How Do Grocery Stores Keep Produce and Vegetables Fresh?

how do grocery stores keep vegetables fresh

Higher-end grocery chains are known for having fresh, colorful, and abundant fruits and vegetables. But have you ever wondered how how do grocery stores keep vegetables fresh?

Grocery stores employ various methods to keep vegetables fresh. Common techniques include refrigeration, which slows down the process of decay by lowering the temperature and inhibiting microbial growth. Additionally, controlled atmospheres are utilized to regulate oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, extending shelf life. Some stores also employ hydrocooling, a method where vegetables are rapidly cooled with water to preserve freshness. Regular monitoring of temperature and humidity levels ensures optimal conditions for vegetable storage. Moreover, proper handling practices, such as avoiding bruising and excessive moisture, play a crucial role in maintaining freshness.

From temperature control to packaging and humidity control, grocery stores have a variety of tools at their disposal to extend the shelf life of produce. It’s not just about sourcing the best quality products; grocery stores have a range of techniques and strategies they use to ensure that fruits and vegetables stay fresh for longer periods. Let’s take a closer look at some of the methods and practices grocery stores use to keep their vegetables fresh and appealing.

  • Grocery stores employ a range of techniques to keep produce and vegetables fresh.
  • Temperature control and proper storage are essential to preserving the freshness of vegetables.
  • Packaging, humidity control, and ethylene gas management are also important tools for grocery stores to maintain the quality of fruits and vegetables.
  • It’s crucial for individuals to store their produce properly at home to ensure optimal freshness and nutrition.
  • The source of the produce, whether from a local supermarket or farmer’s market, can also impact its freshness and quality.

The Role of Temperature and Storage

Temperature control is crucial for maintaining the freshness and quality of vegetables in grocery stores. Depending on the type of vegetable, different storage methods may be utilized to extend their shelf life. Vegetables that are sensitive to cold temperatures, such as tomatoes and avocados, are typically stored at room temperature in a cool place, away from direct sunlight. On the other hand, leafy greens and root vegetables are stored in cold storage to maintain their freshness.

Grocery stores use a variety of storage methods to keep produce fresh and appealing. Some vegetables are kept in a crisper drawer with high humidity levels, while others are wrapped in plastic to prevent moisture loss. Colder temperatures can also be used to slow down the ripening process of certain fruits and vegetables.

Did you know? Certain fruits, such as bananas and apples, produce ethylene gas as they ripen, which can cause nearby vegetables to spoil faster. This is why grocery stores separate these ethylene-producing fruits from other produce.

The Role of Temperature and Storage

Vegetable Type Storage Method Ideal Temperature
Leafy Greens Cold Storage 32-35°F (0-2°C)
Root Vegetables Cold Storage 32-40°F (0-4°C)
Tomatoes and Avocadoes Room Temperature Approximately 60°F (15°C)

Tip: To extend the shelf life of your fresh produce at home, store them in the coldest part of your refrigerator, in their original packaging or sealed in a plastic bag. For leafy greens, wrap them in a damp paper towel to prevent wilting, and for moisture-sensitive produce, use a dry paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.

Temperature and Storage

Proper packaging can significantly impact the lifespan of fresh produce. Grocery stores utilize a variety of techniques to ensure that their vegetables stay fresh and appealing for their customers. One common method is the use of plastic bags, which helps to maintain the right level of humidity for many types of produce. For example, leafy greens should be stored in a plastic bag or container to prevent wilting and loss of crispness.

Grocery stores also make use of crisper drawers in refrigerators, designed to control the humidity around vegetables. Vegetables that require higher humidity levels, such as broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower, should be stored in the high humidity drawer. Meanwhile, items that require drier conditions, such as mushrooms or peppers, should be stored in the low humidity drawer.

Plastic wrap can also be an effective way to keep produce fresh. Wrapping vegetables, particularly those with exposed flesh, can help to prevent moisture loss and protect against bacterial growth. Additionally, high humidity conditions can be effective for certain types of vegetables, such as potatoes, which should be stored in a cool, humid place.

Plastic Bags of Vegetables

In summary, grocery stores use a variety of packaging techniques to keep vegetables fresh, including the use of plastic bags, crisper drawers, and plastic wrap. By understanding the best practices for humidity control and packaging, you can extend the lifespan of your produce and enjoy fresh, nutritious meals for longer.

Ethylene Gas Management

Did you know that certain fruits and vegetables produce a natural plant hormone called ethylene gas? This gas can accelerate the ripening and spoilage of other produce, leading to quicker decay and reduced shelf life. Ethylene-producing fruits like bananas and apples should be stored separately from ethylene-sensitive produce such as broccoli and leafy greens to avoid premature spoilage.

Grocery stores are well aware of the impact of ethylene gas and take several measures to manage it. One common method is to use ethylene absorbers or filters in refrigeration units to lower the level of the gas in the environment. Some stores also employ separate storage areas for fruits and vegetables to minimize the spread of ethylene gas and prolong the freshness of their produce.

Certain fruits, known as climacteric fruits, are particularly high in ethylene gas and require extra care during storage. These include fruits like avocados and tomatoes that continue to ripen after they’ve been picked. To avoid over-ripening and spoilage, stores often sell these fruits when they’re not yet fully ripe, giving customers the opportunity to ripen them at home.

ethylene gas management

Properly managing ethylene gas is crucial for maintaining the freshness and quality of fruits and vegetables in grocery stores.

Next time you’re at the store, take a look around and you’ll likely see signs of ethylene gas management in action. From separate storage areas to green bins with ethylene absorbers, grocery stores are working hard to keep fruits and vegetables fresh and appealing for as long as possible. By taking these steps, they not only reduce food waste but also provide customers with the best possible product.

Storage Tips for Home

Proper storage is essential to maintaining the freshness of your produce. Here are some tips to help you store your fresh produce at home:

Veggies Storage Tip
Leafy Greens (Lettuce, Spinach, Kale) Wrap in a damp paper towel and store in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer
Broccoli and Cauliflower Wrap in a damp paper towel and store in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer
Carrots Remove the greens and store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator
Celery Wrap in a dry paper towel and store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator

It’s important to keep in mind that different veggies require different storage conditions. For moisture-sensitive veggies like celery and mushrooms, it’s best to wrap them in a dry paper towel to prevent them from getting too damp and spoiling. On the other hand, for leafy greens like lettuce and spinach, it’s better to wrap them in a damp paper towel to keep them moist.

freshly picked leafy greens

In general, it’s a good idea to keep your produce in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing fruits and vegetables together, as fruits produce ethylene gas that can cause neighboring vegetables to spoil more quickly. By following these storage tips, you can help ensure that your fresh produce stays fresh and delicious for longer.

The Impact of Local Supermarkets and Farmer’s Markets

When it comes to purchasing fresh produce, consumers have a variety of options, including local supermarkets and farmer’s markets. While both options offer access to a range of vegetables, there are some key differences between the two.

One advantage of shopping at a local supermarket is the convenience. Supermarkets are often located in easily accessible areas, making it easy for consumers to quickly stock up on groceries. Additionally, many supermarkets carry a wide range of produce, including exotic items that may not be available at farmer’s markets.

On the other hand, farmer’s markets offer the opportunity to purchase locally grown produce directly from the farmers who grew it. This can be particularly appealing for consumers interested in supporting local agriculture and reducing their carbon footprint by purchasing food that hasn’t traveled long distances to reach them.

Another advantage of farmer’s markets is the opportunity to purchase freshly harvested produce at its peak ripeness. Since the produce is typically harvested within days of being sold, it is often more flavorful and nutrient-dense than vegetables that have been transported long distances and stored for several days in a supermarket.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to shopping at farmer’s markets. For example, the produce selection may be limited to seasonal fruits and vegetables, and the hours of operation may be limited, making it difficult for consumers with busy schedules to shop there regularly.

In summary, both local supermarkets and farmer’s markets offer advantages and disadvantages when it comes to purchasing fresh produce. Ultimately, whether a consumer chooses to shop at a local supermarket or farmer’s market will depend on their individual preferences and priorities.

local supermarket, farmer's markets

In conclusion, proper storage and handling of vegetables are crucial to maintaining their freshness and nutritional value. Grocery stores employ various techniques, such as temperature control, packaging, and ethylene gas management, to ensure that their produce stays fresh for as long as possible.

By implementing these practices in our own homes, we can extend the shelf life of our fresh produce and minimize food waste. Tips such as storing leafy greens in damp paper towels and avoiding moisture-sensitive produce can help us keep our vegetables fresh and delicious.

The Importance of Supporting Local Supermarkets and Farmer’s Markets

Furthermore, while grocery stores offer a convenient and accessible option for purchasing produce, local supermarkets and farmer’s markets can provide an even fresher and more sustainable alternative. By supporting local farmers and businesses, we can reduce transportation time and source our produce closer to home. This helps to ensure that the vegetables we consume are not only fresh but also support our local economy and environment.

Overall, it is essential to prioritize proper storage and handling of vegetables to enjoy their benefits fully. By following these simple tips and supporting local options, we can reduce food waste and enjoy a healthy and delicious diet.

FAQ

Q: What is the role of temperature and storage in preserving vegetable freshness?

A: Temperature control plays a crucial role in keeping vegetables fresh. Grocery stores use different storage methods such as refrigeration for items that require colder temperatures, while certain produce is stored at the appropriate room temperature. Maintaining optimal storage conditions extends the shelf life of vegetables.

Q: How do grocery stores manage packaging and humidity to keep vegetables fresh?

A: Grocery stores employ packaging techniques like plastic bags, crisper drawers, and plastic wrap to control humidity levels around vegetables. These methods help maintain the right moisture balance, ensuring the freshness of the produce. High humidity conditions are also important for specific types of vegetables.

Q: How do grocery stores manage ethylene gas to prevent fruit ripening and spoilage?

A: Ethylene gas management is essential to prevent premature ripening and spoilage. Grocery stores separate ethylene-producing fruits from ethylene-sensitive produce to control exposure. This separation helps keep vegetables fresh for longer periods.

Q: What are some storage tips for keeping produce fresh at home?

A: To keep produce fresh at home, consider storing leafy greens in damp paper towels to maintain moisture. For moisture-sensitive produce, use dry paper towels to prevent wilting. Additionally, proper storage in a cool and dry place, away from other ripening fruits, can help extend the freshness of vegetables.

Q: What is the impact of purchasing produce from local supermarkets and farmer’s markets?

A: Purchasing produce from local supermarkets and farmer’s markets can offer advantages in terms of freshness and quality. Local markets often offer locally sourced vegetables, reducing transportation time and supporting local farmers. However, it’s important to consider proximity and freshness factors when choosing where to buy produce.

Q: What is the importance of proper storage and handling for vegetable freshness?

A: Proper storage and handling play a significant role in maintaining the freshness of vegetables. Implementing appropriate storage techniques at home and being aware of the methods used by grocery stores can help reduce food waste and ensure you enjoy fresh and nutritious produce.

How to Get Your Product in Grocery Stores and Unlock Success

how to get your product in grocery stores

When it comes to getting your product in front of consumers, few channels offer the same level of exposure and credibility as grocery stores. However, breaking into this competitive industry can be challenging, especially for small businesses and new products. Read on to know some tips and strategies on how to get your product in grocery stores.

When approaching grocery stores, it’s important to target the right ones for your product. Research and identify stores that align with your target market and product category. Build relationships with store managers by presenting your product effectively, highlighting its unique selling points, and demonstrating how it will benefit their customers. Be prepared to negotiate for favorable shelf space based on your product’s value and potential sales.

