What Is A Salvage Grocery Store And Can It Help You Save Money?

Grocery store closeouts and unfortunate highway accidents involving semi-trucks can have one thing in common: Lots of food that's suddenly without a home. Some folks may think that all those canned goods strewn along the road would end up in the trash, but that is not always the case. Frequently, those products land in salvage grocery stores, which are worth a visit if you are looking to save some dough.

Salvage grocery stores are discount establishments — sometimes called outlets — that receive stock from reclamation centers that's too close to its best-by date, appears slightly damaged, or has become surplus from manufacturer overstock. Salvage grocery stores often sell these commodities for half the price you would typically pay at your local supermarket and sometimes even less.

Despite the extraordinary savings, some potential customers aren't convinced the food is safe to consume. However, salvage grocery stores are subject to the same rules and inspections from health officials as your nearby Trader Joe's or any other grocery. Still, it's a good idea to double-check cans for bulges or exaggerated dents, which can indicate the presence of bacteria, and it is worth remembering that expiration dates don't always mean what you might think. But the real concern with salvage grocery stores is that you might not be able to do all your shopping there at once.

Traditional supermarkets employ many strategies to encourage impulse purchases. Grocery stores play music to make you to spend more, and there's a reason why milk is in the back of the grocery store, luring you past loads of enticing product marketing. However, you can rest assured that the milk will most likely be there, which is something you can't always say about a salvage grocery store.

The stock inside these discount establishments could vary on any given day, depending on when each store receives its orders. It is quite possible the business won't carry everything on your shopping list, so you will probably need to supplement by visiting another supermarket. The store also might not be as organized as your local grocery haunt, making it difficult to find what you need. Still, the astounding potential savings remains the real draw. 

Aside from that, these establishments are also symbols of sustainability, taking quality products destined for landfills and selling them to anyone looking to save a few bucks. It's wise to inspect the items on the shelf with a bit more scrutiny than you might at your favorite standard grocery store, but don't be afraid of venturing outside your comfort zone for a little extra cash in your wallet.