behind this stuff afraid that Americans are starting to question the “system”. It is rather amazing how disturbed you are that someone may come at the coupon stuff at a different angle. We can have no dissenter can we?

8 November 2009
at 6:41 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

pace (Anonymous) says…
Not to sidetrack, but I have tried for 10 years to stop the Wed. paper from LJW. If you don't take the paper, they deliver the supplement. I have felt like sueing them for trespass. I have called, I have written, I have called. I guess I should become a rock star and sing about it on Utube. If I am gone two weeks, there are two hanging from my door. I hate the “free” supplement, and I hate the “free” bulk mail ad packages that litter my mail box. I am signed up to stop junk mail, but those come in. I put them in a sack and take them to a recycling center. I hate the Wed. supplement.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I would be happy to take those off your hands. I get the Wed. supplement once in a blue moon & I would like the coupons and the sales fliers in them to plan my shopping trips.

What is one person's trash is another's treasure.

8 November 2009
at 6:43 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

I'm with you on that pace, exactly what I'm talking about, got to push those coupons to everyone to make it an effective marketing gimmick, you have no choice, just like the crap that comes in the mail addressed to occupant.

Bassettlover, it is a small price to pay and think it is the air lock for keeping the cold and heat out some what. I'm usually so full of anticipation of my shopping experience it is like the opening curtain of a show. Ok, maybe not quite that. Love the new carts though! About time to return to a normal size instead of those supersize me ones.

8 November 2009
at 6:46 p.m.

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Informed (Anonymous) says…

Hey, pace, I called the J-W and got my name taken off that weekly distribution. No trouble at all. One time, after about two years, they started delivering it again. I called again and told them I hated wasting paper. They stopped delivering. I've not had any trouble with it.

8 November 2009
at 6:51 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

Oh hee hee! JackRipper is a victim of the coupon conspiracy now. Woe is JackRipper! The coupon people are hunting him down, trying to force him to buy products he is not interested in.

Keep on trucking with the holier than thou attitude. You are such the rebel, JackRipper. Keep sticking it to the Man.

You going to rail against the little guy too when he offers a coupon or puts something on sale? I regularly get coupons from Amy's Meats. She is such a corporate whore, I tell you.

Again, you shop your way and I will shop mine. You do what's best for your family and I will do what's best for mine. You will never catch a coupon clipper telling you otherwise.

8 November 2009
at 6:55 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

You seem extraordinarily concerned that I question it. You keep telling me you'll allow me to shop the way I do, thanks for that, I can go on shopping at easy of mind. Thankfully for me shopping is just something I do out of necessity and haven't turned it into a way of life.

8 November 2009
at 7:33 p.m.

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ivalueamerica (Anonymous) says…

I really do not understand all the uptight people who are freaking out because this is not an item for item comparison. Those mean nothing to me as I am not a robot and they will only mean something to someone who buys the exact same thing as on the list, every time.

I, however, live in the real world and buy different things at different times depending on sales, coupons, whim or whatever and find comparing someone who shops like me to be much more in tune with reality than a robot.

People need to loosen up, if you do not like the info, don't take it, but for me, this his helpful. Thank you.

8 November 2009
at 7:46 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

ivalueamerica you should understand my point then, if your name is meaningful, are we simply consumers? Are we suppose to spend our whole life looking for ways to be “smart” consumers and not playing the role of a citizen, which as a good American would think would be a concern and recognizing that much of what we are seeing in the food world is hardly good for America in the big picture

8 November 2009
at 8:41 p.m.

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Dover (Anonymous) says…

My goodness, people who use coupons are not duped by corporations into thinking they care about us. We're just interested in getting a better deal on something we'd be buying anyway.

Get a freaking life!

8 November 2009
at 8:43 p.m.

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KansasPerson (Anonymous) says…

Okay, my two cents:

I used to live near the Clinton Parkway Hy-Vee when they first opened, and I really loved that place! I have since moved to a part of Lawrence where it's equally far to just about any Dillons or to Checkers. I've been mostly going to Dillons, but this blog has reminded me of the money I used to save at Checkers, and I think I'll give them another visit soon.

Haven't tried Aldi since I lived out on that side of town — I should re-visit them as well.

I will still go to Hy-Vee when I feel like treating myself to an extra-nice shopping trip. Their customer service could not be better, and there are still a few items there that I can't find anywhere else.

I have liked the Merc slightly less with each new building they've moved into.

I used to go to a bit of trouble to collect and use coupons, but it seemed that even with the savings I was still paying more for those items than I would have for the store-brand. And since I do not have brand loyalty for very many things, store-brand is okay with me. (Major exception: cream cheese. Philadelphia only!!)

I find that if I plan carefully, I can stick to shopping from the store's perimeter (produce, meats, dairy) with a side-trip down the grains and baking aisles (flour, rice, pasta, sugar, spices), I can get in and out of the store in a minimum of time. (I do have trouble doing this in Checkers — I have not yet internalized their store's layout.) Of course there are days when you need paper products or shampoo, but not every week. I do like to cook from scratch and make simple yet yummy meals. I don't like to buy pre-packaged stuff, but I will occasionally do so.

8 November 2009
at 8:48 p.m.

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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…

JackRipper (Anonymous) says…
You seem extraordinarily concerned that I question it. You keep telling me you'll allow me to shop the way I do, thanks for that, I can go on shopping at easy of mind. Thankfully for me shopping is just something I do out of necessity and haven't turned it into a way of life.
_________________________________________________
And thankfully we can all shop the way we want and it is a good thing you have plenty of money to buy the way that you sound like that you do. I know you are not going to change your mind about shopping but there seems to be a few things that you are missing. The first one is I do not know any couponers who have made this a way of life. Couponers like everyone else buys food out of necessity. It just takes a few hours a week to shop and use coupons. The couponing can be done at leisure if one chooses. It is more that of discipline than anything else. The other thing is I really do not think you have a clue about farming and the corporate world surrounding food supply. Sure there are corporate farms but where in the hell to do you think think the average farmer markets most all of their production. It doesn't get magically kept out of the system so the corporate farms get all the attention. I can assure you the various grain elevator companies and middle men markets do more to screw up and cheat the farmers and the food market than the corporate farms ever dreamed of.

I would really like to buy all local too but I am smart enough to know that isn't isn't possible. The locals can no where near meet the demand or variety required. Feel free to keep shoveling your money into food that could have been bought cheaper. That is your choice but I would think at some point you would get very tired of cutting your nose off just to spite your face. Personally I like to keep as much of my money as I can.

While I am spouting off I might as well do it right. You think corporate farms are a problem and I tend to think the natural/organic world has been screwing people right and left by fear mongering and keeping their prices jacked up. I know that some of their cost of operation is higher with less production but they are still using that as an excuse to rape consumers pockets. A wonderful example of this is organic eggs and meat and don't even get me started about supplements.

8 November 2009
at 8:50 p.m.

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purplesage (Anonymous) says…

I didn't read the 80 or so comments; there is no fair comparison unless the same selection of items were to be purchased, irrespective of ads on the same day. To buy different items over 3 weeks and say I usually buy $150 a week proves nothing.

The big fancy stores are high. Gotta shop the sales.

8 November 2009
at 8:59 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

You seem extraordinarily concerned that I question it. You keep telling me you'll allow me to shop the way I do, thanks for that, I can go on shopping at easy of mind. Thankfully for me shopping is just something I do out of necessity and haven't turned it into a way of life.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am not concerned that you question. I am more concerned about your need to tell me and the others here how we are stupid for not living how you do. I am more concerned about your need to come voluntarily onto a coupon blog to tell everyone how coupons are shoved into your face.

No one forced you to click on any of the coupon blogs. No one forced you to comment on them. No one forces you to use coupons, regardless whether or not you receive them in the mail.

You can contact the companies that send them to you and request that they take your address off their lists. All those ads have a company name on them. It is not difficult and will prevent you the heartbreak of receiving something in the mail that you did not personally request.

What is interesting is your need to tell us how to run our lives yet not one person here has told you that the way you shop is wrong.

You have a lot of strange rules for who can do what and where. Apparently one can buy local and that is good but not if they drive a SUV or a larger car model that you disapprove of. If they are affluent and chose to buy organics, you question their motives. It is not okay for manufacturers to issue coupons because they are duping you into buying their product but it is okay for the little guy to issue his coupons to encourage you to purchase his products.

It is interesting that you want to turn whatever it is around onto me but it is not my responsibility to shield you from what you don't like. If you don't like, don't do it. If the very existence of coupons disturb you so, it would probably save you some emotional distress by not clicking on coupon blogs. That is just plain common sense. However, it is not my responsibility to ensure that you actually exercise some.

8 November 2009
at 9:05 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

headdoctor, corporate ag is more than just the farms but the entire system that benefits from government subsidizes that continue to encourage the growing of things not needed and new needs created as HFCS and ethanol fuel are filling although far from what they promise to be. It is the not the farmers as much as the people who create the seeds, buy the grain to use for there corporate feedlots and value added consumer goods which cost them little in the way of product that they then spend many millions marketing and advertising, coupons all part of that process while the taxpayer subsidizes their profits. I don't have plenty of money but I do have the ability to balance what I really need to eat everyday and what can be cut back and do me no harm. Sure local ag isn't able to provide for all the needs currently because the majority of agriculture in this country is too closely tied to monoculture agriculture. Right here in the Kaw valley potatoes use to be raised for Guy's potato chips in KC. Now corn, corn, and more corn is produced, even in areas where corn is totally the wrong crop out west where the aquifer is being pumped dry and tons of chemicals are needed in order for corn to exist and where does it go? To the big corporate ag businesses that sell the genetically modified seeds that can't even be reused by the farmer the next year! We are terribly blind in this country to what the realities are in regards to our food.

8 November 2009
at 9:09 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

ivalueamerica (Anonymous) says…
I really do not understand all the uptight people who are freaking out because this is not an item for item comparison. Those mean nothing to me as I am not a robot and they will only mean something to someone who buys the exact same thing as on the list, every time.

I, however, live in the real world and buy different things at different times depending on sales, coupons, whim or whatever and find comparing someone who shops like me to be much more in tune with reality than a robot.

People need to loosen up, if you do not like the info, don't take it, but for me, this his helpful. Thank you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There is nothing uptight it. You don't get an accurate comparison if you are not comparing the same products to each other from different stores. Dillons may be the cheapest for your particular items in one week but may be the most expensive on your next trip. You aren't getting the best value if you have no sense as to what the going prices are for the stores.

Some keep a price book to compare especially on items they buy regularly. I don't do that but I pay attention to items I need often and who has the best price for them. For example, the ketchup we use in my house is cheapest at Hy-Vee. It makes no sense for me to purchase that brand at Checkers when I know their price is more expensive even with figuring in a coupon. That is not getting the most value out of my hard earned money.

You are absolutely correct about:

“I, however, live in the real world and buy different things at different times depending on sales, coupons, whim or whatever and find comparing someone who shops like me to be much more in tune with reality than a robot.”

That is why these types of coupon blogs exist. People buy different things at different times because they have different needs and these blogs are a way to communicate where one can get the best price for those needs. It depends on sales, coupons, etc.