In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the grocery store landscape, build a strong product and brand, and connect with the right retail buyers and distributors to secure shelf space.

  • Getting your product in grocery stores can provide significant exposure and credibility for your business.
  • Understanding the grocery store landscape, including retail stores, profit margins, and market research, is crucial for success.
  • Building a strong product and brand, connecting with retail buyers and distributors, and approaching grocery stores effectively are all essential steps.
  • Expanding your reach beyond grocery stores, such as through social media, farmers markets, and partnering with local grocery stores and large retailers, can also be beneficial.
  • Perseverance and hard work, combined with making the right choices for your bottom line, are key to achieving success in the competitive food industry.

Understanding the Grocery Store Landscape

Before diving headfirst into getting your product onto store shelves, it’s essential to understand the grocery store landscape. The food industry is highly competitive, with countless new products vying for retail space. Knowing the ins and outs of retail stores and their profit margins can help give you an edge.

Start by conducting thorough market research to identify your target audience. By understanding the specific needs and preferences of potential customers, you can tailor your product to fit the demands of the market. Consider the different types of retail stores available, from specialty shops to large supermarkets, and think about which might be the best fit for your product.

It’s important to note that profit margins can vary widely in the grocery industry. New products may face lower margins than established brands, but the potential for growth and success is still significant. Take the time to analyze the costs of production and distribution to ensure that your product is priced appropriately.

Small businesses may face additional challenges, such as limited resources and budget constraints. However, by focusing on building a strong product and brand, it’s possible to overcome these hurdles and succeed in the market.

new products in retail store

Consider connecting with specialty retailers who cater to a specific audience. These stores are often more receptive to new products and may offer better profit margins. They also provide the opportunity to reach a niche market that is passionate about your product and willing to pay a premium for quality.

Building strong relationships with retailers and establishing trust is crucial for success in the industry. Attend trade shows and networking events to connect with potential buyers and distributors. Be prepared to present your product effectively and negotiate for favorable terms.

In the next section, we’ll explore how to build a strong product and brand that will catch the attention of retailers and consumers alike.

Building a Strong Product and Brand

Before approaching retailers, it’s essential to have a compelling product and brand. That means investing time and resources in product development and creating brand awareness.

Product development is a crucial step in creating a product that stands out in a crowded market. That means thinking outside the box and developing unique and innovative products that offer real value to consumers. Conducting thorough market research and analyzing trends can provide insights into what consumers are looking for and help you develop a product that meets their needs.

Brand awareness is equally important in creating a strong brand. That means creating a compelling brand story and designing effective marketing materials that showcase your product’s unique qualities. It also involves choosing the right messaging that resonates with your target audience, positioning your product in a way that differentiates it from competitors, and creating a brand logo and packaging that stand out on shelves.

When building a brand, consider partnering with specialty retailers that cater to your target audience. Specialty retailers are often more willing to take a chance on new and niche products, making them an excellent way to build awareness and gain traction. Participating in trade shows and events is also an excellent way to get your product in front of potential buyers and distributors.

Remember, building a strong product and brand takes time and effort. But, by focusing on product development, creating brand awareness, and targeting specialty retailers, you can set your product up for success in grocery stores and beyond.

If You Plan to Stay Local, Consider Farmer’s Markets

Selling new products at local farmer’s markets can be a smart move for manufacturers looking to establish their brand and create demand before approaching grocery stores that may be hesitant to add an unknown and unestablished vendor to their shelves.

Firstly, farmer’s markets provide an excellent platform for direct consumer engagement. It’s a chance to interact with potential customers, get real-time feedback, and build a loyal customer base. You can learn what works and what doesn’t, tweak your offerings, and generate buzz through word-of-mouth.

Moreover, farmer’s markets are less daunting than grocery store chains for newcomers. They usually involve lower overhead costs and less stringent requirements, making it easier for small manufacturers to get started. This is particularly advantageous for artisanal or niche products.

Additionally, farmer’s markets foster a sense of community. Shoppers often appreciate supporting local businesses and may become strong advocates for your brand. Building a loyal local following can set the stage for successful expansion into larger markets.

Furthermore, these markets are excellent for product testing and refining your sales pitch. You can experiment with pricing, packaging, and product variations based on customer responses. By approaching grocery stores after the fact, you’ll have a better understanding of what resonates with consumers.

Lastly, farmer’s markets offer a chance to create a compelling brand story. Shoppers are often interested in the origins and values behind the products they buy. Sharing your journey and commitment to quality can help forge emotional connections with customers.

Start With Small Grocery Stores First

Starting with small local chain grocery stores can be a strategic move for new product manufacturers. These smaller outlets serve as invaluable testing grounds and can pave the way for success with larger national chains.

Firstly, local stores offer a lower barrier to entry. They typically have more flexible purchasing processes and are more willing to take chances on new, unproven products. This provides an opportunity for newcomers to establish themselves, gather feedback, and refine their product without the intense pressure that often comes with dealing with larger chains.

Secondly, small local chains allow for localized marketing and adjustments. They cater to specific communities and demographics, making it easier to target and tailor marketing efforts. This focused approach can help manufacturers fine-tune their branding and messaging before scaling up.

Furthermore, local stores foster personal relationships. In these smaller environments, it’s often possible to engage directly with store owners and managers. Building these relationships can provide valuable insights and recommendations for improving the product or packaging.

Another critical aspect is inventory management. Local stores usually have smaller shelves, which can be less overwhelming for new manufacturers trying to maintain consistent stock. This helps avoid potential issues related to supply chain and inventory management that could arise when dealing with large chains.

Lastly, success in local chains can serve as a powerful selling point when approaching national retailers. Proven popularity in local markets demonstrates a product’s potential and mitigates some of the risk for larger chains.

Connecting with Retail Buyers and Distributors

As a small business, connecting with retail buyers and distributors can be a challenging task. However, attending trade shows can provide a great opportunity to connect with potential partners who can help grow your business. These events bring together industry professionals, offering an ideal platform to showcase your product and build relationships with potential distributors.

When determining your wholesale price, consider the profit margins of the grocery stores you are targeting. This will help ensure that your product is priced competitively. Building relationships with potential distributors is also vital, as they can provide valuable insights into the industry and help you navigate the complexities of securing shelf space.

In addition to attending trade shows and building relationships with potential distributors, it’s essential to network and make an impression with store managers. This can be done through effective communication and presenting your product in an appealing way. Use your marketing materials to highlight the unique qualities of your product and explain why it would be a good fit for their store.

By taking the time to build strong connections with retail buyers and distributors, you’ll be better positioned to secure shelf space and expand your reach. Remember, it’s not just about making a sale, but building a lasting relationship that can benefit your business in the long term.

Approaching Grocery Stores and Securing Shelf Space

If you have done your research and built a strong product and brand, it’s time to start approaching grocery stores and securing shelf space. One of the best places to target is Whole Foods, a leading retail outlet for natural and organic products. However, before contacting any store, make sure you understand their target market and have designed effective marketing materials that cater to their customer base.

When approaching grocery stores, it’s important to build relationships with store managers and present your product in the best possible way. You want to make a strong impression and convince them that your product is worth stocking on their shelves. One effective way to showcase your product is to offer a free sample or demonstration. This not only allows the store manager to taste your product but also creates a personal connection between you and the store.

When negotiating for shelf space, it’s important to be realistic about your expectations. Be prepared to offer a competitive price and work with the store manager to find the best location for your product. It’s also important to be flexible and open to feedback. If the store manager suggests changes to your packaging or marketing materials, take their suggestions into consideration and make improvements as needed.

Approaching Grocery Stores and Securing Shelf Space Tips:
Research the target market of the grocery store before approaching
Design effective marketing materials that cater to their customer base
Build relationships with store managers and present your product with a free sample or demonstration
Be realistic about your expectations and offer a competitive price
Work with the store manager to find the best location for your product
Be flexible and open to feedback

Remember, securing shelf space in grocery stores is a competitive process. You may face rejection and setbacks, but don’t give up. Keep refining your product and marketing strategy, and continue to build relationships with potential retailers. With persistence and hard work, you can succeed in getting your product on the shelves of major grocery stores.

While getting your product in grocery stores is a great way to boost sales, it is important to diversify your distribution channels for long-term success. Here are some opportunities to consider:

Social Media

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can be powerful tools for reaching new customers. By creating engaging content and interacting with your followers, you can build a loyal fanbase and drive traffic to your website or ecommerce platform. Make sure to use relevant hashtags and tag your posts with your location to attract local customers.

Participating in local farmers markets is a great way to connect with your community and showcase your product. Customers who appreciate locally-sourced, sustainable food are often drawn to farmers markets, creating a natural fit for many specialty food products.

Local Grocery Stores

Partnering with local grocery stores is another way to expand your reach. Small, independent stores often offer a more personalized shopping experience and are more open to carrying unique, niche products. Make sure to research potential partners and create targeted marketing materials to present your product effectively.

Large Retailers

While it may be difficult for small businesses to break into large retail chains, it is not impossible. Consider attending industry trade shows and networking events to connect with potential buyers, and be prepared to negotiate aggressively on wholesale prices and shelf placement. Keep in mind that large retailers may require significant volume, so make sure you have the capacity to meet demand.

Remember, the best bet for your brand is to diversify your distribution channels and keep expanding your reach. By reaching out to different markets and building lasting relationships, you can establish a strong foothold in the competitive U.S. food industry.

Conclusion

Getting your product in grocery stores can be your best bet for reaching a wider audience and driving sales. However, it’s important to understand your target market and the competitive landscape of the food industry to ensure success.

The bottom line is, building a strong product and brand, connecting with retail buyers and distributors, and approaching grocery stores strategically are key to securing shelf space and expanding your reach. Don’t be afraid to diversify your distribution channels, such as through social media, farmers’ markets, and partnerships with local grocery stores and large retailers to maximize exposure and profits.

Ultimately, perseverance and hard work are essential for achieving success in the competitive world of U.S. food. By making the right choices and putting in the effort, you can unlock the potential of your product and take your business to the next level.

FAQ

Q: What are some challenges faced by small businesses when trying to get their products in grocery stores?

A: Small businesses often face challenges such as limited resources, strong competition, and difficulty breaking into established distribution networks. Successfully getting your product in grocery stores requires careful planning, effective marketing, and building strong relationships with retail buyers and distributors.

Q: How can I build a strong product and brand to attract grocery stores?

A: Building a strong product and brand is crucial to attract grocery stores. Focus on product development and creating a unique offering that stands out in the market. Invest in brand awareness through effective marketing materials and campaigns. Consider targeting specialty retailers that align with your product’s values and audience.

Q: What strategies can I use to connect with retail buyers and distributors?

A: Attending trade shows is a great strategy to connect with retail buyers and distributors. It allows you to showcase your product, make valuable connections, and establish relationships for future partnerships. Additionally, consider setting the right wholesale price and focus on building strong relationships through networking and personalized approaches.

Q: Are there other opportunities to expand beyond grocery stores?

A: Yes, there are several opportunities to expand your reach beyond grocery stores. Utilize social media platforms to reach new customers and build brand awareness. Participate in farmers markets to connect directly with consumers and gain valuable feedback. Explore partnerships with local grocery stores and large retailers to expand your distribution channels. Diversifying your reach can lead to long-term success in the food industry.

Can Workers Be Fired for Work Restrictions or an Injury?

Have you been injured at work or developed a medical condition that prevents you from performing your job duties as usual? You may be wondering “Can I Be Fired for Work Restrictions?”

