Does Kroger Price Match in 2024? (Do This Instead to Save Big)
As a deal-hunting Kroger shopper, you‘ve likely wondered: "Does Kroger price match in 2024?"
I‘ll let you in on a little secret: Kroger discontinued their price match program years ago. That means no more asking for a price adjustment at the register when you see milk $1 cheaper across the street.
I know, I know. That stinks if you were hoping to score a price match. But don‘t worry – as a longtime Kroger fan myself, I‘ve got plenty of insider tips to help you save big in 2024 without a price match policy.
A Quick History of Kroger‘s Price Matching
Let‘s go back in time real quick. Kroger actually did offer price matching for many years. However, they ended the program sometime around 2015.
Likely, killing their price match was a strategic move to boost profits. Price matching can dig into a retailer‘s margins. In my opinion, Kroger decided the cost wasn‘t worth it anymore in such a competitive grocery landscape.
And frankly, discontinuing price matching didn‘t seem to hurt Kroger. They‘ve continued expanding into new markets and raking in billions in sales.
But for us shoppers, it‘s a real bummer we can‘t get them to adjust prices to match the competition. Oh well – their loss!
What About Other Grocery Stores?
You might be wondering if other grocery chains price match instead. Let‘s take a look:
| Retailer | Price Match? |
|---|---|
| Kroger | No |
| Target | Yes |
| Walmart | Yes |
| Aldi | No |
| Trader Joe‘s | No |
| Publix | No |
| Costco | No |
As you can see, Target and Walmart win out here with their generous price match policies. Places like Aldi and Costco are discounters, so price matching would undermine their business models.
My advice? If you need to price match food items, head to Target or Walmart with proof of the competitor‘s ad in hand. Forget trying it at Kroger – you‘ll just get turned away by the cashier.
6 Clever Ways to Save at Kroger
Don‘t despair about Kroger refusing price matches. You can still save big when you shop smart. Here are my favorite tricks:
1. Use the Kroger app and load digital coupons
Kroger‘s app offers exclusive coupon deals you won‘t find in their printed ads. I save $10-15 a trip just using digital coupons!
2. Combine a coupon with a Buy One, Get One Free deal
When BOGO deals overlap with coupons, the savings get even sweeter. I once paid only $0.49 for two boxes of cereal this way.
3. Check the weekly ad for Black Friday-style prices
Kroger secretly runs Black Friday promotions year-round. I often see 50% off meat and produce just by checking the weekly ad.
4. Buy their Simple Truth organic brand
Simple Truth products easily rival name brands for way cheaper. A $4 box of conventional cereal may have a $2 organic dupe.
5. Earn and use fuel points
For every $1 spent, earn 10¢ off per gallon at Kroger gas stations. I try to bank points to completely pay for a fill-up!
6. Ask the butcher for soon-expiring markdowns
Meat about to hit its sell-by date gets marked down. Just freeze what you don‘t use immediately.
See? You can live without Kroger‘s price matching and continue saving big bucks.
Should You Still Try Price Matching at Kroger?
I‘ll be straight with you – it‘s pointless asking for a price match at Kroger in 2024. Without an official policy, cashiers are unable to adjust prices at their discretion.
You‘ll almost certainly get turned away. And trying to push the issue will only hold up the line and make employees frustrated.
My advice? Save yourself the embarrassment and just move on. Kroger simply doesn‘t allow it.
Instead, focus your energy on stacking coupons, earning fuel points, and capitalizing on BOGO promos.
Or, head to Target or Walmart if you really need a price matched on something. Don‘t waste time begging Kroger – accept that this ship has sailed.
The Final Word
While Kroger‘s decision to axe price matching is a bummer, don‘t let it deter you from shopping there. With the right strategies, you can save just as much without price matching.
At the end of the day, Kroger still offers affordable prices and promotions that rival its competitors. For me, the convenience and fuel points outweigh the lack of price matching.
Hopefully, this inside look helps you better understand Kroger‘s policy. And more importantly, equips you with actionable tips to keep cash in your wallet. Still have questions? Let me know in the comments!