You don't have to shop exactly like me to get a great deal. And maybe you have a great deal that sparks my interest. Perhaps it is a good price and I know I may need that product in the near future. Perhaps you are recommending a product that you really like and I have not tried yet. Either way, you have provided me some info to make a decision. And by me posting the deals I found, you get info too. It is an exchange.

8 November 2009
at 9:11 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

katara apparently you are concerned. Where better to comment on coupons? Again it must be disturbing to have your ways questioned. Did I ever say not to do it, surely someone as together as you can deal with a little commenter on whether coupons are just part of a marketing strategy. Gosh, I suppose you are right, in those big ruthless companies they have an office of compassion and the good fairy comes out to give people substantial discounts simply because it is the right thing to do, nothing to do with marketing, nothing to do with the benefits they derive from subsidized, taxpayer funded, resources that allow them to spend more on advertising. No, you are right, there are fairies and leprechauns with pots of gold in the world and I'm just too cynical to see them.

8 November 2009
at 9:13 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

“For example, the ketchup we use in my house is cheapest at Hy-Vee. It makes no sense for me to purchase that brand at Checkers when I know their price is more expensive even with figuring in a coupon. That is not getting the most value out of my hard earned money.”

Do you ever factor in things like gas and the time it takes to find these bargains? You truly are a consumer playing the consumer game and clueless to the big picture.

8 November 2009
at 9:17 p.m.

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Pywacket (Anonymous) says…

Merrill~ wherever do you get the idea that produce “needs” to be misted each day? As a grower and a trained master gardener, I can assure you that this is not so. Lettuce, spinach, broccoli, and other highly perishable items benefit from remaining cool but dry until use. Misting them creates an environment for fungal and bacterial growth.

“Shaking off” the water does not do the trick—it's still wet. And going home and shutting it into a bag while it's still wet compounds the problem. Not a good idea.

If you pick lettuce from the garden—or buy it at the store—it should be kept dry. Wash only the amount you're using for a meal, keeping the remainder dry as possible. It will keep much better that way. It's one of my few peeves with Checkers that they still do the silly misting thing. Other than that, their produce is fantastic. As others noted, one of their best features is offering locally grown produce. Wonderful watermelons and cantaloupes in summer!

Red_Devil~ I made the “sea of white faces” comment in a somewhat jocular vein, although that might not have come across, so maybe I should explain it. Call me racist if you will, but some of my best friends are white!

Seriously, I'm British Isles fair myself, but I come from a diverse city where there is a healthy mix of races and faces. Coming to KS was shocking enough—at first everybody looked white, which seemed downright weird.

I guess I feel more comfortable where diverse people enjoy going—and working—and Checkers hits that mark for me. The west side of town just seems way too country clubby and, yes, white! And by “white” I guess I mean well-heeled white in particular. That probably seems normal & natural for those who grew up in such an environment, but I find it cookie-cutterish, so feel more at home at Checkers where there are whites, blacks, native Americans, Hispanics, etc., instead of everybody looking like they could be DAR or Mayflower Society members. Sorry to have offended you.

8 November 2009
at 9:19 p.m.

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Pywacket (Anonymous) says…

Puddleglum says, “checkers is cheaper, but then i always feel like I have to shower after shopping there..

Well, la di da! Just what is it about Checkers that makes you feel so dirty? Do go to those sparkling immaculate stores instead. No one will miss you.

Bassetlover says, “Can someone please explain to me the psychology behind the floor plan at Checkers? ….You walk in the front doors and BAM, you run right smack into a huge wall.”

When I walk in the front doors I see carts in front of me. I take one, then walk through the second set of doors, leading to a long, wide corridor loaded with weekly specials. At the end of this corridor, go left and you're in the produce section. And so on. What is this “huge wall” of which you speak? Maybe you went there when the carts were all in use and didn't know what to do next…? ;-)

Finally, Inspire claims that the Merc's meat is superior to Checkers'. If it's all free-range and organically raised, that's a good thing and something we need to move toward—and the price needs to drop so everyone can afford it. However, I can't go so far as endorsing your claim that “you can pay the grocer or you can pay the doctor.” I've been shopping at Checkers for over 20 years and I'm probably the healthiest person you could ever meet. Docs would go broke if everyone went there as infrequently as I do. I think that eating a balanced diet of whole foods is important, regardless of where you buy them.

8 November 2009
at 9:24 p.m.

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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…

JackRipper (Anonymous) says…
ivalueamerica you should understand my point then, if your name is meaningful, are we simply consumers? Are we suppose to spend our whole life looking for ways to be “smart” consumers and not playing the role of a citizen, which as a good American would think would be a concern and recognizing that much of what we are seeing in the food world is hardly good for America in the big picture
__________________________________________________
It really seems to me like the root of your concern about Americas food supply is really more about things like NAFTA and GATT trade agreements along with your political views of what you think people should be doing. Either way, going after what you think is the problem is not going to be solved by knee jerk comments on a thread about coupons.

8 November 2009
at 9:30 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

What I think will be found out in the future when it becomes unsustainable because of peak oil. Yes, local agriculture will have problems providing for all populations but in the future corporate ag will have even more problems. I also look at like this, you can eat what is demonstrated to be healthier or eat what is cheap and deal with the health issues later. M&J beef for instance is grass fed, local, and available at Checkers. Although more expensive, simply because they aren't benefiting from the corn subsidizes the corp ag people get, the long term health benefits are extraordinary. It has been reported that grass fed beef is better than the farm raised salmon in the mix of omega 3 and 6. Corn fed beef is not only ruining the effectiveness of our antibiotics but is creating the fat Americans don't need. If that isn't clear enough to see it seems people want to walk around with their eyes closed.

8 November 2009
at 9:41 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

JackRipper (Anonymous) says…
katara apparently you are concerned. Where better to comment on coupons? Again it must be disturbing to have your ways questioned. Did I ever say not to do it, surely someone as together as you can deal with a little commenter on whether coupons are just part of a marketing strategy. Gosh, I suppose you are right, in those big ruthless companies they have an office of compassion and the good fairy comes out to give people substantial discounts simply because it is the right thing to do, nothing to do with marketing, nothing to do with the benefits they derive from subsidized, taxpayer funded, resources that allow them to spend more on advertising. No, you are right, there are fairies and leprechauns with pots of gold in the world and I'm just too cynical to see them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yes, the way to change the entire system is to come onto a coupon blog and tell others how to shop. Yep, that will show the Man. You keep sticking it to him.

I've not once said anything about the motives for coupons being out there. It seems like you are interested in making strawman arguments up to knock them down.

Again, no one here has told you how to shop for your needs. No one here has said anything derogatory about how you choose to spend your money.

Yet you insist on coming here to insult others and lecture us on what you perceive as the Truth and the Only Correct Way. All others are ignorant and apparently JackRipper is sent here from Heaven Above to teach us lowly ignorant people about how the world works.

Thank god you are here to save us from the error of our ways. We thank you, JackRipper. Where can we build a shrine in your honor?

8 November 2009
at 9:46 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

JackRipper (Anonymous) says…
“For example, the ketchup we use in my house is cheapest at Hy-Vee. It makes no sense for me to purchase that brand at Checkers when I know their price is more expensive even with figuring in a coupon. That is not getting the most value out of my hard earned money.”

Do you ever factor in things like gas and the time it takes to find these bargains? You truly are a consumer playing the consumer game and clueless to the big picture.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All time and gas are factored into my shopping trips. That is why they are planned and that is why I keep an idea of how much things are at certain stores - so I don't waste my time or my money.

You sure have a lot of preconceived and incorrect ideas about what is involved with coupons and sales. I am not surprised. A lot of people do.

8 November 2009
at 9:49 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

Pywacket (Anonymous) says…
Merrill~ wherever do you get the idea that produce “needs” to be misted each day? As a grower and a trained master gardener, I can assure you that this is not so. Lettuce, spinach, broccoli, and other highly perishable items benefit from remaining cool but dry until use. Misting them creates an environment for fungal and bacterial growth.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Can I pick your brain when planting season comes around? I can never get my bell peppers to thrive and have trouble getting my herbs to stay alive.

Or least can you point me in the right direction to find good info as to how to improve my outcome on those?

8 November 2009
at 9:52 p.m.

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shorttrees (Anonymous) says…

Gee Katara, hasn't anyone ever told you not to feed the trolls??

8 November 2009
at 9:54 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

A bit thin skinned if you think I'm telling you how to shop, can you show where I told you should do? Talk about slanting, you are the master. I don't think for anyone who can think there are any preconceived notions about coupons. Perhaps if there are you can explain. Are there really fairies in these corporations who bestow bargains on the people and nothing more? Please, instead of twisting my comments so you are the victim of attacks maybe you can tell us what the real purpose of coupons are for in the world of consuming.

8 November 2009
at 9:57 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

katara we are knee deep in what you have been spewing, if you compost it you'll have better luck with the peppers. But shoot, the time and money involved in growing your own could be spent looking for coupons.

8 November 2009
at 9:58 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

shorttrees I can't see where you have anything to add to the coupon discussion, are you sure you aren't the troll?

8 November 2009
at 9:59 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

JackRipper (Anonymous) says…
What I think will be found out in the future when it becomes unsustainable because of peak oil. Yes, local agriculture will have problems providing for all populations but in the future corporate ag will have even more problems. I also look at like this, you can eat what is demonstrated to be healthier or eat what is cheap and deal with the health issues later. M&J beef for instance is grass fed, local, and available at Checkers. Although more expensive, simply because they aren't benefiting from the corn subsidizes the corp ag people get, the long term health benefits are extraordinary. It has been reported that grass fed beef is better than the farm raised salmon in the mix of omega 3 and 6. Corn fed beef is not only ruining the effectiveness of our antibiotics but is creating the fat Americans don't need. If that isn't clear enough to see it seems people want to walk around with their eyes closed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Over prescribing of antibiotics is what is decreasing the effectiveness of them. When parents insist on them for every tiny sniffle, it reduces the effects and helps create resistant strains of illnesses.

I would suggest you google Amana Farms. That is the brand of beef sold in the Hy-Vee farms.
http://www.beefusa.org/newsiowacattle…
“”The overriding goal of Amana Farms has always been to maintain the 'look of the land' that drew the original settlers of the Amana Society to east-central Iowa in the 1800s,” said McGrath. “We've found that this environmental goal works hand-in-hand with our production goals of reducing cost and energy requirements and producing cattle, crops and timber at optimum levels.”

http://gazetteonline.com/consumer/fea…
“An Amana Farms project to turn animal waste into electricity is generating results and reducing greenhouse gases.”

8 November 2009
at 10:10 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

Well katara perhaps you haven't heard about the amounts of antibiotics given to corn fed cows in feedlots because they develop illnesses because they aren't meant to eat a heavy corn based diet. Plus the fat developed is unhealthy and causes many health issues. Amana beef I'm almost sure is also corn fed so pretty marketing pictures are pretty much just more marketing you like to fall for.

I don't suppose there is anything behind having the feedlots and slaughter houses way out in western Kansas and many of the workers are illegal aliens who know better than saying anything or find themselves kicked out of the country. No, like coupons none of this connects to anything.