Generally, employers cannot fire an employee due to work restrictions due to a workplace injury. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities, including work restrictions. 

However, if your injury was not work-related, your employer may not be required to offer modified duty. And if your injury is such that re-injury is possible, they may want to limit their liability by not offering reasonable accommodations. As if you got re-injured from an initial non-work related injury, all costs associated with the injury could now fall to the employer.

But it depends on the laws in your state.

Some states have more stringent protections for employees with disabilities than others. Finally, it depends on your employer’s ability to accommodate you. If your employer is a small business with limited resources, it may be more difficult for them to accommodate you than a large corporation.

And all that being said, if you are in violation of other unrelated policies (tardiness, etc.) you could be terminated for that regardless of your work restrictions.

Injured female employee working in the office

Do Employees Have a Right to Work Restrictions?

Employee rights, including right-to-work restrictions, are essential in labor laws. This concerns whether employers can limit an employee’s future employment, particularly after they depart.

Non-compete clauses prevent employees from joining competitors or launching similar businesses for a set period post-departure. These aim to safeguard a company’s proprietary data, trade secrets, and client ties.

However, the validity of these clauses differs by region. Some areas might uphold a clause preventing an employee from joining a nearby competitor for six months. Yet, a five-year, nationwide restriction could be seen as excessive.

In certain regions, non-compete clauses face scrutiny and may be unenforceable unless they adhere to strict standards. The main issue is they might unjustly restrict an individual’s career prospects.

Additionally, employees with medical conditions or disabilities are entitled to work accommodations. Employers should offer suitable adjustments to help these employees, unless it causes significant business disruption.

Can an Employee Get Compensated if They Get Fired for Work Restrictions?

Work restrictions, often due to medical conditions or disabilities, can complicate employment. When an employee faces termination because of these restrictions, concerns about legality and compensation emerge.

Labor laws in many areas protect employees from discrimination, including that based on disabilities. Employers are typically required to offer “reasonable accommodations” to such employees unless it causes significant business disruption. For example, refusing an ergonomic chair for an employee with a back issue and then firing them might be illegal.

If an employee can’t perform even with accommodations, the employer may have grounds for termination. Yet, they must demonstrate that all accommodations were explored and the employee’s restrictions genuinely hindered their role.

If wrongfully terminated, an employee could be entitled to back pay, reinstatement, emotional distress compensation, and possibly punitive damages. The employer might also cover legal costs. However, if the termination is lawful, the employee may still receive standard severance, based on their contract and local laws.

Both parties should understand their rights in these scenarios. Seeking advice from legal or labor experts ensures decisions are ethically and legally sound.

What is Wrongful Termination?

Wrongful termination refers to when an employee is dismissed from their job for illegal reasons or in violation of employment agreements.

This can encompass a range of circumstances, from firing due to discriminatory reasons such as race, gender, age, or disability, to retaliation for whistleblowing or asserting one’s rights, like requesting medical leave.

Additionally, if an employer doesn’t adhere to their own established termination procedures or violates terms set out in an employment contract, it can also be grounds for a wrongful termination claim.

It’s crucial for both employers and employees to be well-versed in local labor laws and any contractual obligations. Employees who believe they’ve been wrongfully terminated may be entitled to remedies, including compensation or reinstatement.

Conversely, employers found guilty of wrongful termination can face legal repercussions and damage to their reputation.

Wrongful Termination Based on Discrimination

Wrongful termination based on discrimination happens when an employee’s dismissal is rooted in biases against specific attributes. These attributes include:

  • Race
  • Gender
  • Age
  • Disability
  • Religion
  • Sexual Orientation
  • National Origin
  • Pregnancy

Such dismissals are not only unethical but also illegal in many jurisdictions. Discriminatory firings go against the principle of equal opportunity in the workplace.

Victims can seek legal remedies, including compensation and reinstatement. Conversely, guilty employers may face penalties, legal consequences, and significant reputational harm. Ensuring a bias-free workplace is crucial for businesses to maintain trust and integrity.

How Do You Prove Wrongful Termination?

Proving wrongful termination requires gathering substantial evidence to demonstrate the dismissal was unjust or illegal. Key steps include:

  • Document Everything: Maintain records of all communications, performance reviews, and any incidents leading up to the termination.
  • Witness Statements: Colleagues or supervisors who can attest to the circumstances can be invaluable.
  • Employment Contract: Highlight any breached terms or conditions.
  • Company Policies: Compare the termination process with the company’s established procedures.
  • Legal Counsel: Engage an employment attorney to guide the process and ensure all relevant evidence is presented. By methodically building a case, employees can effectively challenge and potentially reverse unjust terminations.

Can You Be Fired Without Notice?

In many states, employment is considered “at-will,” meaning either the employer or the employee can end the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without notice.

However, even in “at-will” jurisdictions, there are exceptions. Employers cannot terminate employees for discriminatory reasons, in retaliation for whistleblowing, or for exercising their legal rights, such as taking medical leave.

On the other hand, some employment contracts stipulate a notice period, which mandates that either party wishing to terminate the relationship must provide advance notice, often ranging from a few weeks to several months. If an employer breaches this term, they might be liable for damages, typically equivalent to the wages the employee would have earned during the notice period.

There are also scenarios where immediate dismissal is deemed appropriate, often termed “for cause” terminations. These can arise from severe misconduct, such as theft, fraud, harassment, or other actions that breach the trust and terms of employment. In such cases, the employer may be within their rights to terminate the employee without notice.

It’s also worth noting that, in some cases, instead of providing notice, employers offer severance pay, a lump sum given to employees upon termination. This is especially common in layoffs or when the company wants to mitigate the risk of potential legal disputes.

Can You Be Fired If You Are a Contracted Worker Rather Than an Actual Employee? 

Contracted workers, often referred to as independent contractors, operate under different parameters than regular employees, and this affects the terms of their termination.

For traditional employees, protections often come from labor laws, company policies, and employment contracts. They might be entitled to benefits, severance pay, or notice periods. However, independent contractors typically don’t enjoy these same protections.

Their working relationship is governed by the terms of the contract they’ve entered into with the hiring entity.

The contract dictates the terms of the working relationship, including the grounds and process for termination. If either party wishes to end the contract, they must adhere to the stipulations laid out in that agreement. Breaching these terms can lead to legal consequences, often involving compensation for the aggrieved party.

However, it’s essential to note that just because someone is labeled an “independent contractor” doesn’t mean they are legally recognized as such.

In some cases, employers misclassify workers to avoid providing benefits or other protections. If a so-called contractor works exclusively for one company, uses company equipment, and operates under company supervision, they might legally be considered an employee, regardless of their official title.

If an independent contractor feels they’ve been wrongfully terminated or that their contract has been breached, they should review the terms of their agreement. Legal recourse might be available, especially if the hiring entity didn’t adhere to the contract’s terms.

What Should Someone Do If They Are Wrongfully Terminated?

First, it’s essential to remain calm and professional, even if the situation is emotionally charged. Avoid confrontations or burning bridges, as this can complicate matters later.

Next, gather all relevant documentation.

This includes employment contracts, performance reviews, email correspondence, and any other records that might shed light on the reason for termination. These documents can serve as evidence if legal action becomes necessary.

It’s also wise to consult with colleagues or supervisors who might be willing to provide witness statements or attest to the circumstances of the termination. Their insights can be invaluable in building a case.

Seeking legal counsel is often a prudent step. An employment attorney can provide guidance on the viability of a wrongful termination claim, potential remedies, and the best course of action. They can also help navigate the complexities of labor laws and ensure all relevant evidence is presented effectively.

Lastly, consider filing a complaint with the appropriate labor board or agency in your jurisdiction. They can investigate the claim, mediate between parties, and, if necessary, impose penalties on employers found guilty of wrongful termination.

Can You Sue Your Employer Over Wrongful Termination?

Yes, you can sue your employer over wrongful termination.

If you believe you’ve been dismissed from your job for illegal reasons or in violation of employment agreements, legal recourse is available. The foundation for such a lawsuit often rests on proving that the termination was discriminatory, retaliatory, or breached an employment contract.

Discriminatory reasons can include firing based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, or other protected categories. Retaliation might involve dismissal after whistleblowing or asserting workplace rights.

Before initiating a lawsuit, it’s essential to gather all pertinent documentation, such as employment contracts, performance reviews, and any correspondence related to the termination. This evidence can strengthen your case.

Consulting with an employment attorney is crucial. They can assess the merits of your case, guide you through the legal process, and represent you in court. Additionally, there might be prerequisites before filing a lawsuit, like lodging a complaint with a labor board or agency.

If successful, remedies can range from reinstatement and back pay to compensatory damages for emotional distress. However, it’s worth noting that legal proceedings can be lengthy and costly, so weighing the potential benefits against the costs is vital.

Can You Collect Unemployment Benefits If You Get Fired?

If you get fired, collecting unemployment benefits isn’t automatically a given.

Eligibility hinges on the circumstances of the termination. Generally, if you’re let go due to reasons beyond your control, like company downsizing or layoffs, you’re likely eligible for unemployment benefits. However, if the termination is “for cause,” such as misconduct or violation of company policies, you might be disqualified from receiving these benefits.

And that is true even if you were also on modified duty due to a work injury.

The specific criteria for eligibility vary by state or jurisdiction. Typically, the unemployment agency will assess the reason for termination, ensuring it wasn’t due to a fault of the employee. If an employer challenges your claim, stating you were fired for cause, the agency might investigate further, potentially seeking statements from both you and the employer.

It’s essential to apply for unemployment benefits promptly after termination and provide accurate information. Misrepresentation can lead to denial of benefits or even legal consequences. If denied, most jurisdictions offer an appeals process, allowing you to challenge the decision.

If You Are Suing Your Employer for Wrongful Termination, Can You Work Somewhere Else?

Certainly, if you’re suing your employer for wrongful termination, you’re not barred from seeking employment elsewhere.

In fact, many legal systems encourage individuals to mitigate their damages, which means actively looking for a new job to offset the lost wages from the termination. If you secure a new position, it doesn’t invalidate your claim against your former employer.

However, any income you earn from the new job might be considered when calculating potential damages, especially if you’re seeking lost wages. For instance, if you were unemployed for three months but then found a new job at a similar pay rate, you might be entitled to three months of lost wages from your former employer.

It’s also worth noting that being proactive in seeking new employment can reflect positively on you during legal proceedings. It demonstrates a commitment to mitigating damages and moving forward.

Always keep detailed records of your job search efforts and any employment offers or rejections. This documentation can be crucial if your former employer challenges the extent of your claimed damages.

Final Thoughts

The matter of whether one can be fired for work restrictions is a multifaceted issue that depends on several factors.

As we’ve explored, employers are not universally bound to provide light-duty work for employees with restrictions, especially if those restrictions stem from non-work-related injuries. However, when such accommodations are offered, it’s imperative that both parties act in good faith to facilitate a smooth transition.

While the prospect of returning to work under restrictions may seem daunting, it’s crucial to heed the advice of medical professionals to avoid exacerbating injuries. Your health and well-being should always be a top priority.

In cases where work restrictions are linked to a prior work-related injury, the situation becomes more intricate. Employers must tread carefully to avoid potential liabilities, and seeking legal counsel might be your best course of action to ensure your rights and entitlements are upheld.

Remember, navigating the realm of worker’s compensation and employment law can be complex. It’s advisable not to go it alone. Consulting with an experienced attorney can provide invaluable guidance and potentially unlock additional benefits you may be entitled to.

