INDIANAPOLIS — The COVID-19 pandemic caused us to shop with new habits and priorities. Shortages of certain items led us to stock up when we saw them on store shelves, or not leave home to go shopping at all.
Some consumers were led into panic buying.
But is stockpiling really an effective shopping strategy?
It can be, if you have space to store a long-term supply of some items, and you know you will use that item before its expiration date. So for those household items you know you’re going to need, Cherie said it’s okay to purchase two or three extra units if you see them at a good sale price and to stay out of the store.
Soap, toothpaste, laundry detergent, skincare products, deodorant, shampoo, cleaners, vitamins and trash bags store easily, and they are products we regularly use. It’s not a bad idea to always have items like these on hand and buy a few extra when you have a coupon or see a price per unit that beats what you regularly pay.
Foods that have a long shelf life like cereal, peanut butter, pasta, rice, and salsa are all good candidates for buying extras to always have on hand.
But if you don't have space in your freezer, buying a whole cow doesn't make sense.
Cherie's bottom-line advice is to be sure to pay cash, organize items where you can find them, and try not to get swept up in a wave of emotion or panic buying when you go shopping.
She has more detailed ideas in her blog.
Watch Cherie's 13Sunrise segment in the video player.