8 November 2009
at 10:10 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

JackRipper (Anonymous) says…
A bit thin skinned if you think I'm telling you how to shop, can you show where I told you should do? Talk about slanting, you are the master. I don't think for anyone who can think there are any preconceived notions about coupons. Perhaps if there are you can explain. Are there really fairies in these corporations who bestow bargains on the people and nothing more? Please, instead of twisting my comments so you are the victim of attacks maybe you can tell us what the real purpose of coupons are for in the world of consuming.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
They are marketing tools. No one has said otherwise. Your local organic farmers market their products too. Some use coupons. Some use sales. Have you been to Amy's Meats website? What about the coupons passed out at the Farmers' Market?

There is no twisting your comments. Your comments are there for all to see. You lecture. You chide. You insult. You attempt to dictate as to what is best for others. You make bizarre assumptions as to why one shops somewhere (your comments about the Merc clientele) or what they shop for (coupons are only for processed foods), despite many on here pointing out otherwise.

An excellent example of a bizarre assumption that you have…

“JackRipper (Anonymous) says…
katara we are knee deep in what you have been spewing, if you compost it you'll have better luck with the peppers. But shoot, the time and money involved in growing your own could be spent looking for coupons.”

Many people who coupon have their own gardens. They can, jar and freeze their produce. But in your head, that isn't possible. Couponers only buy foods chock full o' poison. That is a preconceived idea. You have already made up your mind as to what type of lifestyle couponers live. Whereas, none on here have made judgments on yours.

8 November 2009
at 10:10 p.m.

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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…

JackRipper (Anonymous) says…
headdoctor, corporate ag is more than just the farms but the entire system that benefits from government subsidizes that continue to encourage the growing of things not needed and new needs created as HFCS and ethanol fuel are filling although far from what they promise to be.
_________________________________________________
Do you have any idea just how complex not just our food market is but the world market? No matter how bad you want to, you just can't change a few things and fix it. I don't like farm subsidies either but I realize that some are quite necessary. You are concerned with corporate farms and industry reaping large rewards but do you have any idea what would happen if there were not some farm subsidies? Most farmers are up to their eye balls in debt. They have to pay their bills no matter what. If they can't make money one way they will do it another. I don't pretend to have an answer but have it your way. Remove all the farm subsidies and I can guarantee you what will be left in a real short time is nothing but corporate farms marketing real junk. If you want to make changes go after the politicians not couponers yacking on a blog.

Personally I would love to see high fructose corn syrup use stopped. I have no use for ethanol either if for no other reason than most of that stuff uses more energy to produce than you get out of it. Yes the corn prices have been manipulated but it is still supply and demand. Go into any grocery store and try to by food without HFCS in it. What you will have in your cart isn't any healthier for you and sure isn't balanced either. Even the Merc has it in their products too. There a lot of people who barely have enough to feed their family much less pay the prices at places like the Merc. If you have any workable ideas I would like to hear them but I have no patience for pipe dreams.

8 November 2009
at 10:15 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

shorttrees (Anonymous) says…
Gee Katara, hasn't anyone ever told you not to feed the trolls??
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm just killing time while waiting to switch over the laundry loads. JackRipper is a known grump on LJW. He's happy about nothing. Sports? JackRipper will tell you why you are an idiot for supporting them. USD497? JackRipper will tell you why you are an idiot for supporting or not supporting some of their policies. Cars? JackRipper will tell you that cars are teh Debil. Coupons? JackRipper will tell you that they are the Tools of Satan.

It is quite amusing. I think that Holroyd guy and that Seamus are the only ones who top it.

8 November 2009
at 10:16 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

Wow the master twister at it again and oh so thin skinned. I'd like to know what judgments I've made, I've only commented on what the purpose of coupons are for and what it leads too. You are the one who takes that as an attack on yourself. I'm wondering if you aren't aren't a marketer yourself since you have so much concern about someone questioning the ultimate results. To compare a local producer coupon, not even a drop in the bucket compared to the ones you know exactly who I'm referring shows the level of dis-ingeniousness. So Amy offers coupons so therefore all coupons offered by large marketing based companies are also as pure as the wind driven snow. Yes, there is some marketing techniques in you as you try everything you can to fend for the big guys.

8 November 2009
at 10:23 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

JackRipper (Anonymous) says…
Wow the master twister at it again and oh so thin skinned. I'd like to know what judgments I've made, I've only commented on what the purpose of coupons are for and what it leads too. You are the one who takes that as an attack on yourself. I'm wondering if you aren't aren't a marketer yourself since you have so much concern about someone questioning the ultimate results. To compare a local producer coupon, not even a drop in the bucket compared to the ones you know exactly who I'm referring shows the level of dis-ingeniousness. So Amy offers coupons so therefore all coupons offered by large marketing based companies are also as pure as the wind driven snow. Yes, there is some marketing techniques in you as you try everything you can to fend for the big guys.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Uh huh. When all else fails, accuse the person of being part of whatever conspiracy you believe is going on.

Marketing is marketing. All businesses engage in it. All businesses want you to buy their products and encourage you to do so in a variety of ways. So what is your point?

P.S. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated in the Coupon Borg. Muhahahahahaha! All your shopping are belong to us.

8 November 2009
at 10:24 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

headdoctor the reason the farmers are in debt is because they fell into the corp ag worlds grip! The need for all the large farm equipment all based around growing as much of a few crops is why they are hurting! They sell it to corporate ag that sells them the genetically modified seeds that they are forbidden to reuse and either way it peter's out in a few years anyway. This system also increases the prices of agriculture for the poor parts of the world so we can have HFCS and ethanol because by their very existence shows a need was invented for their use, we don't need it. Same with corn fed cows in feedlots. Farmers use to have a wide diversity of products and many of those diverse farmers are making it and don't need the huge investment in equipment. Most farmers can't even provide for their own needs with a garden, that is how pathetic the whole system has become. Plus if we had more small farmers with diverse crops we would have more meaningful jobs. But the information is out there, we can start the process now or we can wait till peak oil effects take it down whether we like it or not. Look it up, we are talking sustainability or should be.

8 November 2009
at 10:27 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

katara you are one who will be the most shocked by what the future holds. The same ignorance that that had people believing we could burn all the gas we wanted because we are entitled in the this country also believe the future of our food is guaranteed. Live blissfully in ignorance and instead of reading up on this go ahead and clip some coupons.

8 November 2009
at 10:41 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

JackRipper (Anonymous) says…
katara you are one who will be the most shocked by what the future holds. The same ignorance that that had people believing we could burn all the gas we wanted because we are entitled in the this country also believe the future of our food is guaranteed. Live blissfully in ignorance and instead of reading up on this go ahead and clip some coupons.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Uh huh. Is your crystal ball locally produced? Made from recycled materials, perhaps?

Gorsh, if we were only as smart as JackRipper. Durrrrrrr. The world would just be all peachy. JackRipper has all the solutions.

Do you think you might push out President Obama for the Nobel Peace Prize next time around?

8 November 2009
at 10:47 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

No of course none of this will happen, shoot just like the economy wouldn't tank and everyone could afford a house. Go ahead continue in the world of ignorance and just keep talkin that American is number one and technology will fix everything. Surely there is nothing to be concerned about in the world of food either, it has been there for as long as you been around and gosh, that's like forever, ancient history so why would anything change?

8 November 2009
at 10:56 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

JackRipper (Anonymous) says…
No of course none of this will happen, shoot just like the economy wouldn't tank and everyone could afford a house. Go ahead continue in the world of ignorance and just keep talkin that American is number one and technology will fix everything. Surely there is nothing to be concerned about in the world of food either, it has been there for as long as you been around and gosh, that's like forever, ancient history so why would anything change?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Uh huh. Keep on building those strawman arguments that you think you are knocking down. Yay you!

8 November 2009
at 11:03 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

Go put that bow in your hair and head to Target for a little shopping. Don't worry yourself about all this. Everything will stay the same. Your lifespan surely encompasses most of human history and we have always had plenty, right? No need to think it won't.

8 November 2009
at 11:06 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

JackRipper (Anonymous) says…
Go put that bow in your hair and head to Target for a little shopping. Don't worry yourself about all this. Everything will stay the same. Your lifespan surely encompasses most of human history and we have always had plenty, right? No need to think it won't.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oooo more strawman arguments! Awesome! I can use them in my garden to keep the weeds out.

8 November 2009
at 11:10 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

Arguments? Is there an argument involved in this? I pointed out my feelings on coupons and marketing, didn't say you can't use them and I'm arguing? Clue me in on what you think we are arguing about please.

8 November 2009
at 11:17 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

JackRipper (Anonymous) says…
Arguments? Is there an argument involved in this? I pointed out my feelings on coupons and marketing, didn't say you can't use them and I'm arguing? Clue me in on what you think we are arguing about please.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mmmm… someone is not familiar with the strawman fallacy or how it works. Perhaps you should google it?

8 November 2009
at 11:21 p.m.

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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…

You are a piece of work JackRipper. You think all of us on here are just ignorant city slickers or suv driving yuppy puppies that are totally helpless without corporate America and the Government taking care of us from the cradle to the grave. Not hardly. You have been talking today to someone who was raised on a farm and have spent the last several decades in, around, and quite familiar with farming. If you only could realize how utterly silly your thoughts are you would crawl in a hole somewhere and pull the hole in after you. Since you are so self assured of your own ideas I can only recommend that you skip the idea of a tin foil hat and just wrap your house or apartment with it. While you have some legitimate ideas you are for the most part clueless.

I have run into people like you before and the general idea is you would be perfectly happy with us living at least as far back as in the horse and buggy days. Then you would have another problem that you wouldn't have a computer or internet to play with. The bottom line is you use the term sustainability but have no real idea of how to do so and haven't figured out that in the real world that term isn't possible.

8 November 2009
at 11:24 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

If you can't see how it all ties together what can I say? I still say you have no idea what the point is, just that you love coupons and the world is that simple and anyone who may differ is diabolically undermining the world as you know it. If you aren't interested in how it ties together the issues in how well it will be sustainable again I say, get yourself some coupons and go shopping and don't worry about it. It has always been as far as you're concerned so therefore it will always be.

8 November 2009
at 11:33 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

oh really headdoctor, guess you must represent the type of farmers who are so far in debt because of all the knowledge gained living on the farm. It is nice you were able to explain where I was so far off the mark and instead spent it with your comments on me. Surely if I'm so wrong you must have the answers, care to post them?

Sad thing for people like you is coming to terms with the idea we very well could be heading back to the horse and buggy days. It is hard to say for sure of course but there are a lot of people with strong arguments that the end of cheap fossil fuels that were reasonably cheap to use for our fuel will not be replaceable by any technology we can think of right now. Agriculture and the food world right now are totally dependent on fossil fuels for fertilizers, fuel, and transportation of food across the country and the world. If the peak oil people are correct what are the answers you have stored up there?

8 November 2009
at 11:35 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

JackRipper (Anonymous) says…
If you can't see how it all ties together what can I say? I still say you have no idea what the point is, just that you love coupons and the world is that simple and anyone who may differ is diabolically undermining the world as you know it. If you aren't interested in how it ties together the issues in how well it will be sustainable again I say, get yourself some coupons and go shopping and don't worry about it. It has always been as far as you're concerned so therefore it will always be.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Awwww…somebody didn't google “strawman fallacy” as so amply demonstrated by your above post.