In situations involving non-work-related injuries, filing for unemployment while you recover and search for a new job is often the most practical option. Ultimately, understanding your rights and responsibilities is essential, and seeking professional advice when needed can help you navigate this challenging terrain with confidence and clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you be fired while on light duty?

Employees can be legally terminated while on light duty if the reasons are valid, such as poor performance, rule violations, or excessive absenteeism.

Employers aren’t obligated to provide light-duty work, which may not be feasible in some cases, like when a person’s injury prevents any work in another department. Both parties must act in good faith when offered, and employees can’t misuse restrictions to avoid responsibilities or hinder productivity.

However, there might be cases where employers act in bad faith, using strenuous light-duty tasks as a pretext for termination. In at-will employment states, it’s challenging to prove employer wrongdoing, as they can terminate for any reason.

Do you think one can get fired for gossiping at work?

The answer might surprise you. Check it out in a recent article of mine. While gossip may seem harmless, it can absolutely get you fired under certain circumstances.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

What happens if my employer cannot accommodate my work restrictions?

Employers should, but aren’t obligated to, accommodate non-work-related restrictions.

Some may offer light-duty work, guided by your doctor’s advice to avoid exacerbating injuries. Staying home to recover and collecting temporary disability benefits might be safer.

If a work injury recurs due to employer negligence, it becomes a work-related issue.

In such cases, consult an attorney for tailored guidance on complex workers’ compensation matters. Worker’s compensation law is intricate, and legal support is crucial.

For non-work-related injuries, filing for unemployment while healing and job hunting is the primary option.

But, unemployment benefits are primarily to compensate an employee for being unfairly terminated or laid off. A non-work injury that an employer could not or would not offer modified duty for is unlikely to get unemployment benefits approved.

Can I be fired while on workers’ compensation?

One can be fired while on workers’ compensation. However, it cannot be related to the workers’ compensation claim. The employer would have to prove the termination was due to poor work performance or a policy violation unrelated to the injury.

And, in “at-will” states, one’s employment can be terminated for any reason. But when in doubt about your workers’ compensation benefits, always consult a workers’ compensation attorney.

Consider that the following are valid reasons why you could get the pink slip even while your worker’s comp claim is on.

  • Poor work performance
  • Company financial problems
  • Company restructuring
  • Any other legal reason

So, while an employer can’t terminate your employment because you made a workers compensation claim, they can terminate your employment during your worker’s compensation claim.

Just as you can decide to resign from your job at any time and for any reason. In “at-will” states, the employer can also terminate your employment for any legal reason or no reason at all.

So, can an employee with a bad attitude be fired?

In a recent article, I explained that they can, and I outlined exactly how employers do it and what red flags they look for. Just click the link to read it on my site.

What is considered a disability under the EEOC?

According to the EEOC, a person has a disability if they can show that they have a physical or mental condition that substantially limits activities such as walking, seeing, hearing, learning, or the operation of a bodily function.

(source)

The EEOC stands for Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. It also includes having a history of a disability such as cancer that is in remission or an adverse employment action resulting in a physical or mental impairment lasting or expected to last 6 months or less.

A key point to note is that the impairment must be substantial, it can’t be minor.

To be considered as a disability, you must have a record of or be regarded as having such physical or mental impairment that limits a major life activity.

The ADA also covers situations where the impairment is perceived by others. As you know, a mental impairment may not easily be perceived by the one who has it. On its website, COVID-19 is recognized as a disability that an employer may be required to make accommodations for.

Are there circumstances where an employee can be fired over the phone?

Check out a recent article of mine to find out the answer. While it’s never ideal for an employer to handle any disciplinary actions over the phone or via email, there’s 1 time where it’s unavoidable.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Of course, the EEOC protects a wide variety of conditions such as:

  • An individual’s race
  • color
  • National origin
  • Religion
  • Sex (including sexual orientation, pregnancy, and gender identity)
  • Age
  • Disability
  • Genetic information

Can the Medical Leave Act prevent an employer from firing an injured worker?

The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 comes from the U.S. Department of Labor.

It allows “eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons with continuation of group health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as if the employee had not taken leave.” (source)

Of the list of eligible reasons, the one that relates to an outside of work injury is: “a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the essential functions of his or her job”.

Now it’s important to note that the law says “health condition” and not “injury”.

Still an employer may grant it, even if it’s not exactly a medical condition. The leave allows for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave. At the end of those 12 weeks, you would have to return to work or be fired unless other additional leave options are available.

But it’s also important to point out that not every employer is a “covered employer”.

Those specific reasons are:

  • The employer has 50 or more employees within a 75-mile radius
  • You have to have worked for the employer for at least 12 months (so if it’s a new job, you aren’t covered)
  • You have to have worked at least 1250 hours in those 12 months

When in doubt, talk to the HR department at your place of employment.

How does the disabilities act help injured workers?

This refers to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Essentially, it was created to prevent employers from discriminating against employees with specific disabilities.

Who exactly is covered under the ADA?

a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities; has a record of such an impairment; or is regarded as having such an impairment. Major life activities mean functions such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.” (source)

So what does that mean exactly?

Really it means if you have a minor and temporary injury that limits your ability to do certain tasks right now, you probably aren’t covered under the ADA.

But always check with a labor law attorney or the HR department at your employer’s office to verify. I am not a lawyer nor am I an HR professional.

Do employees’ rights change in a labor union?

Yes. You may have different rights if you are part of a labor union and that labor union has a collective bargaining agreement with your employer.

In that case, there may be specific agreements outside of Federal or local governments that dictate what happens when an employee is injured outside of the workplace and is not able to completely fulfill the job duties of their normal position.

In these cases, always consult with your union rep for clarification.


I need to state that while I have decades of experience hiring, firing, and leading thousands of people, I am not a labor law attorney, nor am I qualified to offer professional or legal advice. I am also not familiar with the laws in every state and country. If you need professional or legal advice, you should seek out a qualified individual in your area.

Do Grocery Stores Use Markup or Margin?

Margin refers to what percentage of a retail price is profit, whereas markup refers to what percentage a wholesale cost gets marked up to create the selling price. But do grocery stores use markup or margin?

Grocery stores use both markup and margin, most commonly using markup to determine the retail price of products and using margin to track bottom-line profit or loss.

I was a manager at Whole Foods for over twenty years, so let me clear up the confusion, as the above is just the tip of the iceberg.

In this article, we’ll explore what the profit margin in a grocery store is and why grocery store profit margins are low. But we’ll also check out how grocery stores set profit margins.

Let’s get started.

gro stores markup margin lg

What is the profit margin in a grocery store?

As a general rule, conventional grocery stores have a profit margin of about 2.2%. But natural, organic, and gourmet stores tend to have profit margins in the 5-10% range.

What I shared above are averages.

The reality is that different products naturally have different margins. Dry products, meat, produce…have varying margins, and they differ from store to store. So, grocery stores compute margins per product line and for the store as a whole.

It’s a very important number since it shows what percentage of its revenue a grocery store has been able to convert into profit and is usually represented as a percentage.

Now, a profit margin of 2.2% is not very impressive (in other words, it means a profit of 2.2 cents on every $1 revenue), but that’s the reality of the industry; especially when talking about so-called “conventional” grocery chains like:

However, while they may not make much gross profit, their pricing strategies mean tens of thousands of customers come in each week. So the sheer volume of customers combined with lower wholesale costs and low labor costs mean they still make a lot of money.

But smaller grocery stores, specialty markets, and natural food stores tend to have higher profit margins.  And your local grocery store, even with higher prices, likely doesn’t make nearly as much money as the big grocery stores.

Stores, as a rule, do not manufacture most of the products they sell. So, they are constrained by the prices they buy from manufacturers, and they also have to meet huge overheads.

Even the products that bear the name of the chain (what are called private label products) are made by a 3rd party; they just slap the store’s label on there.

But are grocery stores laid out in a way to maximize profits?

A recent article of mine offers you an insider perspective (seeing as I was a manager at Whole Foods for 20+ years). In it, I shared info about the most common areas of a grocery store and whether they’re designed to make you walk in a certain way. But I also share the most common grocery store terms.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Why are grocery store profit margins so low?

Grocery store profit margins are low because of competition and wanting to get as many shoppers as possible to shop instead of going elsewhere. In many major metro areas, there are 2 or more grocery chains within a few miles of one another.

So competition is the main reason grocery stores have low margins, and a lower price on something.

Grocery stores are everywhere. A store can’t just decide to increase the prices of its products unreasonably because it knows that folks have an incredible number of choices. They would simply go to other stores.

A lot of customers are price-conscious. They are highly conscious of the options available as they can easily access the prices of whatever they’re interested in online. It’s a buyers’ market, if you will.

But there’s also the theory of the slow dime and the fast nickel.

Overall, many conventional grocery chains would rather get a smaller amount of money more quickly and frequently than stores like Whole Foods that would rather have fewer shoppers willing to pay more for higher-quality products.

And the driving force behind that concept is customer service.

If you have shopped in Whole Foods, you’ve likely encountered knowledgeable, passionate Team Members who are happy to talk about the products, make recommendations, and even get you a free sample.

In an Albertsons, Safeway, or WalMart, by comparison, you’re lucky to find anyone working there aside from the cashiers. And it’s pretty rare to have super-helpful and knowledgeable employees there.

So higher-end stores can offer better service by having fewer customers who are willing to pay more.

How do grocery stores set profit margins?

Grocery stores set bottom-line profit margins based on the anticipated mix of products in the overall sales as different categories will have different profit margins. But competition and demographics also factor into margin setting.

So, it’s something that requires a lot of planning, and it’s done at the corporate level for chain stores.

Demographics factor in as some stores cater to more affluent shoppers than others. And if income within a 5-mile radius is high and competition is low, you can bet the store’s profit margins will be higher than other stores.

But that being said, for nationwide chains, it would be uncommon to see different prices for the same product at 2 different stores in the same city.

As for categories, being able to project whether a new store will sell a lot of prepared foods (high margin, but also high labor costs) is crucial.

But if a store is more likely to just sell commodity goods (Heinz ketchup, Kellogg’s cereal, etc.), since those are traditionally low-margin items, they’ll have to find other ways to compensate.

Here’s a handy chart showing the typical margins for different categories in a higher-end grocery store.

Category Typical Gross Margin %
Dry goods (cereal, canned veggies) 35%
Milk, eggs, butter 30%
Frozen Foods 45%
Fresh fruits and vegetables 50%
Beer 21%
Meat and Seafood 35%
Prepared Foods 60%
Vitamins 55%
Bakery 48%

If you would like to know more about how to calculate margin and markup, you’re in luck because in a recent article, I offered a deep dive. I explained what retail markup is and what is the retail margin. But I also explained the difference between margin and markup.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

How to calculate margin

To calculate margin, deduct the cost of goods sold from the sales price. Then, divide the result by the sales price, and multiply by 100. For example, if the cost of an item is $20 and it’s sold for $40, its margin is 50%.

We arrived at the figure using ($40-$20/$40)*100.

In other words, margin percentage = (Sales price – Unit Cost)/Sales price x 100

We can see that margin is the cost of the product divided by the retail price. It reflects what percentage of sales price the profit is. In other words, when we sell a product for X amount, that fraction of X is our profit.

It is a very important ratio seeing as profit is our reward, right?

It shows what percentage of the total revenue we were able to convert to profit. And the higher, the better. Now, there are several types of margin, as it were. What we looked at above is the most basic form.

