Walmart Shopping Secrets: Beware of Endcaps

The mission of Grocery Shop for FREE at The Mart is to help you spend as little as possible on the things you need at Walmart.  While this blog focuses mainly on couponing, there are many other ways to save and to get the maximum amount for the money you spend.  To that end, we are starting a new series that will cover some of the non-coupon related things that will help you on your shopping trips.  I hope you enjoy these Walmart Shopping Secrets.

Beware of Endcaps

If you aren’t familiar with the term “Endcap”, it’s the shelving at the end of an aisle at a grocery store.  They are usually filled with one specific product and have a big sign with the price.  Here’s an example.

You’ve seen these and no doubt you’ve picked up something because you thought it must be a good deal if they are displaying like that but be careful!  Here’s what you need to know.

That Endcap Space is Sold

The store isn’t just putting what ever they happen to be overstocked on those endcaps.  Supermarkets sell that space to brands to promote certain products because they know you are more apt to impulse buy if you see a big display.

You Can’t Compare Prices on an Endcap

The beauty of an endcap is you are seeing a product out of it’s “natural” environment.  When you see a product on a normal shelf, you also see competing brands and store brands and can comparison shop.  When you see it on an endcap, it’s much harder to get a sense of how that product compares in price to other products.

Be a smart shopper.  When you see a product on an endcap, don’t just mindlessly put it in your buggy.  Make sure it’s a good deal and something you need before you decide to buy.

Walmart Shopping Secrets: Beware of Endcaps