Thank you for doing so. I'm now set for Thanksgiving decorations. It is too bad you didn't do this sooner. The bale would have looked awesome with the Halloween decorations.

8 November 2009
at 11:41 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

Don't forget your coupons and your bow. Suppose there is nothing as special as store bought decorations for those special holidays remade just to encourage consumer spending. No need to consider the real point of the holidays either when there is shopping to do.

8 November 2009
at 11:45 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

and headdoctor you might explain how some of the top people receiving the subsidizes are millionaires. Curious isn't it that if you just look up here in Douglas County the people receiving subsidizes how many people who don't farm for a living and just own the land, trust funds, and others who get sizable sums from the government. Portraying it as a way of keeping the small family farmer afloat is getting pretty lame anymore.

8 November 2009
at 11:45 p.m.

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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…

JackRipper (Anonymous) says…
If you can't see how it all ties together what can I say? I still say you have no idea what the point is, just that you love coupons and the world is that simple and anyone who may differ is diabolically undermining the world as you know it. If you aren't interested in how it ties together the issues in how well it will be sustainable again I say, get yourself some coupons and go shopping and don't worry about it. It has always been as far as you're concerned so therefore it will always be.
_______________________________________________
It is not hard to see what you are saying. I am just saying that coupons is a marketing tool. While there are obvious problems
with production, trade, farm subsidies and such, not everything is a conspiracy. The way you are trying to tie all this together you might as well tie it to the Roswell cover up. Never ascribe to conspiracy when ignorance and greed can produce the same result. BTW, if you want to insist on conspiracy you might want to start small and somewhat local. I suggest you investigate the Kansas City Board of Trade for starters. The history and longevity of their escapades make corn subsidies look like kindergarten.

8 November 2009
at 11:48 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

JackRipper (Anonymous) says…
Don't forget your coupons and your bow. Suppose there is nothing as special as store bought decorations for those special holidays remade just to encourage consumer spending. No need to consider the real point of the holidays either when there is shopping to do.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Why thanks for reminding me but I really don't need the store bought when you provided me so much to locally produce my own decorations. And I bet it is 100% organic too!

8 November 2009
at 11:51 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

I don't think of it as a conspiracy but when you have corporations that fly politicians around in their private jets and are right up there with defense contractors in lobbying which benefits corporate biz with a system that is screwed up in many ways but is an easy model to make their money it certainly isn't just ma and pa down on the farm doing 40 acres. It is owned and ran by wall street which only cares for one thing as has been demonstrated so well and that is profits. When those wall street types spend time in the places they run out in western Kansas maybe they'll start looking at things differently.

8 November 2009
at 11:53 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

katara would I sweeten the deal by offering you coupons too?

8 November 2009
at 11:59 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

JackRipper (Anonymous) says…
katara would I sweeten the deal by offering you coupons too?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nope. I am fairly certain that nothing you could offer would sweeten anything.

9 November 2009
at midnight

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

Some day you may discover that is true with most of the other coupons you cherish.

9 November 2009
at 12:01 a.m.

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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…

JackRipper (Anonymous) says…
and headdoctor you might explain how some of the top people receiving the subsidizes are millionaires. Curious isn't it that if you just look up here in Douglas County the people receiving subsidizes how many people who don't farm for a living and just own the land, trust funds, and others who get sizable sums from the government. Portraying it as a way of keeping the small family farmer afloat is getting pretty lame anymore.
__________________________________________________
No kidding. I have already said that I don't like subsidies either but you can't have your cake and eat it too. Some of the little guys are going to get some form of subsidy along with the big boys. You complain about corporate farms and now you are complaining the family farms are getting something. WTH?

9 November 2009
at 12:06 a.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

JackRipper (Anonymous) says…
Some day you may discover that is true with most of the other coupons you cherish.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
More strawman fallacy. Well, I guess I can build a scarecrow now to keep the pests away from the garden. Too bad it can't work on forums.

9 November 2009
at 12:09 a.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

headdoctor (Anonymous) says…
No kidding. I have already said that I don't like subsidies either but you can't have your cake and eat it too
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yeah, especially if that cake is made with HFCS.

9 November 2009
at 12:38 a.m.

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RogueThrill (Anonymous) says…

I live pretty equidistant to Checkers and the 23rd street Dillons and I shop predominantly at Dillons. I grew up in Hutchinson and the layout of Dillons is just more familiar for me. There is nothing wrong with checkers, I just like Dillons more. I also use Kwik Shops more often. Not because they are better (and I find they are, generally) but because they are more familiar.

Checkers is a fine store with great prices, but it would take me months to become familiar with it enough to find a particular item on a whim.

I also commend you on not adding Wal-Mart to the comparison.

9 November 2009
at 7:23 a.m.

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Kash_Encarri (Anonymous) says…

The mention that a federal food inspector finds fault with the handling and practices a vendor has gets my remark pulled?! It's verifiable in the health department reports, but whatever.

9 November 2009
at 9:23 a.m.

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KansasPerson (Anonymous) says…

Pywacket said:

“The west side of town just seems way too country clubby and, yes, white! And by “white” I guess I mean well-heeled white in particular. That probably seems normal & natural for those who grew up in such an environment, but I find it cookie-cutterish, so feel more at home at Checkers where there are whites, blacks, native Americans, Hispanics, etc., instead of everybody looking like they could be DAR or Mayflower Society members. Sorry to have offended you.”

Pywacket, I know you have the right to feel however you want, but honestly, how are these comments any more kosher than similar comments about non-white groups be? Not wanting to be around a particular group because of their appearance and because of your preconceived stereotypes is uncool no matter how you slice it. I agree with you about not getting the lettuce wet, but you are losing credibility for me with these other uptight comments.

Your assumptions:

- that any white person who is in a west-side store is also “well-heeled” i.e. rich
- that if that doesn't bother you, it must be because you “grew up in such an environment”
- that if you are white and live on the west side, you could well be a card-carrying member of the DAR or the Mayflower Society
- that it's somehow shameful to be (a) white and (b) have ancestors who arrived here pre-1800s

So I'm white and my folks started coming here in the 1600s. I'm not that “well-heeled” and I don't live on the west side, but according to you, I'm a person to be shunned! To tell you the truth, I'm not ashamed to be what I am, any more than anyone of another race should be. I don't flaunt this stuff or join societies about it, but it's still a fact about my background and I'm not going to pretend it doesn't exist.

So, please don't be narrow-minded. Just because you're saying it about your own race doesn't make it cool. If you knew a Native American or Hispanic person who was ashamed of their own background, wouldn't you feel that they shouldn't be?

9 November 2009
at 9:33 a.m.

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honeychild (Mel Briscoe) says…

so you didn't think it would be a good thing to include walmart and target in your grocery equations?

i noticed that i save a decent amount at walmart (just talking about grocery items here, not clothing, housewares, auto stuff, toys). i think that on about 50% of similar items, they have better prices than dillons. but dillons has such superior customer service and their speciality departments, like bakery and deli, are better than walmart as well.

9 November 2009
at 9:37 a.m.

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KansasPerson (Anonymous) says…

Does anyone know which store (if any) sells spices in small quantities? I used to see these little one-inch-tall containers, and I prefer them, because I go through them more quickly and my supply stays fresher. I've been seeing a lot more of the taller containers and not so many of the little guys anymore.

9 November 2009
at 9:46 a.m.

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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…

Wow, this coupon thread has really taken some twists and turns this week. Now we return the focus again to Lawrence's very own breed of Liberal fascists. (Huge eye roll)

9 November 2009
at 9:54 a.m.

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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…

KansasPerson (Anonymous) says…
Does anyone know which store (if any) sells spices in small quantities? I used to see these little one-inch-tall containers, and I prefer them, because I go through them more quickly and my supply stays fresher. I've been seeing a lot more of the taller containers and not so many of the little guys anymore.
_________________________________________________
The last time I went looking I thought most of them still carried some small containers. I thought HyVee on sixth street had some. Checkers use to have a special display of just the smaller ones although their spices were in in three different places sometime back. I know the prices of the small containers went through the roof compared to larger containers, so it is possible they have dropped them because of poor sales performance.

9 November 2009
at 10:31 a.m.

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honeychild (Mel Briscoe) says…

another really good place to buy spices is the dollar store. and they are, of course, cheaper there. check them out— i try to pick up some of my more frequently used spices (like garlic powder) at dollar general and dollar tree when i can.

9 November 2009
at 10:46 a.m.

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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…

honeychild (Mel Briscoe) says…
another really good place to buy spices is the dollar store. and they are, of course, cheaper there. check them out— i try to pick up some of my more frequently used spices (like garlic powder) at dollar general and dollar tree when i can.
__________________________________________________
Nice idea. I keep forgetting about those stores. Even though the selection isn't very large I like to hit Walgreens for theirs when they are on sale.

I think some of the best deals out there and for keeping things fresh is the McCormick grinders. Those have coupons and when they are on sale it makes them very cheap and sometimes free.

9 November 2009
at 11:08 a.m.

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kmat (Anonymous) says…

This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.

9 November 2009
at 11:45 a.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

kmat, it is very clear you didn't get it. Didn't your momma teach you that you don't have to read comments? Oh wait, your analysis of what I said clearly shows you didn't read it so what's your problem?

9 November 2009
at 12:46 p.m.

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kmat (Anonymous) says…

This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.

9 November 2009
at 2:52 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

People and their coupons, wow the marketing gimmick works incredibly well it appears.

9 November 2009
at 3:56 p.m.

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bad_dog (Anonymous) says…

This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.

9 November 2009
at 5:18 p.m.

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kmat (Anonymous) says…

Hmmm Jack - who's the idiot. If there's a product I purchase on a regular basis and there are coupons for said product, an idiot would refuse to use a coupon and save a little money. That's like the cashier saying, “hey, I can give you a discount” and you tell them, “no, I'd rather just throw money out the window, but thanks”.

Now if someone just buys something because there is a coupon, not because they need the item, then that's a different story.

I eat at Rudy's every week. I use coupons when they're available. What's so terrible about saving a couple bucks on a pizza? And that's not the big corporate scam you say coupons are - that's just a little local guy.

I did my shopping yesterday and used coupons for items I buy on a regular basis. I saved $17 by doing this. Let's say that's my average I save every week. So, that's $884 per year. Nothing stupid about saving that money and using it in other ways. I like to travel. That's a good chunk of one of my vacations.

And now that you can get coupons online, I can once every few weeks go to one website, print the coupons I will use and be done with it. About five minutes of my time to save a bunch of money. It's not like the old days when you had to get the paper and cut out all those little coupons.

You are just bagging on people that use a device to save a little cash on stuff they purchase regularly. That's why you're a sad little troll. Some lady must have pissed you off by making you wait in the check out line an extra 20 sections while they scanned her coupons.