The types of profit margins are:

  1. Gross profit margin (Retail sales price minus the wholesale cost)
  2. Operating profit margin (Gross profit minus all expenses before paying taxes and before paying interest on any debt)
  3. Pre-tax profit margin (Gross profit minus all expenses before paying taxes)
  4. Net profit margin (Gross profit minus all expenses after paying taxes)

In a recent article, I explained in some depth what the profit margin is.

I looked at the different types of profit margins and how they work together, and I shared how taxes impact profit margin. But I also revealed why profit margins are very important for net income.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

How to calculate markup

To calculate markup, deduct the cost of the product from the sale price, and divide by the cost of the product. Then, multiply the result by 100. For example, if the wholesale cost of an item is $20 and it’s sold for $40. Its markup is 100 %.

We arrived at the figure using ($40-$20/$20)*100.

In other words, markup percentage = (Sales price – Unit Cost)/100 x 100

The markup calculation is the percentage of the profit that is your cost. Essentially, it’s the difference between the selling price of a product or service and its cost. It’s the premium over the cost of a product or service that provides the vendor with profit.

What is the average markup in different grocery store categories?

The average markup in different grocery store categories can vary greatly.

Generally, higher-priced items such as bottled water and organic produce have a higher markup than lower-priced items like milk and eggs.

The percent markup for produce can range from 10-50%, depending on the type of produce and whether it is organic or not. Prepared foods typically have a higher markup than other grocery items, with some prepared meals having a markup of up to 100%.

Variable costs also play a role in how much money is added to the bottom line.

For example, if the cost of ingredients for a prepared meal increases, then the price of the meal will also increase. This means that the store will make more money on that item due to the higher price. Or if their costs went up considerably and they raised their prices accordingly, their profit may actually just stay the same despite consumers feeling the pinch.

On the other hand, if there is an increase in competition for certain items, then stores may be forced to lower their prices in order to remain competitive.

In general, grocery stores are able to make a profit by marking up their products by an average of 10-20%.

However, this number can vary greatly depending on the type of product and its unit costs. For example, bottled water may have a much higher markup than milk and eggs due to its convenience factor and higher cost.

On the other hand, organic produce may have a lower markup due to its higher cost and limited availability.

Overall, it is important for consumers to understand how much money is being added to their bottom line when they purchase groceries from different stores. By understanding how much money is being added on top of the cost of goods, consumers can make more informed decisions about where they shop and what they buy.

This knowledge can help them save money in the long run by avoiding overpriced items or taking advantage of sales when possible.

How does markup determine the selling price?

The best way to determine the markup for a product is to use a markup formula.

This formula takes into account factors such as cost, demand, competition, and profit margins. By using this formula, businesses can calculate how much they should charge for their products in order to make a profit. Higher markups will result in higher prices, while lower markups will result in lower prices.

Higher markups can be beneficial for businesses because they allow them to make higher profits from their products.

However, it’s important to remember that higher prices may also lead to fewer sales if customers are unwilling or unable to pay them. Therefore, businesses must carefully consider their pricing strategy when setting their markups in order to maximize profits without sacrificing sales volume.

Lower markups can also be beneficial for businesses because they allow them to offer lower prices and attract more customers.

However, lower markups also mean lower profit margins since businesses are not able to charge as much for their products. Therefore, businesses must carefully consider their pricing strategy when setting their markups in order to maximize profits without sacrificing customer satisfaction or loyalty.

As I mentioned above, it’s the question of whether you would rather have a slow dime or a fast nickel.

Stores like Walmart (which have low profit margins) prefer the fast nickel. They keep labor costs low by not having enough staff, paying them fairly low wages, and having a lot of self-checkouts.

Stores like Whole Foods (which have higher profit margins) and other natural food markets understand the value in making their stores not only a destination but a place where customers connect with and want to hang out; not unlike Starbucks.

So they prefer (less so since Amazon bought them) the slow nickel approach.

Conclusion

In the article, we explored what is the profit margin in a grocery store and why grocery store profit margins are low. The food business is a complicated thing despite it being something almost 100% of us rely on.

But we also checked out how grocery stores set profit margins. Then, we looked at how to compute margin. Lastly, we wrapped things up by looking at how to compute markup. And we compared the often confused margin vs markup.

Where do you do your grocery shopping?

Are Bulk Food Bins Safe and Sanitary?

Bulk food bins are a great way to save money and cut down on packaging. But since anyone can put their hands in some of those bins, are bulk food bins safe and sanitary?

Bulk food bins are safe and sanitary as grocery stores usually only offer gravity bins that don’t allow customers access to touch the food. The bins themselves are washed and cleaned regularly on a set rotating schedule. And any potentially compromised food will be discarded.

But there’s a lot more to know.

In this article, we’ll explore how bulk bins work and how grocery stores keep them clean. We will also look at what changed with bulk bins as a result of 2020 and whether Whole Foods still has bulk bins.

Let’s get to it.

bulk bins safe sanitary lg

How do bulk bins work?

Bulk bins are often available as scoop bins where customers can open a lid and scoop out the quantity of the food they desire. There is also a type called a gravity bin which is a tall bin with a mouth at the bottom that slides open to let the food pour out into a container.

They’re great because they allow customers to buy the exact quantity they want, usually at a cheaper price per ounce.

You can use the store’s containers or bring your own. You pay for the product and do not have to pay the hidden costs of packaging.

Before a customer starts shopping, the tare weight of their container is noted.

Tare weight is already factored in on the store’s containers. But if you bring your own, especially heavier glass containers, ask an employee to set the tare weight for you. That way, you only pay for the food and not your container.

The tare weight is the weight of the container when it’s empty. 

The savings of buying in bulk can be very substantial. In some cases, it can be as high as 50%! And, it can be marginal on some products.

But there are cases where the bulk price (per ounce or pound) is actually higher than the same thing in a package.

So it’s worth checking on the things you buy regularly.

But even if the price is higher, if it’s something you only need a small amount of, it’s still worth buying from the bulk bins.

The customer proceeds to fill their container with the exact quantity they want. In the past, before the pandemic, it was possible to scoop a lot of these consumables from plexiglass bins that were partially opened at the top.

But now, they are dispensed almost exclusively from gravity bins.

This is because, with the old scoop bins, there was nothing preventing customers (or little kids) from sticking their bare hands directly into a bin to touch the food.

Trust me, I’ve seen that many times. 

And while a store would usually dump and discard the entire bin if they witnessed that, how many times did it happen when no employee was looking?

Online grocery shopping is another option that many people like because of its convenience.

But by how much has it increased in 2020?

In a recent article, I looked at the percentage of groceries that are bought online and whether grocery pickup or delivery is more popular. But I also considered whether fewer people are shopping at grocery stores now.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

How do grocery stores keep bulk bins clean?

Grocery stores keep their bulk bins clean by having a cleaning schedule for all the bins. The employee would empty the remaining product into an auxiliary bin and then proceed to wash, sanitize, and dry the bin completely. Once dry, the product would be put back in, and the bin placed back in service.

Bins with simple things like rice may get cleaned every 2 weeks, whereas things that are sticky or messy such as dried fruit or candy, may get cleaned every few days.

Small bins and containers can often be put through a standard kitchen dishwasher.

But larger gravity bins have to be washed by hand in a large sink. In both cases, though, this keeps the bins clean and helps ensure that no pests (weevils and grain moths) stay out of the bins.

But as you’ve probably experienced at home at least once, nothing prevents those things 100% of the time, especially with organically grown items that never had pesticides on them.

Does Whole Foods still have bulk bins?

Whole Foods Market stores do still have bulk bins. However, scoop bins, which allowed customers to have direct access to the food, were eliminated with the exception of foods that were individually wrapped and then placed in the bin.

So now, you will only typically find gravity bins at Whole Foods Market.

At the height of the pandemic, the self-service option was stopped at all Whole Foods stores, as was done at other grocery stores.

In fact, throughout 2020, virtually all stores eliminated any self-serve food options.

It was the smart thing to do because of the risk of having many people use the same scoops and ladles and access to produce that’s partly open!

And in all the Whole Foods stores I’ve been to lately, all self-serve options seem to be back, from salad bars to the bulk department.

Both Whole Foods and Sprouts have bulk departments. But which is better?

I offered a guide in a recent article of mine. I compared the quality of Sprouts to Whole Foods and whether WF is now cheaper since Amazon took over. But I also revealed whether Sprouts is also owned by Amazon.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Can you bring your own bulk food containers to Whole Foods?

Customers can bring their own bulk food containers to buy in bulk at Whole Foods Market. But it’s ideal to get the tare weight noted at the customer service desk before filling containers. This eliminates being charged for the weight of the empty container.

Customers reusing their own containers makes sense.

After all, saving on packaging and waste is one of the big reasons people shop in the bulk department in the first place. And you can use mason jars instead of plastic which many also prefer. So bring in any containers you have; bags, jars, boxes, etc.

Whole Foods has a reputation for being expensive.

I bet you’ve wondered why? Check out a recent article where I shared some inside scoop seeing as I was a general manager there for twenty years.

In the article, I explored how much Whole Foods cost and whether it’s more expensive than Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, or Walmart. But I also revealed whether it’s cheaper now with Amazon Prime.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Did grocery stores get rid of bulk bins with lids?

Most grocery stores got rid of bulk bins with lids in 2020, when increased sanitation became a priority. Scoop bins posed a health challenge because of the ease of direct access to the food. Stores already had gravity bins, but they became the exclusive bulk bin in 2020 for almost all stores. 

Gravity bins eliminate the risk of contamination.

In the past, bulk bins with lids were regular sights at the self-service section of the bulk department of grocery stores. They just made more sense for things that would get stuck in gravity bins, such as dried fruits.

But I couldn’t tell you how many times I saw little kids stick their hands in those bins to grab candy. But even full-grown adults would help themselves to a sample or 3 and use their bare hands in the bin.

But things changed in 2020.

And like most things we had to get used to, we aren’t likely going to go back to how things were prior to March 2020.

If you’d like to get in and out of a grocery store in the shortest amount of time possible, it helps to know the different sections and how they’re laid out.

In a recent article of mine, I explained both.

I looked at the most common areas of a grocery store and the most common grocery terms. But I also revealed whether they are designed to make you walk a certain way.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Conclusion

In the article, we explored how bulk bins work and how grocery stores keep them clean. But we also checked out whether Whole Foods still has bulk bins.

Then, we considered if you can still bring your bulk food containers to Whole Foods. Lastly, we wrapped things up by finding out if grocery stores got rid of bulk bins with lids.


Image by Melissa Wilt from Pixabay

Can DoorDash Deliver Cigarettes?

As you probably know, your fave meals can be ordered with DoorDash, and even groceries and liquor. But can DoorDash deliver cigarettes? 

DoorDash can deliver cigarettes. But, certain conditions have to be met before they will. For example, they require an in-person delivery, and an ID is required to prove the recipient is at or over 21.

Because this is an age-restricted product, DoorDash or the Dasher could be held liable in some cases. Also, DoorDash allows dashers to decline orders for cigs if the Dasher is unwilling or not old enough to purchase them.

In this article, we’ll explore some vital issues around whether DoorDash can deliver cigarettes.

We’ll check out how to order cigarettes from DoorDash, whether Walmart delivers cigarettes with DoorDash, and if DoorDash would leave cigarettes by your door. We’ll also find out if Dashers check IDs and if they have to be over 21 to deliver cigarettes.

Let’s dive right in…

DoorDash deliver cigarettes lg

How do I order cigarettes from DoorDash?

Order cigarettes from DoorDash using its app or website. Click on special order types. Then, you can order cigarettes, alcohol, pharmaceuticals, and related products for which preconditions need to be met. 

