Meijer has been my grocery store of choice for over two decades, since it first arrived in my town. I began shopping there as a single woman, and continued as the mom of little children, and still now as those children leave the nest. Over the years, my strategies for saving at Meijer have changed. Meijer used to match coupons up to $1, which was wonderful. But as times have changed, so have ways to save. Here are my current best practices for saving at Meijer.
Make a weekly shopping list. I like to plan my weekly menu and then make a list of items I need. I also look through the Meijer ad (either the one with the Sunday paper, or online). There are several sites that can help you with coupon matchups, but I get help knowing what coupons are out there to match weekly specials from Bargains to Bounty’s weekly Meijer matchups.
Use MPerks coupons. Everything seems to be going digital these days, including coupons. Meijer’s MPerks program offers coupons you can “clip” digitally, using either the website or the MPerks app. Be aware that you cannot use both a paper coupon and an MPerks coupon on a single item. Usually, if you try this, the screen at checkout will ask you which coupon you prefer to use.
Use MPerks rewards. In addition to clipping coupons in your MPerks account, you can also select rewards. Once you select a reward, all your purchases in that category accumulate, typically for 30 days. Each person is offered different rewards, but most are offered one on your total purchase. For instance, I currently will earn $7 off when I spent $250 in a month. I enter my MPerks telephone number at the register when I check out, and my purchases are accrued to my account. Each week before I go to Meijer, I check my progress. Especially if the expiration date of a reward is approaching, I can adjust my spending to make sure I earn my reward. Once you spend a sufficient amount, log into your MPerks account and you’ll be given the option to ‘clip’ your cash award. It will apply on your next shopping trip. TIP: If there is a reward that I may have trouble reaching during the time period, I wait to clip it until the day I go shopping. That gives me a maximum number of days to shop to reach the goal.
Use MPerks specialty rewards. Mperks rewards come in a wide variety of types. You can earn rewards for using the pharmacy (currently, you can choose a $10 reward for every 5 prescriptions filled). The specialty rewards you’re offered vary by shopper, but may include baby, oral care, jewelry, clothing, shoes, and more. Always check before shopping, because your rewards will change frequently. Once you’ve clipped a reward, however, it will stay in your account for the full 30 days.
Meijer Credit Card perks. I try to keep my number of credit cards under control, but the Meijer credit card is one worth having, in my opinion. As a card holder, I’m mailed offers several times each year. Last fall, I received postcards in the mail several times. Each offered me a $5 credit to my account for every $100 spent on the card. Other times, I am sent postcards offering me 5% off my grocery purchases and 15% off general merchandise purchases on the card during select dates (usually weekends). Additionally, Meijer offers a 5% discount at their gas stations when using the Meijer card.
In-store savings: In-store savings will vary by store. At my Meijer, I always ask for rain checks on advertised specials that are out of stock. I’ve never had a problem getting these. I also know of several spots in my store where clearance items are shelved. If you don’t know where these areas are in your Meijer, just ask an associate working in the department you’re wondering about.
As technology changes, no doubt Meijer’s savings strategies will continue to evolve. Have fun as you save at Meijer!
Susan Braun loves to read, write, teach piano, and save in the Midwest. You can find her at Girls in White Dresses Blog.