9 November 2009
at 5:37 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

Like I said, you apparently didn't read anything I said. I have no hatred for coupons, coupon users, or saving money on things a person is going to use but what I'm talking about are the large corporations and marketing. When a shopper is using coupons to purchase 3 20 packs of Coke I see something more than just someone drinking something that claims to “add life”. I ponder how part of our health care dilemma in this country is tied directly to the fact we need so much of it simply because of what we eat and the way things have evolved that require a car to go shopping. I don't imagine a person is going to haul around 3 20 packs without a car. I just see coupons from the big guys as all part of this. Call me crazy, oh wait some already have, but I don't look at a coupon to purchase processed food and pop as such an innocent thing in the long term. I don't blame the clipper, don't see any conspiracies, but do see it all evolving into a real mess and then we are back to health care.

9 November 2009
at 6:11 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

kmat (Anonymous) says…
I did my shopping yesterday and used coupons for items I buy on a regular basis. I saved $17 by doing this. Let's say that's my average I save every week. So, that's $884 per year. Nothing stupid about saving that money and using it in other ways. I like to travel. That's a good chunk of one of my vacations.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It makes a huge difference. I keep track of all money I spend. Utilizing coupons and sales, I have saved $6705.91 off my spending on all things this year with the exception of my mortgage & my utilities.

That savings includes clothing. It includes medications. It includes car repair and maintenance. It includes groceries. It includes non-food items needed such personal hygiene supplies and household cleaning supplies. It includes yard and gardening supplies. It includes pet care.

Despite being told and shown over and over again, some people just can't understand that there are coupons out there for pretty much everything. Their loss. Not mine.

9 November 2009
at 7:32 p.m.

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Seamus (Anonymous) says…

I didn't even SPEND $6700 on all that crap this year and I have a family of four. Perhaps the problem is that you buy too much stuff in the first place. Voluntary simplicity means learning to live with less and finding ways to make do with what we already have. You don't need coupons for fancy cereals— oatmeal is cheaper and healthier. You don't need coupons for gimmicky cleansers when ammonia, bleach or a scouring powder works just as well. It's amazing what you can find at Goodwill. A little seed turns into nutritious and cheap produce. A $30 PC from the Salvation Army or a garage sale can be turned into a functional computer using DSL (“Darn Small Linux”— note the first word isn't “darn” but I don't want the JW censors deleting this post.)

Anyway, despite being told and shown over and over again, some people just can't understand that there are ways to live without spending much in the first place. Their loss. Not mine.

9 November 2009
at 8:02 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

Seamus (Anonymous) says…

I didn't even SPEND $6700 on all that crap this year and I have a family of four. Perhaps the problem is that you buy too much stuff in the first place. Voluntary simplicity means learning to live with less and finding ways to make do with what we already have. You don't need coupons for fancy cereals— oatmeal is cheaper and healthier. You don't need coupons for gimmicky cleansers when ammonia, bleach or a scouring powder works just as well. It's amazing what you can find at Goodwill. A little seed turns into nutritious and cheap produce. A $30 PC from the Salvation Army or a garage sale can be turned into a functional computer using DSL (“Darn Small Linux”— note the first word isn't “darn” but I don't want the JW censors deleting this post.)

Anyway, despite being told and shown over and over again, some people just can't understand that there are ways to live without spending much in the first place. Their loss. Not mine.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That is the amount I saved. The amount I spent is a small fraction of that. I am sorry that you don't understand that.

Perhaps the problem is that you are too busy telling everyone else how to live their lives that you missed out on the reading comprehension skills you should have developed instead.

You keep on eating your “Amish” oatmeal (Nevermind that there is not a local Amish population so you are most certainly not buying local). It obviously helps you exceed the RDA of smug and we wouldn't want you to be deprived of something you obviously need to function.

9 November 2009
at 8:09 p.m.

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Seamus (Anonymous) says…

Katara, what makes you think I'm not buying local? What makes you think I live in Lawrence? I moved away years ago to get away from people like you. Go ahead and keep eating your processed foods while pretending you're being frugal. As far as “reading comprehension” goes I have a doctorate. But go on ahead and feel superior to me. I don't mind. I'm not the one deluding myself.

9 November 2009
at 8:19 p.m.

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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…

Seamus (Anonymous) says…
Katara, what makes you think I'm not buying local? What makes you think I live in Lawrence? I moved away years ago to get away from people like you. Go ahead and keep eating your processed foods while pretending you're being frugal. As far as “reading comprehension” goes I have a doctorate. But go on ahead and feel superior to me. I don't mind. I'm not the one deluding myself.
_____________________________________________
If you have a doctorate I would ask the University for a refund. I would say that when they piled it high and deep they missed something. If you moved away from here to get away from the people here, why are you back being an ignorant jerk on the news paper forum? Much less on a thread about coupons of which you obviously are to ignorant to understand.

9 November 2009
at 8:28 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

Seamus (Anonymous) says…
Katara, what makes you think I'm not buying local? What makes you think I live in Lawrence? I moved away years ago to get away from people like you. Go ahead and keep eating your processed foods while pretending you're being frugal. As far as “reading comprehension” goes I have a doctorate. But go on ahead and feel superior to me. I don't mind. I'm not the one deluding myself.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
That's funny, Dr. Seamus. You moved away from here to get a way from people like me but you are posting on the newspaper website from the place you were so desperate to get away from and voluntarily engaging with people like me on, of all things, a coupon blog.

The only one with issues about superiority here are you and JackRIpper. Both of you are so convinced that you are the possessors of the One and Only Truth and all others are simply too stupid to get “It”.

And, of course, it is us on the coupon blog who are deluding ourselves. Sure, that's it.

9 November 2009
at 8:28 p.m.

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Seamus (Anonymous) says…

Groupthink is alive and well. headdoctor is apparently afraid of opinions that vary from his own and will go to extreme lengths to defend eating processed foods. These processed foods have done more to destroy the local food cultures and to harm our health than virtually anything else, so it doesn't really matter if you're getting it for “free” with your coupons. Again, there is another way, once which frees you from the shackles of consumerism. I'm actually not opposed to coupons but my original criticism stands— one of these coupon-clipping ladies apparently thinks saving money on cases of Coke is somehow a mark of frugality. Will they be bragging about the money they've saved on glucometers and lancets in 10 years? Watch this video for more fun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQNvdK…
Be sure to notice the crap that ends up in this lady's cart and pantry.

9 November 2009
at 8:29 p.m.

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workinghard (Anonymous) says…

I was wonder about that too headdoctor.

9 November 2009
at 8:31 p.m.

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workinghard (Anonymous) says…

Sorry, meant “wondering”

9 November 2009
at 8:36 p.m.

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Seamus (Anonymous) says…

More groupthink like high school cliques. “I don't like what you say, so go away!!”

9 November 2009
at 8:41 p.m.

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LadyJ (Anonymous) says…

Keep up the good work Julie and Jenn and hopefully these blogs will evolve into what they were intended to be. I am thinking of canceling my subscription to the Grocery Game. Why pay them for what I can get here for free. The best thing I learned from them is that Dillons will honor expired coupons for two weeks after the expiration date. I love it. I love using a coupon for something in the clearance rack and getting it for practically free. Also a good way to try those expensive things you normally wouldn't put out that much money for.

9 November 2009
at 8:42 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

Oh dear lord, “shackles of consumerism”, eh?

And Seamus is here to free all us ignorant local yokels. Why he is so edumacated he's got hisself a piece of paper (betcha that lambskin is not only local but 100% organic, fat, sugar and sodium free) sayun hes bona fide from a reel skool! He'll lern us reel gud!

It shure iz nice he can dane to brang hisself doun to hour level. Hes doin the Lawd's werk. Durrrrr. Drool.

9 November 2009
at 8:54 p.m.

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Seamus (Anonymous) says…

Go ahead and keep shilling for business as usual. No problem here— as Kunstler wrote this morning, reality is an ugly business. The latest news today is that a couple of anonymous whistle-blowers from the IEA have admitted that we've already passed the peak of oil production. The age of cheap oil is over and you aren't going to be able to use a coupon to buy a barrel of oil. Worldwide grain stockpiles have been at record lows for the past year or so. The CEO of Potash voiced his fears publicly that we may be facing a famine in the near future as fertilizers become harder to come by.

Like all people who participate in groupthink (like any normal resident of a cooterville like Lawrence), you actually believe you're superior to those who offer differing opinions. You are clearly very fond of the products offered by the giant multinationals but the future is going to return to local commerce. You aren't likely going to be able to use a coupon for a gallon of locally-produced milk. You aren't going to get something for nothing, which has essentially become a way of life in this country. That's essentially what you're espousing here. It's phony and clearly if everyone was as ruthless as the lady in that video I mentioned above, then no one would be offering coupons at all.

But go ahead, keep deluding yourselves. I'm sorry I'm not more patient and less abrasive, but I don't have time to convince people who honestly believe things will keep on keeping on as they always have. Do a little reading on your own and open your eyes.

9 November 2009
at 9:01 p.m.

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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…

Seamus (Anonymous) says…
Groupthink is alive and well. headdoctor is apparently afraid of opinions that vary from his own and will go to extreme lengths to defend eating processed foods. These processed foods have done more to destroy the local food cultures and to harm our health than virtually anything else, so it doesn't really matter if you're getting it for “free” with your coupons. Again, there is another way, once which frees you from the shackles of consumerism.
_____________________________________________
I am not afraid of other opinions at all. If you have followed the posts on here you would have also picked up that I am not fond of HFCS or the likes of MSG. Yes there are people who buy processed foods. What you can not get your brain wrapped around is there are coupons for non processed foods. Last time I checked we all have to eat something. I guess if you think grocery shopping is part of the shackles of consumerism, then so be it. You are putting all coupon people into one class and it is not your business to tell anyone what or how they buy for their families any more than couponers would have a right to tell you. BTW, at the moment I am munching on granola made with cashews, peanuts, pecans and whole oats mixed together with honey and yes I purchased the stuff with coupons.

9 November 2009
at 9:01 p.m.

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thrifter (Anonymous) says…

To those who were saying they don't like the coupons in the mail, I found a website where there are a ton of great resources you can request to get off mailing lists:

http://www.obviously.com/junkmail/

Of course, this doesn't apply to local papers, but really, I get those, too, and they get tossed right in the trash. If it's really such a pain to take it out to the trash, I'd be a little nervous about the condition of your house and the rest of the garbage that hasn't made it out to the curb because it's a nuisance!

9 November 2009
at 9:04 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

What is puzzling is that Julie mentions a whole bunch of items that are not processed foods that she purchased but do JackRipper and Seamus have anything to say about that?

Nope, because it doesn't fit in with their assumptions about who, how or what coupon clippers are and their buying habits (hint: there is not one that shops the same way or for the same things).

Instead they want to focus on the one item they think will show everyone how dangerous processed foods are - the Coca Cola.

They have no idea how much of it is consumed in Julie's household. Julie could go through a 20 pack/day. She could have 1 can/day. She could have 1 can/week. But they would have no idea of her rate of consumption. They just see 3/20 packs and assume that she and her family are just guzzling it all the time.

Assumptions. That is really all Seamus and JackRipper have here.