Before the dasher would deliver your order, they would check your ID to confirm that you are at least 21. 

So, you’re 21 above? Great. But, that doesn’t mean you would automatically have your order delivered. Why? Well, DoorDash prohibits the delivery of cigarettes to the following locations:

  • Other businesses that sell tobacco
  • Locker or similar package storage facility
  • P.O. Boxes
  • Prison, reformatory, veteran’s home, or state capitol grounds
  • College campus (e.g. frat house)
  • Sport venues
  • Hospitals and health care facilities
  • Public or private school

By the way, you may not be able to order cigarettes in every state, even if the conditions shared above have been met. Some states do not allow it. So, double-check with DoorDash.

Does Instacart Deliver Cigarettes? 

As of the time of writing, they do not. In fact, they do not deliver any tobacco products. But, they’ve recently started delivering alcohol, so it’s possible that would change in the near- future. In a recent article of mine, I shared more details on the theme.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Does Walmart deliver cigarettes with DoorDash?

Walmart delivers cigarettes with DoorDash. However, this is not available in all states. As of the time of writing, they deliver in 46 states. Therefore, you would need to confirm what is the status concerning the state where you reside.

The partnership with DoorDash started in 2018. 

As of the end of 2019, Walmart offered grocery pick-up at more than 3000 stores and delivery at more than 1900. By the way, pick-up is free. Their goal is to make shopping at Walmart the easiest and most valuable place to shop.

But, they do not offer delivery services in the following places.

  • Alaska
  • Hawaii
  • Maine
  • Vermont

This will likely change in the near future.

Will DoorDash leave cigarettes at my door?

DoorDash will not leave cigarettes at the door. This is because the law requires that the buyer’s ID must be verified to confirm that they are at least 21 before they can collect their orders and that the buyer cannot be inebriated when the purchase is being delivered. 

There are also certain restricted locations. DoorDash would not leave cigarettes at your door.

Cigarettes, alcohol, pharmaceuticals… are special orders. Unlike regular products, certain conditions have to be met before you can order them online and have them delivered. 

Cigarettes are not to be sold to minors. 

Dashers can be held liable if they were to sell cigarettes to anyone who is below the age of 21. So, no Dasher would agree to simply leave your cigs by your door.

Do DoorDash drivers check ID for cigarettes?

Dashers do check IDs to confirm that the buyer is indeed up to 21, and they would use a relevant technology on their smartphone to verify that the ID is valid and has not expired. Upon delivery, they will ask to see the credit card used for the purchase and your ID.

The law stipulates that when an order contains a tobacco product, the person delivering must confirm that the buyer is not a minor. If Dashers deliver to minors or folks that are visibly drunk, they could be held liable. 

It’s not just that they check IDs; they also make sure it’s a valid ID, the type that’s approved by the government. 

They would ask that you hand over the ID. Amongst other things, it must include a photo and your date of birth. They would check it and compare its photo to you, the customer.

There are some other criteria that DoorDash provides to enable dashers to confirm that the ID is genuine and has not expired.

DoorDash allows Dashers to also use their discretion. 

So, even if you’ve ostensibly met the requirements, if a Dasher is convinced it’s not reasonable to deliver to you, they won’t. In other words, whether you’ll get your cigs or not depends on the Dasher.

Does DoorDash deliver alcohol?

Yes, they do. But, some restaurants do not allow it, while others may require a food purchase, too. In a recent article of mine, I offered the full story.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Do DoorDash drivers have to be over 21 to deliver cigarettes?

Dashers must be 21 or older to pick up and deliver cigarettes because tobacco orders are for 21+. Therefore, dashers need a valid ID to pick up the cigarettes, as it would be checked before they are allowed to go ahead and deliver them to customers.

In DoorDash’s policy on delivering tobacco, the age requirement is specifically stated.

“Tobacco orders are for 21+. To pick up an order including tobacco products, you will be required to present your valid driver’s license, so please make sure you have it on you before accepting the order. Dashers must be 21 or older to deliver tobacco.”

Is Instacart and DoorDash the same company?

No. Instacart was founded by a former Amazon employee Apoorva Mehta, while DoorDash was founded by Tony Xu, Andy Fang, and Stanley Tang. Check out a recent article of mine where I share a lot more.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Conclusion

In the article, we focused on whether DoorDash can deliver cigarettes

We learned that it does deliver cigarettes, in certain states, provided that certain conditions are met. 

We learned that one could order cigarettes via DoorDash’s app or website and that dashers (who have to be at least 21) would not leave the order at the door because they are required to check that buyers have a valid ID and are at least 21. 

They also need to confirm that the buyer is not visibly drunk.

They have the prerogative to hand it over or refuse even if a buyer has an ID and is up to 21. And they check that buyers meet these conditions. If they don’t, they could be held liable.

Can’t wait for a delivery and think you’ll grab some smokes at TJ’s? Does Trader Joes even sell tobacco products in its stores?

The answer I give in a recent article might surprise you. That’s especially considering that the brothers who started Trader Joe’s and Aldi had a huge falling out over selling cigarettes.

Just click that link to read it on my site.


Photo which requires attribution:

A Street Scene on Granville Street, Downtown, Vancouver during coronavirus pandemic by GoToVan is licensed under CC2.0 and was cropped, edited, and had a graphic and text overlay added.

Why is Produce Sprayed with Water in the Grocery Store?

No doubt you’ve been in the grocery store and gone to grab that head of broccoli when suddenly you got misted with water. Or you picked it up, and it was soaking wet. So, why is produce sprayed with water in the grocery store?

Produce is sprayed with water to keep it hydrated and fresh. Without this “misting”, many types of vegetables would wilt and lose their crispness. But for items sold by the pound, the water does add a little residual weight which increases the store’s profits.

While in the soil, fruits and vegetables are hydrated naturally through osmosis since water is vital for some biological processes such as the transport and absorption of nutrients.

Once they have been harvested, they will lose their freshness, attractiveness, and crispness if they are not regularly sprayed with water.

But, some folks have also suggested that grocery stores do not only want to keep produce alluring, that “misting” them is a way to make as much money from them as possible. In truth, it’s a bit of both.

Let’s get into it!

water sprayed lg

What is sprayed on produce in grocery stores?

Water is sprayed on produce in grocery stores to keep them fresh and attractive. While the misting system could theoretically be used with chemicals, all grocery stores traditionally just use water.

As we’ve discussed, certain types of produce naturally start to wilt the moment they get picked.

After all, they no the fruits and veggies no longer have a way of absorbing water naturally as they did when their roots were in the soil.

What are the most commonly misted produce items?

  • Broccoli
  • Fresh herbs such as cilantro & parsley
  • Beets
  • Cauliflower
  • Loose carrots
  • All types of lettuce

In some stores, this “misting” system is automated such that at preset intervals, a little volume of water is sprinkled on the fruits and vegetables.

In others, it’s done manually. Someone goes around regularly and sprays water on produce.

Now, not all produce is misted. Why? Some would spoil. You can’t spray onions and potatoes, for example. This is because they have skins that help retain water. 

But, a veggie like lettuce would wilt if it’s not “misted.”

Whole Foods is the pioneer in the organic food movement, and folks would often joke that one needs a whole check to shop there. (At least pre-Amazon acquisition). Why is it expensive?

Seeing as I worked there as a leader for more than 20 years, it’s a question I could speak to. And, you can get the lowdown in a recent article of mine.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Does spraying water on produce make them look crisp?

Spraying water on produce does make it look crisp. It makes it look fresh, tender and keeps any leaves from looking wilted and unappetizing. 

When produce is sprayed with water, the concentration of water outside the produce is greater than the water inside the vegetables. 

Gradually water would diffuse inside the cells through osmosis, making the produce fuller and less wilted. 

If they are not sprayed with water, they will shrink in size. And while misting to increase the store’s profit isn’t the #1 goal, it does impact the store’s bottom line in 2 distinct ways:

  • Wilted produce is less likely to sell, and more will get thrown away (or donated)
  • Produce that shrink in size also shrink in weight. So for items sold by the pound, this equals less money for the store.

Given a choice of picking produce that’s green and fresh (brimming with life) and one that’s dry and wilted, you’ll likely pick the former. 

Me, too.

How do grocery stores keep lettuce from wilting?

Loose heads of lettuce are kept in wax boxes, allowing them to be kept moist without disintegrating the box. Those boxes are kept in refrigerated coolers, and then the individual heads of lettuce are stocked in refrigerated cases and occasionally sprayed with water. 

At warm temperatures, lettuce will wilt and expire quickly. 

All produce is best when picked ripe and then eaten within a few days. But modern grocery stores have changed that. Many times produce is picked across the country or even in other countries.

Then it gets packed in big trucks and shipped sometimes hundreds of miles.

If they are not placed in cold storage and kept wet, veggies such as lettuce would deteriorate days after they’ve been harvested.  The low temperature in the cold storage units helps slow down the growth of pathogens and consequently reduces spoilage.  

The USDA has guidelines grocery stores are expected to follow.

 “Lettuce should be quickly cooled and maintained as close to 0 °C (32 °F) as possible with 98 to 100% RH. Head types are better adapted to prolong storage than are the other types, but none keep longer than 4 weeks, and about half that time at 5 °C (41 °F). Film liners or individual polyethylene head wraps are desirable for attaining high RH; however, they should be perforated or be permeable to maintain a non-injurious atmosphere and to avoid 100% RH on removal from storage.”

How is it that Aldi can sell quality produce at affordable rates? 

That’s the theme of a recent article of mine. Some people have speculated that it’s because all their stuff comes from China. But is that really true??

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Do supermarkets wash fruit?

As a general rule, fruit may be washed by the grower before packing, but supermarkets do not typically perform additional washing at the store level. That is why washing all fruits and vegetables at home is typically recommended.

When they are harvested, most fruits have residues of contaminants such as dirt and pesticides on them. Because a considerable chunk of the fruits we buy are imported, they are washed before they are sent here. 

After all, packing produce that’s dirty makes it riskier.

But not all fruits are washed. An article in Reader’s Digest has the following to say:

“Some literally come straight from the field to the grocery store floor. For example, there isn’t any sort of cleaning, sanitation, or processing of most berries before they hit a grocery case.”

So, you don’t want to take the risk of assuming that all the fruits you are buying have been pre-cleaned. But, even if they have been, the FDA says to wash fruits with water before they are consumed.

“Wash all produce thoroughly under running water before preparing and/or eating, including produce grown at home or bought from a grocery store or farmers’ market. Washing fruits and vegetables with soap, detergent, or commercial produce wash is not recommended.”

A lot of people swear by Sprouts. But are all their produce organic?

Check out a recent article of mine where I take an in-depth look at Sprouts and their products. What really surprised me was the amount of artificial ingredients they allow in their products.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

How do grocery stores keep fruit fresh?

Grocery stores keep fruit fresh by storing them in refrigerated coolers in the back room both upon arrival and at night after the store is closed. However, some fruits and vegetables do not thrive when refrigerated, therefore they are left on the sales floor.

To appreciate why refrigeration is critical to keeping fruits fresh, we should remember that most fruits are seasonal. And fruits start decaying quickly after they’ve been harvested and yet we get them to buy fresh throughout the year. 

This is only possible because of refrigeration technology.  

Before they are refrigerated, some fruits are “treated.” Some apples are waxed to delay the slow down the natural process of deterioration and to make them look more alluring. 

At times, some inorganic apples are coated with a soy protein mixed with pullulan (a polysaccharide polymer).

