Does Safeway Price Match in 2024? (Try This Instead…)
Safeway supermarkets discontinued their price matching program in 2021, ending a popular policy that once allowed customers to get Safeway to match lower prices from competitor grocers. This change reflects a shift away from price matching in the grocery industry. While some retailers still offer it, limitations are common. As a Safeway shopper, you‘ll need to use alternative savings strategies in 2024.
The Rise and Fall of Grocery Price Matching
Price matching was once a hot trend in the fiercely competitive grocery sector. A RetailMeNot survey found that as of 2015, 78% of top grocers offered price matching, up from just 50% in 2013. It was viewed as a valuable customer retention tool.
However, by 2021 fewer than half (45%) of retailers still offered price matching. Some of the country‘s largest chains, including Safeway, Kroger, Ahold Delhaize, and Albertsons had eliminated the practice over the past several years.
Industry analysts cite several factors in this pullback:
Profits. Price matching cuts into margins in an already low-profit business. It‘s estimated Safeway was forfeiting $250-$300 million per year.
Pricing strategy. Retailers are moving away from blanket price matching in favor of targeted, conditional promotions.
Logistical issues. Price matching created operational headaches and customer service problems for retailers.
Safeway ended its price matching program on January 1, 2021 after assessing the costs versus benefits. A spokesperson cited shrinking profit margins along with the resources required to execute price matching.
Do Any Major Grocers Still Price Match in 2024?
While Safeway and some competitors have dropped price matching, many top retailers still offer it on a limited basis:
Walmart matches local competitors, but not online prices. Exclusions apply.
Target matches select local competitors with proof of ad. Exclusions apply.
Costco offers a conditional Price Match Guarantee on identical items.
Kroger banners price match local competitors. Exclusions apply.
Publix, H-E-B, and Meijer match local competitors. Restrictions vary.
Giant Eagle, Stop & Shop, and Hy-Vee offer limited price matching.
However, data suggests far fewer retailers offer unconditional price matching compared to 5-10 years ago. Terms are more restrictive with certain products excluded from price matching. Competitor eligibility is also narrower (e.g. limited geographic radius).
Maximizing Savings Without Safeway Price Matching
While price matching is less common, savvy shoppers have plenty of ways to save on Safeway groceries:
Use Loyalty Programs
Safeway‘s Just for U program offers personalized deals and digital coupons for members. Members save an average of $15 on every $100 spent.
Link your Air Miles card to your Safeway account to earn points towards discounts on fuel, travel, and more.
Buy Store Brands
Choosing Safeway‘s O Organics, Open Nature or Signature brands over name brands can save shoppers 20-30% on average.
Safeway‘s store brands meet high quality standards and account for 25% of Safeway‘s sales.
Buy In Bulk
Purchasing bulk or club pack sizes can trim 15-30% off per unit costs on pantry staples, snacks, household items, and more.
Split larger sizes with family or friends. Safeway club packs come sealed in smaller bags for easier sharing.
Safeway case lot sales offer an additional 5-15% off bulk sizes. Stock up during these seasonal events.
Use Coupons & Shop Sales
Check the weekly flyer and load digital coupons for $4-$10 off deals. Redeem coupons from the Safeway app during checkout.
Look for hot weekly sales like 10 for $10 or Buy One Get One Free that provide 50% savings or more.
Adherence to sales and coupons can result in 30%+ savings on the overall basket.
Price Matching Policies: Terms to Know
For retailers that still offer price matching, be aware of the policies:
Geographic limits: Typically within 10-25 miles of competitor.
Type of retailers matched: Usually limited to local or national chains.
Valid forms of proof: Physical ads, digital coupons, screenshots required.
Exact same item: Must match brand, size, weight, quantity.
Quantity limits: Some limit matches to 2-4 units of an item.
Excluded items: Loss leaders, clearance items, online pricing often excluded.
Time limits: Most limit when and how price matches can be requested.
Refusal rights: Retailers reserve right to deny any price match request.
The Bottom Line
While Safeway no longer offers price matching, savvy shopping practices can still save you 15-30% off your grocery bill. Practices like using loyalty programs, buying store brands, monitoring weekly sales, and hunting coupons can replace traditional price matching. For shoppers who still wish to price match, retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco allow it on a conditional basis, but exclusions apply. Know the policies and use price matching selectively when the savings are worthwhile.