They ignore the links that have been presented to them in previous blogs for coupons for organic products. They ignore the fact that many coupon clippers grow, can, jar or freeze their own food from their own gardens. They ignore the fact that many coupon clippers make items from scratch.

Not one person here has told them that how they decide to live and shop is wrong.

But here they are telling you that if you don't do as they do, you are delusional. You are ignorant. You are easily duped. And then they turn around and tell you that they have nothing against coupons.

9 November 2009
at 9:08 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

Seamus (Anonymous) says… I'm sorry I'm not more patient and less abrasive, but I don't have time to convince people who honestly believe things will keep on keeping on as they always have.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Then why are you even here? By all means, stop wasting your precious time with us delusional folks. We didn't ask you to spend it here.

Go buy some more Amish oatmeal. It is obvious you need more fiber in your diet.

9 November 2009
at 9:11 p.m.

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Seamus (Anonymous) says…

Oh yes, the “you don't have the right to tell others” platitude. Sometimes the truth needs to be told. The fact is that the majority of this nation doesn't understand the basics of nutrition. If they did, then there would be less heart disease, diabetes and, probably, cancer. The fact is that whole foods don't need to be expensive. The fact is that with smaller portions even high-quality food is affordable (without the couple-clipping.) The fact is that our coupon heroines above admitted to buying three 20-packs of Coke. I said it before but it bears repeating— will they be offering advice on where to get the best deals for diabetic test strips and insulin next?

9 November 2009
at 9:12 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

thrifter (Anonymous) says…
To those who were saying they don't like the coupons in the mail, I found a website where there are a ton of great resources you can request to get off mailing lists:

http://www.obviously.com/junkmail/

Of course, this doesn't apply to local papers, but really, I get those, too, and they get tossed right in the trash. If it's really such a pain to take it out to the trash, I'd be a little nervous about the condition of your house and the rest of the garbage that hasn't made it out to the curb because it's a nuisance!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks for doing the legwork for those who really should be doing it themselves.

I did bookmark that link. It looks to be helpful to pass on to others who will be more likely to appreciate it.

9 November 2009
at 9:13 p.m.

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Seamus (Anonymous) says…

That oatmeal really bothers you, doesn't it Katara? Perhaps you need another dose of Kaptain Krunch or something else fortified with corn syrup. And again with the groupthink! “We didn't ask you to spend your time here.” Does that mean I'm out of the clique? What? You won't go to the prom with me? Whaaa!

9 November 2009
at 9:17 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

Seamus (Anonymous) says…
Oh yes, the “you don't have the right to tell others” platitude. Sometimes the truth needs to be told. The fact is that the majority of this nation doesn't understand the basics of nutrition. If they did, then there would be less heart disease, diabetes and, probably, cancer. The fact is that whole foods don't need to be expensive. The fact is that with smaller portions even high-quality food is affordable (without the couple-clipping.) The fact is that our coupon heroines above admitted to buying three 20-packs of Coke. I said it before but it bears repeating— will they be offering advice on where to get the best deals for diabetic test strips and insulin next?
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sure, because you have a corner on the truth, right?

And what was it you were saying about who was feeling superior?

Do you have a big cart to attach to your bike in which to lug that giant ego around with?

9 November 2009
at 9:21 p.m.

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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…

I tend to think that Seamus and JackRipper have have spent way to much time reading the same conspiracy manuals. They want to push local food sources but are as hard headed as the Libertarians are about their pipe dreams. If locals could provide the supply it would be purchased from them. The bottom line is they can't meet the demand. I would really like to see these two clowns take their theories to parts of Arkansas and tell those people how they are suppose to buy local when all they have there to farm on is rocks. Or to Utah and Nevada where they have to use an Israeli watering system to produce even a small amount of greenery.

9 November 2009
at 9:22 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

Seamus (Anonymous) says…
That oatmeal really bothers you, doesn't it Katara? Perhaps you need another dose of Kaptain Krunch or something else fortified with corn syrup. And again with the groupthink! “We didn't ask you to spend your time here.” Does that mean I'm out of the clique? What? You won't go to the prom with me? Whaaa!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Not really. It is amusing that oatmeal is your great example of a healthy food.

Groupthink…You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

9 November 2009
at 9:26 p.m.

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Seamus (Anonymous) says…

Are you going to argue the points or just keep slinging?

Answer these questions:

Is it a good idea to drink Coke even if it's cheap or even free?

Are processed foods healthier than fresh produce and whole foods? Are they better for you than homemade foods?

Will our supply of oil and grain allow us to continue binging on factory foods forever?

Why do the French have fewer health problems despite eating rich, fatty foods?

Do you think the truth is real or just something that you can decide upon in your group?

9 November 2009
at 9:31 p.m.

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Seamus (Anonymous) says…

headdoctor— do you think it's wise that people have chosen to build huge cities in the desert? I don't and don't believe it will be sustainable in the future. Reality won't care what you think about my politics. As far as local foods go, how in the hell do you think Lawrence supplied its needs 100 years ago? By shipping produce thousands of miles? How do you think they survived in Arkansas before this modern age of cheap oil? How do you suppose things will be when oil is too expensive to be wasted on trips to the store in the SUV? By the way, I love your ad hominems. “Clowns”, “ignorant jerk”, etc.

9 November 2009
at 9:34 p.m.

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JackRipper (Anonymous) says…

“headdoctor (Anonymous) says…
I tend to think that Seamus and JackRipper have have spent way to much time reading the same conspiracy manuals. They want to push local food sources but are as hard headed as the Libertarians are about their pipe dreams. If locals could provide the supply it would be purchased from them. The bottom line is they can't meet the demand. I would really like to see these two clowns take their theories to parts of Arkansas and tell those people how they are suppose to buy local when all they have there to farm on is rocks. Or to Utah and Nevada where they have to use an Israeli watering system to produce even a small amount of greenery.”

You know that is amusing headdoctor, we are in the most important agricultural regions in the country and you don't think we could provide for ourselves locally? I understand the big cities and such but here? You are missing the point entirely and pretty clearly demonstrate why you all are not getting it. Your belief that people who has researched this topic extensively and come to the belief that the system we have and the changes coming in the future means we better start coming up with some ideas or face some ugly realities. Is it a conspiracy that people believe the sun will come up in the morning? You all seem to think assumptions are being made on my part but there is no monopoly on that in this discussion. Is it a conspiracy to believe that the same breakdown that occurred in the financial world couldn't happen in the food world too? I take it the people who were calling for action in the financial world were also conspiracy theorist. Really what happens happens but it is unfortunate that the American way of solving problems can only happen after the crash.

9 November 2009
at 9:37 p.m.

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Seamus (Anonymous) says…

Katara— the fact that you snidely joke about the healthfulness of oatmeal suggests that you truly have no clue of real nutrition. Perhaps you prefer to believe something is nutritious when there is a glitzy ad on television tells you so.

As for groupthink, it's been proven here again and again. If I hadn't come along to disrupt the coupon-clipping lovefest here, there would have never been any dissent. Time and again I've been asked to “leave” this forum because I apparently disrupt the Wa in here. Yes, it sure is nice to skate through life without actually having to deal with any challenging thoughts.

9 November 2009
at 9:38 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

Seamus (Anonymous) says…
Are you going to argue the points or just keep slinging?

Answer these questions:

Is it a good idea to drink Coke even if it's cheap or even free?

Are processed foods healthier than fresh produce and whole foods? Are they better for you than homemade foods?

Will our supply of oil and grain allow us to continue binging on factory foods forever?

Why do the French have fewer health problems despite eating rich, fatty foods?

Do you think the truth is real or just something that you can decide upon in your group?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sigh. You and JackRipper sure are bestest best friends with strawmen.

Why do I need to argue your points or answer your questions? Both you and JackRipper have assigned me and others positions we have not once taken. I am not going to argue for or against arguments that apparently exist in your head only.

This is a coupon blog about Lawrence grocery stores and comparison shopping and that is what I am discussing.

You are free to start your own blog at any point in time if you feel your points are important enough to merit discussion. I doubt you will though because you won't get enough people to discuss it with you.

Best of luck in your crusade.

9 November 2009
at 9:40 p.m.

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Seamus (Anonymous) says…

Jack makes a great point— here we are in America's Breadbasket and we have people arguing that our food needs cannot be met locally. What a joke.

9 November 2009
at 9:47 p.m.

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Seamus (Anonymous) says…

So, you refuse to answer my questions, yet you contend that these things are only in my head. I see this as a failure of the imagination in that you simply refuse to actually look at the facts starting us in the face. Peak Oil is upon us and it's going to change everything. World grain stockpiles have been dropping. Food is going to get much more expensive and, out of necessity, it is probably going to have to be grown locally.

And I will kindly ask you to stop telling me what to do. I wasn't under the impression that you had some special authority here to issue directives. In any case, I suspect you don't like my inconvenient truths and would simply prefer to live in denial. My only request is that you actually take the time to read about Peak Oil and some of these other things. I don't care what you think about me but the more people that at least have thought about these issues, the better.

9 November 2009
at 10:15 p.m.

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Boston_Corbett (Anonymous) says…

I think there are a few organic corn cobs stuck somewhere on Seamus and Jackripper where the light don't shine.

9 November 2009
at 10:45 p.m.

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Freestater456 (Anonymous) says…

I don't know about shopping prices but I do know that Dillons will screw you over if they get the chance. After my father's company, a small local family run store, did a bunch of work for Dillons they were trying to withhold payment as long as possible. It took my father trying to get ahold of the CEO of Krogers to finally get paid. No one in my family or anyone that works for my father will ever shop at Dillons again.

“We will provide all associates and customers with a safe, friendly work and shopping environment and will treat each of them with respect, openness, honesty and fairness.”
-part of the Kroger mission statement

9 November 2009
at 10:53 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

Seamus (Anonymous) says…
So, you refuse to answer my questions, yet you contend that these things are only in my head.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You throw the term “groupthink” around like a baseball but have no concept of what a strawman is. Both you and JackRipper have assigned positions to me and overall the coupon clippers on this blog that none of us have taken and then you have proceeded to argue against those positions. That is what is your head only.

Repeatedly, you have been given links to show that not all coupons are for processed foods. Repeatedly you have been told that many couponers grow their own food. Repeatedly you have been told that people should do what is best for their families and that not everyone shops the same.

But you simply don't want to change your preconceived ideas. You'd much rather lump us into one group and then assign your strange assumptions to all of us and then proceed to lecture us about our supposed shopping habits.

You pick out the Coca Cola out of everything the author of the blog purchased to obsess about as if the fact she purchased soda pop is a complete picture of her family's dietary habits. You post a YouTube video of some lady as if that is proof that all people who use coupons have the same shopping habits.

I've not once told you what to do. I have questioned why you are here since you have indicated that you moved away from Lawrence because of “people like me”. I have pointed out that you are free to start your own blog about a topic you feel passionate enough about that you manage to come mingle with us common folk. However, I've not told you how to live your life.

I am more than willing to discuss deals on products, local or otherwise with you here but if you wish to engage me in a discussion on peak oil or corporate agriculture or any other topic other than sales and coupons, you will have to make the effort of coming up with your own blog instead of glomming onto to someone else's.

Again, best of luck in your crusade.