To many, this gives the appearance of wax.

Although, to be sure, not all apples are coated in pullulan. Sometimes it’s beeswax, Carnauba wax or even wood resin. To ensure that all their customers can get these fruits and veggies to buy, the stores buy them in large quantities, preserve them, and gradually make them available from big coolers in the back room.

You’re probably wondering how the process of storing them affects the nutrients and whether it is harmful. 

Experts say the effect of the nutrients is negligible and that refrigeration is not harmful.

And they say the taste is also only minimally affected. Most of us can’t differentiate if we had to choose between a freshly harvested fruit and one that’s been refrigerated.

If you’d like a deep dive on how grocery stores keep fruits fresh be sure to check out a recent article of mine where I went into greater detail.

Just click the link to read it on my site. 

Conclusion

You’ve probably seen those sprinkler nozzles at your local store, right? 

What are they being used for and why? In this article, we learned why grocery stores spray water on produce.  We found out whether spraying water on produce makes them crisp. Yes, it does.

Of course, only when done in moderation. It can be too much. 

We checked out how grocery stores keep lettuce from wilting and whether supermarkets wash fruit. We called it a day by exploring how grocery stores keep fruit fresh.

What Day of the Week Do Grocery Stores Restock?

It’s a bit frustrating when you can’t get your favorite products from the store, right? I know the feeling… To make the best of each trip to the store, you’ve probably wondered what day of the week do grocery stores restock?

Large grocery chains restock daily because of the huge volume of business. Restocking is usually done overnight or early morning in order not to disrupt operations. However, many smaller grocery stores that don’t have the sales volume to restock daily may restock on Tuesdays and Fridays.

But unfortunately, there really isn’t a standard most stores follow.

Howver, if you’re going to the big stores, early in the morning is probably the best time to be there, seeing as they would have restocked the night before or that morning.

With the smaller stores, it’s wise to know the day(s) they restock to be there soon after.

In this article, we’ll explore: what stores restock daily, whether Walmart’s shelves are full first thing in the morning, when does Whole Foods restock, and a lot of related questions.

Let’s dive right in…

young woman shopping for fruits and vegetables in produce department of a grocery store supermarket

Do busy grocery stores restock daily?

Large grocery stores restock daily because of their high volume of sales. It is always more efficient to go right from the truck to the shelf rather than store excess in the back room. So when possible, stores look to get as many deliveries per week as their distributors allow.

But note that because each grocery chain is different.

So, there are differences in each one’s restocking schedule. But overnight stocking is by far the most efficient way to stock.

Overnight at most grocery stores means no customers. So stockers just focus on stocking; no customer service. Plus, pallets can be wheeled directly where they are needed with no fear of blocking shopping carts.

And the employees can pound energy drinks and listen to loud music to keep them motivated; things that would be frowned upon during the day.

Costco and Walmart are examples of busy grocery stores that restock daily. So, if you couldn’t find a much-needed product, it would most probably be available the day after. 

But I understand if you’re not keen on the whole “shopping is fun” notion and only like visiting the grocery store once in a blue moon.

Then, you would probably be better served by buying online.

And, you’d enjoy a recent article of mine where I shared info about how online grocery shopping increased last year.

I covered themes such as what percentage of groceries are bought online, which one’s more popular: pick up or delivery, whether fewer people are shopping at grocery stores now…

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Are Walmart’s shelves full first thing in the morning?

Walmart’s shelves are typically full first thing in the morning because most locations restock overnight. Just bear in mind though that distributors of products usually have at least 5% of their items out of stock, so the shelves will never be 100% full.

But when a particular item would be available varies from product to product. And from store to store. On average, restocking is done every 2 days in smaller, lower-volume stores and every day in busy stores.

This shouldn’t be surprising because of the volume of business Walmart does. Consider that it has a market share of 26% of grocery sales and, in some environments, 90%.

Seeing as most of the restocks are done overnight, it makes sense to expect that items that were out of stock would have been replaced if you are there early in the morning.

You can also get notified by email when certain items are available. But, you must have registered for the service beforehand. The other day, you overheard two people talking about supermarkets and superstores, but you were in a hurry.

Now, you’re wondering if Walmart is a supermarket or a superstore. Not to worry, I’ve got you covered.

In a recent article of mine, I went into some details about their differences. What really surprised me was that 1 small thing makes all the difference between the 2 terms.

Just click the link to read the article on my site.

Do most Whole Foods stores restock in the morning?

Most Whole Foods stores restock in the early morning, around 4 or 5 am. However, the busiest stores in the company restock overnight, starting at approximately 10 pm. In either case, the goal is to be 99% done by the time the store opens.

This may vary slightly from location to location.

In general, though, the busier the store, the higher its volume of transactions, the more likely it would restock daily and overnight. Smaller stores restock about 3-4 times per week to ensure they meet demand.

And for those smaller, lower-volume stores, Tuesdays and Fridays are common days chosen to first replenish from the weekend, and then to stock up for the next weekend.

Are grocery stores often out of stock on Mondays?

The best-run grocery stores are not out of stock on Mondays. They are restocked every day, and replenished throughout the day. Mondays are no exception. However, poorly run grocery stores may sometimes be low on stock on Mondays following a busy weekend.

Best-run grocery stores ensure that they are hardly out of stock on Mondays or any other day for that matter.

It’s a buyer’s market if you will. After all, you have several choices in terms of where to shop, right? So, well-run grocery stores are hip to the patterns and insights revealed by their stock management software.

They know that it’s simply too costly to have customers experience out of stocks.

And while all customers are likely to be forgiving one time. They aren’t going to do that if they repeatedly see the same patterns of products being out of stock.

They’ll go to their competitors. A loss in revenue!

So, the best grocery stores are not out of stock on Mondays, seeing as they are being restocked several times each day. The small items during the day, while the big items and those likely to disrupt operations are restocked at night.

What is the best day to shop at Walmart?

Any day of the week is good to shop at Walmart in terms of the fullness of the shelves. But the least busy days to shop are Tues, Wed, and Thurs, and the least busy times are right at opening and after 8 pm.

Below are some of the advice from some Walmart employees.

Note that it’s subject to change. If you don’t like shopping when there’s a huge crowd (who does?), it’s best to be there before lunch. If you want non-perishable food and toilet paper, it’s best to be there as soon as the store opens.

Any day of the week, early in the day, is good. Say around 8 am.

The meat from the previous day goes on sale at this time! In effect, early in the morning on any weekday would be okay, seeing as Walmart’s overnight crew had been cleaning and restocking during the night.

If you want to narrow down your choices, I’d say go on Wednesday morning.

As you probably know, the weekends are the least ideal times since this is when most people are free to shop and shop.

How do you effectively navigate the different sections of a grocery store?

I crafted a guide for you in a recent article of mine. Have you always wondered whether grocery stores are designed to make you walk a certain way? Check out the article for the answer and a lot more from a 20-year veteran.

Just click the link to read the article on my site.

Conclusion

It can be frustrating when you can get what you want from your local store. In this article, we looked at issues around the restocking schedules of grocery stores.

We learned that the top dogs often restock daily. At times, twice daily. Think Whole Foods, Walmart…

And, we learned that small stores may replenish their stock twice a week. It makes sense. The volume of transactions and in-store traffic are key variables.

Do busy grocery stores restock daily, are Walmart’s shelves full first thing in the morning, do most whole foods restock in the morning…and similar themes were explored.

We even found out the best day to shop.

Can Grocery Delivery Drivers Carry Guns?

It’s not always a safe world out there. And with more and more people ordering groceries online for delivery, that can open up some risk for both a driver or the person receiving the groceries. That led me to wonder, can grocery delivery drivers carry guns?

A delivery driver with a legally purchased and registered firearm can carry a gun on their person or in the car if they have either an open carry permit or a concealed carry permit. However, certain employers, such as Instacart, may have rules prohibiting their drivers from carrying guns while working.

But, of course, the laws do vary somewhat from state to state in addition to rules laid down by employers.

Is it safe to allow delivery drivers into one’s home? Or should you simply ask them to leave your groceries by the door? Is being a delivery driver a risky occupation?

These questions and similar ones are what we’ll address in the next few minutes. In this article, we’ll look at the facts about whether grocery delivery drivers can carry Guns.

Let’s dive right in…

Can Grocery Delivery Drivers Carry Guns lg

Ready to apply with Instacart and see how much you could make?

CLICK HERE to fill out your application now on the Instacart website!

Can Instacart Shoppers carry guns?

Instacart’s Independent Contractor Agreement has no mention of firearms, making it acceptable for Shoppers who are independent contractors to carry a gun with the appropriate permits for the city and state they reside in.

(source)

I was unable to verify Instacart’s policies for Shoppers who are part-time employees or even full-time employees. Independent contractors don’t actually work for Instacart.

They work for themselves, and Instacart pays them via a 1099 form rather than a W2 at the end of the year. Independent contractors tend to have greater flexibility but less job security and certainly no benefits.

Originally all Instacart Shoppers (both drivers and in-store shoppers for pickup) were independent contractors.

But, after a lot of criticism, there has been a push by Instacart to transition a certain percentage of drivers over to part-time employees.

But whether an independent contractor or an actual employee, are you allowed by Instacart to rate customers?

I explored the issue in a recent article of mine. After all, customers can rate Insta employees, so it seems only fair the same could be done in return. That way, other drivers know to avoid someone creepy or pervy. But can they?

To find out more, click the link to read the article on my site.

Can DoorDash drivers carry guns?

DoorDash does not have a posted policy preventing Dasher delivery drivers from legally carrying weapons such as guns. However, Dashers still need to legally own, register, have the appropriate permits, and follow posted rules when entering a delivery business.

Some restaurants or grocery stores may prohibit firearms on the premises. So, you’ll need to pay attention to that.

Even in some states where you’re allowed to carry, you’re not allowed to have your weapon on you in some places, such as schools.

Walmart is one of the giants in the grocery sector.

You might be curious if DoorDash handles delivery for the superstore. That’s the theme of a recent article of mine. After all, Instacart charges a huge markup on some store’s prices. Walmart being known for low prices might be better with DoorDash.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Can Amazon delivery drivers carry guns?

Amazon explicitly forbids delivery drivers from carrying guns while making deliveries except where local law prohibits an employer from placing this restriction. This applies to both Amazon Fresh drivers as well as regular delivery drivers for Amazon.

So essentially, if your local city says it’s OK, and you legally own the weapon and have the necessary permits, Amazon can’t tell you otherwise.

So you’ll have to check the laws where you live to be certain.

But when in doubt, avoid carrying a gun while driving for Amazon, as it could cost you your job if they see it or a customer reports seeing one.

The ban, as we’ve seen, is not unique to Amazon. Other companies such as Instacart do not allow delivery drivers to carry guns.

On the whole, delivering groceries is a safe gig. What are some benefits that come with delivering for Instacart? That’s what I explored in a recent article of mine. Is it really a good gig?

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Is it safe to let a delivery driver into my house?

It is generally safe to allow delivery drivers into your home. Drivers for all the major delivery companies go through strict background checks. This eliminates those with felony convictions for violent crimes or sex offenses.

So, yes, it is safe, although nothing is 100% safe.

We all know that human beings can be unpredictable, and it’s impossible to eliminate all risks in our interactions. But it’s actually safe to have delivery drivers in your home. Before they are engaged, they have to undergo and pass background checks.

For example, Instacart checks an applicant’s criminal history (of course, this is done in line with the applicable Federal, State, or Local laws). It checks driving records, too.

