The SCI Grocery Year
What goes on sale in February
Valentine’s clearance, and winter clothes finally give up.
February is short and quiet, which makes it one of the easier months to shop well.
Winter clothing hits its lowest point because stores need the floor space for spring. And there is a very reliable candy event in the middle of the month, followed immediately by a very reliable candy clearance.
It is a reasonable month to work out what your normal spending looks like, as long as you take the celebration weeks out of the picture first.
Worth watching
If you actually use these things, February is a good time to take a look.
Candy and chocolate
February 15 is when the seasonal packaging becomes a problem for the store and an opportunity for you.
Coats, boots and sweaters
End of season. Buying a size up for next year works well for growing kids.
Snacks and party food
The big football weekend pulls chips, dips and soda down noticeably.
Canned tomatoes and pasta
A dependable winter promotion at most chains.
Don’t get carried away
Yes, the candy is cheaper on February 15. No, this does not constitute an emergency preparedness situation.
One thing to watch
Seasonal candy is usually the same product in different wrapping. Check the price per ounce against the everyday bag before deciding the clearance is a bargain.
February is a good month for produce too
Depending on where you live, these are often abundant and especially good this time of year.
- Oranges
- Lemons
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Turnips
Worth doing this month
Find out what a normal week costs you
Choose a typical week and note any unusual celebration or stock-up spending before you use it as a baseline. February has Valentine’s Day and a football weekend in it, and it is short, so the month total is not automatically your normal.
Open the grocery budget toolKeep your own prices
Seasonal patterns can tell you when to pay attention. But the best price for your family depends on what you buy, where you shop and what things normally cost in your area.
That is why keeping your own prices is so useful.
Start your free price bookBefore March gets here
Take five minutes on one thing
Check the pantry, the freezer or the household supplies for one thing you are running low on. That is it. You do not need to stock a bunker. Just notice what you will actually need next.
Next month is National Frozen Food Month, so we will be watching the freezer aisle closely.
See what is coming in March