10 November 2009
at 12:28 a.m.

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Pywacket (Anonymous) says…

KansasPerson~ You apparently are looking for reasons to misconstrue my comments—I get it—you're trying to turn the concept of racism on its head (much the way Republicans did last year every chance they got). It's nothing new or original—and it's pointless.

I never said I wanted to shun anybody—or that I was ashamed of my own race or background. Kindly refrain from twisting my comments to fit your noble agenda.

I just prefer to shop/be somewhere where a variety of people of different backgrounds feel comfortable together.

What if the subject were actually country clubs and which one people preferred? Would you be as judgmental of me if I said I preferred the one that had a mix of people over the one that was all white? Really? And would you use that statement to declare that I'm “ashamed of my own race”? Really?

There are plenty of west Lawrence folks shopping at Checkers—people who are comfortable parking the Lexus or BMW next to the beater, or the pickup or the subcompact in the parking lot. That's great—I never said I avoided other white people or monied people—but they're not the ONLY people there. That's the point. I feel more at home with a cosmopolitan blend of people. That's what my home town looks like. Shoot—that's what my family looks like. And if that still irritates you and if you still don't get my point, tant pis!

10 November 2009
at 7:26 a.m.

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hail2oldku (Anonymous) says…

Not sure what HyVee or Dillons you shopped at in the past Py, but I see plenty of other beaters parked in the lot next to mine at the three stores on 6th street when I shop there. I'm willing to shop at Checkers, but for the stuff I buy every week, I'm not seeing the 30% savings that is indicated in the blog. In fact the pennies I save are consumed in the extra gas it takes to drive there and back for a special trip. You are painting all of northwest Lawrence with the same caucasian brush and that just isn't the truth. Are there more NA near Checkers, well duh you've got a whole NA student population less than a mile away, but there are quite a few that live out behind HyVee. That's just one example, but I don't have time to refute all of your bs, nor would I be able to since you seem to be in a similar closed mind as those that you have railed against in your postings.

10 November 2009
at 7:28 a.m.

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ivalueamerica (Anonymous) says…

katara,

you are an uptight control freak

10 November 2009
at 8:33 a.m.

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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…

ivalueamerica (Anonymous) says…
katara,
you are an uptight control freak
_________________________________________________
You either have not been reading this thread with reasonable understanding of English or you are as delusional as Seamus and JackRipper. Uptight control freak? (Not just single but double face palm.) I guess according to you pointing out where a poster is wrong and or giving wrong information means they are a control freak.

Regardless of how it has obviously went through the spin cycle, not once has anyone on this thread told Seamus or JackRipper that they can't live there life or shop the way they want to. Their only reason for being here is to disrupt this thread and harass and have done a fine job of telling others how they should be living and shopping. They were told that if they want to discuss something other than coupons or shopping that they should start their own blog. I can assure you that many of the arguments that they think are against them on with this thread exists solely in their own head or of their own making.

This isn't the first time Seamus and company have shown up to disrupt a coupon thread and there weekly visits are getting very tiresome.

10 November 2009
at 10:38 a.m.

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kmat (Anonymous) says…

This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.

10 November 2009
at 11:26 a.m.

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hedshrinker (Anonymous) says…

Aldi is a great place to find certain foods: I shop there once a month for their highend house label things like bottled marinated artichokes , fresh salsa , creamer, shred cheese,oatmeal, staples, canned goods, and German specialties like bread, stollen, chocolates and flower bouquets. I never buy their tired produce. Checkers is my regular grocery store…great produce, I pay my utilities free there saving postage on 2 utilities 12 times a year, many ethnic foods esp Asian and Latin, use the Giveback card ,rent an occaisional movie. I go to the Merc once a month for specialty foods and services, organic, gluten free, cooking classes, spices and herbs, personal care and supplements. I try to shop at Farmers Mkt for fresh produce, flowers, local meat so I can get to know the local growers. I never shop at Target as their prices for groceries are conspicuously higher. I shop at Hyvee rarely for a few products, esp in their natural foods section…the cheapest boxed rice milk (stopped drinking soy milk yrs ago b/c of contaminants, estrogenic efects, etc)…..great in the winter when I dont want to go out for milk.

10 November 2009
at 11:31 a.m.

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lily (Anonymous) says…

Wow, I just wanted to read about price comparison and it got lost.
I have done comparison shopping item for item and it was cheaper at Checkers. I buy produce there and meat unless I can get buy one get one at my local Dillons. I only shop at Dillons for milk, bread, etc with coupons or in a pinch. I don't like the way they have treated some long time employees in the past but they know me at my local store.
Jim Lewis also does a wonderful service of delivering groceries and giving to organizations when asked.
So, my bulk choice and for meat and produce and price savings is Checkers.
I've had bad experiences at Hy-Vee, both of them and more than once. Walmart will not get my business for food at all. Bad stuff more than once.

10 November 2009
at 11:39 a.m.

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Seamus (Anonymous) says…

headdoctor, what's tiring is that you call me names then pretend to be taking the high road. And it's downright fatiguing that you ignore the larger problems we're going to face.

What's more, is there a rule I'm not aware of that says I have to only talk about coupons on this thread? Did someone appoint you as the moderator?

10 November 2009
at 11:47 a.m.

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Seamus (Anonymous) says…

This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.

10 November 2009
at 11:52 a.m.

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LadyJ (Anonymous) says…

hedshrinker—actually rice milk is easy to make and probably cheaper. There are instructions on the internet. My daughter also has to use rice milk. I actually bought a machine to make it and then realized you could do the same thing with a blender. Of course I have to add vanilla and sweetner or she won't drink it. What a blessing that Dillons and Hy-Vee have added so many things for people with gluten,dairy, and egg allergies. Most of my time in the store is spent reading labels to make sure they do not contain these things, also no meat or tomatoes.

10 November 2009
at 11:53 a.m.

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Seamus (Anonymous) says…

headdoctor says…
“Their only reason for being here is to disrupt this thread and harass and have done a fine job of telling others how they should be living and shopping.”

Interesting how when headdoctor agrees with the person telling others how they “should be living”, it's considered to be OK. I guess hypocrisy is OK when you're one of the popular kids.

10 November 2009
at 12:13 p.m.

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bmildren (Anonymous) says…

I am so glad that so many Lawrencians are also shopping at Checkers! The produce is amazing both in terms of quality and variety, and their prices are the best in town. Seriously, why would you waste money shopping anywhere else?!

I'd like to see Walmart's prices included for comparison as well. I'm glad the Merc wasn't included in this comparison. That store is so ridiculously overpriced— who needs to compare in order to figure that out….The SAME box of cereal at Checkers is literally $4 more at the Merc.

10 November 2009
at 1:16 p.m.

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headdoctor (Anonymous) says…

Seamus (Anonymous) says…
What's more, is there a rule I'm not aware of that says I have to only talk about coupons on this thread? Did someone appoint you as the moderator?
_______________________________________________
Perhaps you should take a look at the Terms of Service perhaps that would be helpful to you.

10 November 2009
at 2:35 p.m.

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rivercitymom (Anonymous) says…

The Merc is definitely where its at for spices from the bulk section. We cook and bake a lot at our house and save an amazing amount of money buying spices in this way. So I run in there occasionally and stock up on those items.

I am not surprised that Hyvee was the most expensive. The Hyvee on 6th is our closest store and I refuse to shop there. Just can't throw good money away like that.

Has anyone mentioned the Checkers bakery? Really good stuff and much of it is whole grains. Beats the other grocery bakeries by a mile! But don't start buying their bagels! They can barely keep up with demand as it is.

10 November 2009
at 5:49 p.m.

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julieanderson (Julie Anderson) says…

rivercitymom: I've heard that the Merc has quite the selection for spices. I'll have to check it out.

Also, the freshly made tortillas at Checkers are very good an very reasonable — $1.29 for 10.

10 November 2009
at 6:25 p.m.

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thadrosen (Anonymous) says…

Julie Anderson,
Nope, you need to clip the 50cent/1 from the Smart Saver and pair it with Dillon's Mega Sale to get their Old El Paso tortillas for .23 cents.

No need to shop at The Merc or Checkers when you can get these deals! Remember, this is a positive pro coupon blog. Stay away with your common sense.

10 November 2009
at 8:50 p.m.

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Meatwad (Anonymous) says…

I didn't used to shop at Checkers very much because of it's location and a they don't carry some items, but I shop there more often now because I like to use the Give Back Card and know that a portion of my money goes to a local charity and I've used by $10 'give back' award now twice.

10 November 2009
at 8:54 p.m.

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Meatwad (Anonymous) says…

For sushi, the Merc wins, hands down. Hyvee on 6th isn't too bad.

10 November 2009
at 9:10 p.m.

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ivalueamerica (Anonymous) says…

headoctor,

You too are a control freak.

You seem to think only your definition of what is relevant is the only thing that should be accepted. I stand by my statement, this is relevant to me and I dismiss your dismissal of the information. sorry that bothers you so deeply, but I think your definition is uptight

10 November 2009
at 9:59 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

ivalueamerica (Anonymous) says…
headoctor,
You too are a control freak.

You seem to think only your definition of what is relevant is the only thing that should be accepted. I stand by my statement, this is relevant to me and I dismiss your dismissal of the information. sorry that bothers you so deeply, but I think your definition is uptight
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Comparison shopping should be relevant to you. That is how you get a feel for the going prices of products in your area & which stores have the best price on the product you want.

It does you no good to shop at one store, purchase a slew of groceries and then go to another store and purchase an entirely different set of groceries. You have no real basis for comparison.

If I want to find out the price ranges on laundry detergent and where I will spend less on it, I don't go to one store, purchase laundry detergent then go to another store and just buy a bag of apples and then think because the 2nd store was a cheaper trip that all things at that store must be cheaper.

For price comparison this looks to be helpful but it doesn't include the Merc, Target or Checkers.
http://groceryguide.com/
I haven't poked around on it too much & it looks like to take advantage of all their features, you'd have to register.
I imagine if the other stores want to participate, they could.

Bottomline is that on a coupon blog, you shop wherever you like. But the point of it is to post deals that you found so that others who do shop at the same store(s) as you can also benefit.

10 November 2009
at 10:54 p.m.

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SuperJenn (Jenn Hethcoat) says…

Katara -
We had problems with our peppers for several years…everything else would grow wonderfully. I took soil samples into the DoCo Extension office this year and they did an analysis for free. When it came back they told us what we needed to do to balance out the pH … we went to the greenhouse and they helped us get what we needed.

We got great results with our peppers this year! The only thing I would say is take the soil sample in early…it takes a couple of weeks to get it back.

10 November 2009
at 10:57 p.m.

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SuperJenn (Jenn Hethcoat) says…

LadyJ -

I'm so glad you are finding this helpful! I did a trial subscription to the Grocery Game about two years ago and did find it helpful…just not as helpful as all of the blogs I follow now!

I had the iimpression Dillon's also accepted expired coupons for up to 2 weeks … but that is not true at the Lawrence Dillon's. Apparently each store makes their own coupon policy … unlike Target or WalMart that have a universal policy (although not universally interpreted) … and the Dillon's stores don't have an actual written policy that I've been able to get my hands on.

If they notice that a coupon is expired they will most likely reject the coupon….just so you aren't surprised if someone gives you grief!!

11 November 2009
at 12:01 a.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

SuperJenn (Jenn Hethcoat) says…
Katara -
We had problems with our peppers for several years…everything else would grow wonderfully. I took soil samples into the DoCo Extension office this year and they did an analysis for free. When it came back they told us what we needed to do to balance out the pH … we went to the greenhouse and they helped us get what we needed.

We got great results with our peppers this year! The only thing I would say is take the soil sample in early…it takes a couple of weeks to get it back.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you for the info! I had no idea they did that for free. I've not had trouble with other veggies. Even jalapenos thrive but those bell peppers just would not and those are one of my favorites!

11 November 2009
at 12:05 a.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

SuperJenn (Jenn Hethcoat) says…

I had the iimpression Dillon's also accepted expired coupons for up to 2 weeks … but that is not true at the Lawrence Dillon's. Apparently each store makes their own coupon policy … unlike Target or WalMart that have a universal policy (although not universally interpreted) … and the Dillon's stores don't have an actual written policy that I've been able to get my hands on.

If they notice that a coupon is expired they will most likely reject the coupon….just so you aren't surprised if someone gives you grief!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I had heard about that policy too but I emailed corporate and the person that responded made it very clear to me that Dillons does not accept expired coupons at all.

11 November 2009
at 6:14 a.m.

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ivalueamerica (Anonymous) says…

It just kills you katara that someone does not conform to what you want to present as a standard.

That, by definition, makes you a control freak.

11 November 2009
at 6:54 a.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

ivalueamerica (Anonymous) says…
It just kills you katara that someone does not conform to what you want to present as a standard.

That, by definition, makes you a control freak.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am sorry that you have issues with what a comparison shop is. It is not my definition nor is it a standard that I just made up.

I am also sorry that you don't understand the purpose of a coupon blog or that you failed to read Julie & Jenn's original blog explaining what they were trying to accomplish.

I am saddened that you refuse to share any info as to what you consider a good deal so that others may benefit. It seems to me that you are good with letting others do the work for you but not reciprocating. That does not seem like someone who truly values America.

You can call me names all you like but apparently you and others feel somewhat threatened that none of the couponers on here fall under your preconceived notions as to how we behave and what we shop for. If you have looked at Jenn's blog, you will find tons of links to other blogs, some which use coupons and some that don't. You will also find a ton of differences and it is also useful in making decisions as to what is best for you and your family.

Again, do what is best for you and your family. Hardly the control freak's motto there.

11 November 2009
at 7:02 a.m.

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LadyJ (Anonymous) says…

Ok, the Dillions that I have used are the one on Mass and the one on 23rd and they accepted them. I checked at the customer service desk first. I guess I won't bother shopping at the other two.

11 November 2009
at 8:34 a.m.

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c_doc77 (Anonymous) says…

For me, its all about the moolah. Dillon's on Mass, A.K.A. Dirty Dillon's or Ghetto Dillon's, is more convenient for me, but I usually always save money at Checker's. Usually the savings is such that there really is no comparison.

And that Dillon's shopper card business - give me a break! You aren't saving anything. You're just keeping them from royally ripping you off while they create a customer profile on you based on your shopping habits. I still shop there, but when I'm going to get produce, and usually when I'm going to get some meat I'm going to Checker's.

Hyvee is a nice place with nice people, which is a plus. But I don't really care about that so much. I would gladly pay less money without the “helpful smile on every aisle”. The people at Checker's are nice too, for the most part.

11 November 2009
at 12:15 p.m.

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meganstuke (Megan Stuke) says…

I'm glad to hear some people agree with me that the merc is overpriced and maybe not worth it. I have long felt somewhat guilty that I don't shop there and support the merc concept, but I just can't bring myself to pay the prices. I can shop and buy fresh foods at Checkers for pennies on my Merc dollar. Plus, I can cut the pretense with a knife at the Merc and it, frankly, turns me off.

11 November 2009
at 5:51 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

LadyJ (Anonymous) says…
Ok, the Dillions that I have used are the one on Mass and the one on 23rd and they accepted them. I checked at the customer service desk first. I guess I won't bother shopping at the other two.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That's good to know but I probably won't try it because I send the expireds over on the Overseas Coupon Project to help the military families stretch their dollars.

http://www.ocpnet.org/default.htm

11 November 2009
at 7:18 p.m.

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ivalueamerica (Anonymous) says…

This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.

11 November 2009
at 8:33 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

ivalueamerica,

I'm afraid you've lost me here. I've changed nothing you said into something else. I'm not even sure what you are talking about at this point.

You sure want to slap a label on me. I guess if it makes you feel better to call me names and make faulty assumptions about me or others who also use coupons, go right ahead.

Either way, you do what is best for you and your family when it comes to your shopping. I have never said otherwise.

11 November 2009
at 8:33 p.m.

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LadyJ (Anonymous) says…

Katara, is there an organization in Lawrence that is doing this already that I could take my coupons to?

11 November 2009
at 9:44 p.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

LadyJ,

I don't know of anyone local. I was sending mine to the address provided by one of the bases I adopted but then another lady on GG wanted more coupons to combine with hers since she didn't think she had enough to warrant mailing so I have been sending them to her.

I have thought about asking some of the veterans' groups around here but I'm not sure who to contact about it. It would be nice to have a local group.

11 November 2009
at 11:40 p.m.

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SuperJenn (Jenn Hethcoat) says…

I don't remember who asked… but HyVee does sell the little spices …Tone's I think… for $0.99 each….at least on 23rd street. I was in there today and checked it out.

12 November 2009
at 6:19 a.m.

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ivalueamerica (Anonymous) says…

katara,

I never argued your clinical cold scientific definition of what a scholarly comparison is, I just argued that what was done here was more relevant to me because it reflects real life shopping, not clinical laboratory controlled shopping.

However, you keep saying that I am wrong because you are right about your clinical definition.

You have your clinic, I will continue to live in real life and appreciate this column, despite your intense desire for me to feel other-wise. That is something you will just have to learn to live with. I reject you.

12 November 2009
at 6:59 a.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

ivalueamerica (Anonymous) says…
katara,

I never argued your clinical cold scientific definition of what a scholarly comparison is, I just argued that what was done here was more relevant to me because it reflects real life shopping, not clinical laboratory controlled shopping.

However, you keep saying that I am wrong because you are right about your clinical definition.

You have your clinic, I will continue to live in real life and appreciate this column, despite your intense desire for me to feel other-wise. That is something you will just have to learn to live with. I reject you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Okay, ivalueamerica. That's fine. You don't want accurate information in order to base an informed decision about your shopping. It is obvious you don't understand my explanation as to why and how it is useful to have a feel for the going prices for products at different stores.

I've never said that you are wrong. I've explained why comparing the same products from different stores is a good thing and provides you useful knowledge.

Obviously, I misunderstood your appreciation for this column. Your posts certainly did not come across that way at all.

But please, get off your high horse. I don't care if you don't like the info I present. I honestly thought you were interested in discussing how to get the best value for your money on groceries but apparently you are not.

12 November 2009
at 8:20 a.m.

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c_doc77 (Anonymous) says…

As far as the Merc goes, its great for hard-to-find spices, specialty items, and certain bulk products. But even their bulk stuff is usually overpriced for what you get. I get my loose leaf tea and vitamins there, but pretty much everything else is a ripoff. The Merc concept would be good if it was actually a Co-Op, but really it isn't. Maybe it technically is, but seriously. They want you to pay this incredible membership fee just so they can take the tax of your purchases a couple times a year? Come on. I know there are some other benefits, but they do not strike me as being worth it.

Don't get me wrong, I like the Merc, but I don't like it enough to buy a $15 watermelon.

12 November 2009
at 11:35 p.m.

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ivalueamerica (Anonymous) says…

Katara,

I am not a robot, the information you beg is accurate for robots, I, however, live in the real world.

and again, I reject your attempts to control me or passive agressivly put words in my mouth I did not say.

I stand by my statement, I do not live in your robot world, but you are free to be void of variation, that is the beauty of this planet…however just as I do not think I should tell you what is wrong or write for you to believe, I think you have lost the line between telling someone what you think and telling someone what they should beleive.

I feel bad for you on that.

13 November 2009
at 6:42 a.m.

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Katara (Anonymous) says…

ivalueamerica,

Of course you are not a robot. You would not need groceries if you were.

BTW, I hear Old Glory sells Robot Insurance fairly inexpensively.
http://www.hulu.com/watch/2340/saturd…

14 November 2009
at 7:26 a.m.

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JhawkJesse (Anonymous) says…

Wow, how did a thread about grocery shopping turn in to a b*tch fest? Seriously, get off you're high horses and mind you're own business people.
I've shopped all three stores mentioned in this article. I find when i shop at Dillons or Hy-Vee my bill tends to be $30-$50 higher. I shop at Checkers on Sunday mornings and never have a problem getting in and out in less than 45mins and never stand in line at the checkout stand. The produce is great. The meat can be spotty but if you pay attention to the sales and what you're buying you can get great quality meat at a great price.
I used to work at dillons in my teenage years but now dread shopping there. When i worked there, their explanation for higher prices was that they had people to sack and take you're groceries out to you're car should you desire. When i worked there, they actually trained you how to properly bag groceries(yes, there is a proper way). Now when i go in there i'm appauled by the bagging job done. They might put 3 items per bag. Different kinds of meat in the same bag without being pre wrapped and gallons of milk with items like bread or eggs. As previously mentioned by another person, the service you get there is totally hit or miss.

14 November 2009
at 8:15 a.m.

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2Bfrank (Anonymous) says…

pretty much agree

DILLON's (KROGER) has some good sale items and has recently eased off on produce prices somewhat. however - certain items like laundry detergent, toilet paper have limited selection high prices and very little in the way of recycled or
environmental selections. Salad dressings are much less it seems than Checkers. only buy meat on sale here, and read those labels - Natural flavoring added means MSG folks.

HYVEE - don't shop there much, meat looks more appealing but pricey. they do have lamb more often however which is partly why i go there. very limited sale items in the organic section but it is larger organics area than Dillon's/Kroger.

checkers - produce rules! not sure why but i think canned soups & salad dressings are always more here.
what's up with that Lewis family? usually buy chicken here, excellent prices.

MERC - when i really want fresh fish i go here and pay the price for non-farm raised. otherwise there are few deals here outside of bulk area. however, feta cheese in their own container is great better than mass market.
also buy the yerba matte tea here and make it in your coffee pot 8 cups at a time!

14 November 2009
at 8:28 a.m.

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2Bfrank (Anonymous) says…

meganstuke you are correct about the MERC prices being to high.

you can find several items there ( i asked at Dillons) that come from the same wholesaler. Stevia Plus sweetner for example that are almost $2.00 more at the MERC yet from the same wholesaler - bunk. check prices at hyvee/dillons before you buy at the MERC.

the others do not have the shampoo/vitamin selection however of natural products so beware most of the commercial shampoos & soaps are all the same - read the ingredients.

MERC - how about getting serious about really 'serving' the community?

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