The company ensures it has the applicant’s consent before these checks are conducted.

So, they’re not just random folks being sent to people’s homes. These are people who have been screened. And Instacart knows exactly where their drivers go at all times while they are working.

Other companies that engage delivery drivers perform similar checks.

How many grocery delivery drivers die each year?

About 500 delivery drivers die each year in the United States. However, the majority of those deaths are due to car accidents and not violent crimes.

While grocery delivery is relatively safe, the reality is that it’s risky when compared to some other jobs. 

Now and then, grocery delivery drivers are attacked or even murdered. This, of course, is one of the reasons many wonder if it’s okay to conceal and carry.

It’s actually shocking when one considers the incidents of homicides.

Little wonder delivery driving is ranked no. 7 on a survey by USA Today. 80% of these are due to accidents. Enterprise News in a report ranked food delivery as one of the most dangerous jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics rated food delivery as the 8th most dangerous job.

It’s sad, but as the stats reveal, hundreds of grocery delivery drivers are killed each year.

Sonya King, a DoorDash delivery person, almost lost her life once when she was attacked from behind.

She struggled until she used her car keys to hurt the assailant or his face and head. There are similar cases, but as we’ve seen above, not everyone’s lucky to escape.

Conclusion

In the preceding paragraphs, we looked at whether it’s okay for Instacart shoppers, Doordash delivery drivers, and Amazon delivery drivers to carry guns.

We observed that, as in most cases, it’s the law that’s the judge more than the employer, especially for independent contractors.

Are you considering working for Instacart but are worried about how that could impact your unemployment benefits you’re getting from your last job?

If so, then you need to read a recent article of mine where I explored the theme. After all, a lot of people seek out jobs like Instacart after getting laid off by a more traditional employer. But if you’re getting paid unemployment, can you take a part-time GIG job?

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Ready to apply with Instacart and see how much you could make?

CLICK HERE to fill out your application now on the Instacart website!


Photos that require attribution:

IMG_9962 by Elvert Barnes, concealed-carry-holsters by 22860, and Publix Instacart Curbside Pickup West Miami by Phillip Pessar are licensed under CC2.0 and were cropped, edited, color adjusted, merged with a text overlay added.

How Much Has Online Grocery Shopping Increased?

Online Grocery shopping is increasing at an impressive rate. It’s not only more convenient, but it can save us a ton of time, and the fees are usually quite small. We know more and more people are switching to online grocery shopping, but how much has online grocery shopping increased in 2021?

Online grocery shopping increased by 137% during 2020 and over 50% more in 2021. In fact, most grocery retailers saw 8 year’s worth of online shopping orders just during the 12 months of 2020.

But will that trend continue?

Are people still doing some in-person shopping? What is the future of traditional retail grocery stores? In this article, we’ll get into all of that and more.

Let’s get started.

Ready to order from Instacart? CLICK HERE to get started with your order!

What percent of groceries are bought online?

10.2% of groceries are now purchased online for either pickup or delivery, an increase of 137%. Prior to 2020, 4.3% of total grocery sales were bought online. 

As you’ll expect, online grocery shopping is increasing at an impressive rate. It’s been increasing for some years, and it experienced a spike due to all the changes that happened in 2020.

But even without the concerns of 2020, online shopping is convenient and, overall, cheaper.

If you factor in the cost of going to and from a grocery store, the opportunity cost, and the time involved, online grocery shopping saves you a great amount of time and effort. So, the increase would have occurred even without the lockdown, even though the growth rate may have been lower.

To have a good appreciation of the percentage of groceries bought online, it’s helpful if we looked at the pre-lockdown data before we look at the current year’s. According to a report by Mercatus and Incisiv, the following are the pertinent figures. (source)

  • 40% of consumers surveyed said they’d continue buying online, even after 2020’s issues are in the past.
  • Online grocery orders will grow by 12.5% during 2021.

I can attest when my family and I were at Whole Foods Market on Christmas Eve that at 10 am, the store was practically empty.

I’ve worked at several Whole Foods stores on Christmas Eve for dozens of years, and trust me; they are never that quiet. But the Amazon Fresh order area was bustling!

It’s interesting to also look at the main demographic that are shopping online and the main things being bought online.

Surprisingly, middle-aged males are the key demographic. And, most shoppers were buying staple pantry products. Rice and canned food items were the first products; spices came next, followed by beverages.

As you’ll expect, fresh produce came last. After all, most people would like to access their quality before they buy.

Is grocery pickup or delivery more popular?

Online grocery delivery is far more popular than pick up with delivery growth being 69% while online order pickup only grew by 17%.

It’s safer, cheaper, and more convenient (for shoppers and even grocery stores). Delivery also works great for many consumers who don’t have cars or who don’t like driving. Both reduce in-store traffic and generate more revenue for grocery stores. So, we can expect that they’ll only continue to get more popular.

(source)

So, both grew. And, the fact that delivery is growing at a higher rate makes perfect sense.

The higher increase in delivery is fueled in part by the growth of Instacart, seeing as it has partnered with hundreds of grocery stores to handle delivery for them. Its growth is also fostering healthy competition as some grocers develop their own delivery systems.

Research by Brick Meets Click also shows that ¾ of shoppers prefer delivery to in-store pickup. The firm is convinced that Click and Collect would also continue to play a significant role, as some shoppers choose that option. (source)

But is Instacart the top online grocery ordering company?

This is what I explored in a recent article of mine, where I compared Instacart and Mercato. Instacart and Amazon Fresh do currently dominate the online grocery delivery and pickup world, but Mercato is up and coming. And they have 1 key advantage that Instacart doesn’t.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Are fewer people shopping at grocery stores now?

Yes, 73% fewer people are shopping at grocery stores. With online grocery delivery and pickup having increased 137% during 2020, that naturally means many people are no longer visiting their favorite grocery stores in person.

In fact, a survey by C+R Research shows that folks are fearful. 73% are making fewer trips to the stores.

46% of the people surveyed said they’re now buying in bulk. 45% say they even disinfect groceries when they get home! 45% are shopping more, while 37% are leveraging delivery. And, 60% say they feel a sense of anxiety while engaged in in-store shopping. (source)

The change reflected by the stats is natural and understandable in light of the change we’re all experiencing. Shopping used to be a lot of fun for a lot of people, especially women. After all, there were no health concerns to contend with.

Now, a lot of people are using online delivery.

But has all this increase caused Instacart deliveries to become slower as demand backs up?

That’s what I explored in a recent article of mine. Unfortunately, the demand has impacted their speed and reliability. But there’s 1 way to use them that will almost assuredly get you your orders on time.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

What are the online grocery shopping trends?

Online grocery shopping trends include an increase of 137% during 2020, but also more men are now actively purchasing for the family, and men’s purchasing patterns are different from women’s. Men tend to focus more on efficiency, so they often buy in bulk and shop less frequently.

Before 2020, online purchases were more common among affluent, young, urban dwellers.

This grew to include a lot of people who do not fit that demographic. Even older, not-so-affluent folks now take advantage of online delivery. In some cases, their children place the orders for them and ensure they’re delivered.

In addition to that, research by The Food Industry Association (FMI), an analytics firm, shows that people are buying more but spending less time in-store. (source)

Grocery stores are also leveraging data to adjust to the times. They focus on restocking their bestselling 1000 items, such as Tide, Oreos, and Barilla pasta. One of the stores said it reduced 25% of its SKUs so that it could focus on those items it knows customers are demanding.

One other trend worthy of note is that big grocers like Amazon (via Whole Foods) and Walmart dominate the online space.

Both have a market share of 50% of online shopping. Regional markets account for only 22%. They do not usually have the capital to build their own in-house technology, so they have to partner with technology companies to enhance their capabilities.

Which online grocery shopping service is the best?

Instacart, Amazon Fresh, or Shipt are the best online grocery shopping companies for selection and convenience. FreshDirect is the best budget option for online grocery ordering.

But there are several online grocery shopping services. And that is likely going to keep growing.

Some deliver only products from just one store (Whole Foods is a good example); some deliver from several stores. By that, I mean that they get products from many stores, if it’s not available in one store, package it, and then deliver to customers.

But which one is the best?

Actually, each service has distinct advantages. So, it depends on what you want. Instacart and Amazon Fresh are the top contenders and have key advantages. But you’ll need to be in their coverage area, be prepared to accept groceries midweek, and sign up for a subscription.

For same-day delivery Amazon and Shipt are cool.

You can get same-day delivery options from the aforementioned, too. But, it’s a tad pricey and requires some planning. Lastly, if you’re into high-quality organic produce Amazon (in partnership with Whole Foods) is what I’ll recommend.

I’ll say your best option, all things being equal, is Amazon Fresh. But, they’re not as budget-friendly as FreshDirect.

And for some on a tight budget, EBT is sometimes a concern too, and not every online grocery company accepts it. Does Instacart accept EBT?

Check out a recent article of mine, where I get into just that.  And note the answer has changed completely from when I first wrote the article.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Ready to order from Instacart? CLICK HERE to get started with your order!

Conclusion

In the preceding paragraphs, I looked at how the online grocery shopping landscape has been changing.

I shared key stats relating to what percentage is being bought online, the growth rate, the major trends, and the best shopping service. Ultimately, online grocery shopping is here to stay. And the days of brick and mortar grocery stores could be numbered.

But don’t worry. They aren’t going away anytime soon. However, I would expect the bells and whistles and staffing levels to drop considerably in response to the trends.


Photo which requires attribution:

First Amazon Fresh delivery. by Kyle Brazil is licensed under CC2.0

The Grocery Store Guy, part of the Middle Class Dad family of websites, is reader-supported and when you make a purchase through some of my links, I  may earn a small commission from the sale, which in no way increases the cost to you. Learn more HERE.

How Do Supermarkets Recycle Plastic Bags?

Even if you typically use reusable grocery bags, chances are you have more than a few plastic grocery bags lying around. I know I occasionally drop mine off at the grocery store’s plastic bag recycling bin, but how do supermarkets recycle plastic bags?

Many supermarkets recycle plastic bags, along with other plastic film items. These transferred from the collection bins to recycling centers, where these are converted into outdoor decking and rails, park benches, picnic tables, new bags, and much more. However, plastic bags must not be put in curbside recycling bins.

But that’s not all there is to know about how grocery stores recycle plastic bags!

There are specific ways and procedures followed for this. Besides, you might also be interested in knowing what other materials can and cannot be recycled. I will explain it all in this article.

Just keep reading!

Do grocery stores really recycle bags?

Yes. Grocery stores that place collection bins for plastic bags do recycle them. They, in turn, pass them on to recycling companies who those bags, and other plastic films, into outdoor decking and railing, park benches, and picnic tables.

If you’ve done any amount of grocery shopping, you’ve probably seen the collection bins outside for plastic bags. You may have even put some bags in those collection bins.

But not all grocery stores have those bins, and you can’t put them with your regular recyclables.

So it is natural to wonder if it’s a gimmick or a feel-good tactic to justify the store using plastic bags (which more and more stores and cities are baning). But yes, stores really do turn them into recycling companies that reuse the bags.

If your store doesn’t have those bins, and you have enough bathroom trash bags to last you a lifetime, there are still plenty of things you can do with them.

Here are some of the top home uses for leftover plastic bags if you aren’t able to recycle yours:

1. Leftovers – Use a clean, dry bag to wrap up leftovers in the fridge, especially if it doesn’t actually touch the food. Put your leftover veggies inside the bag and tie a knot.

It won’t keep your food fresh for a week, but if you’re going to eat them the next day, it’s perfect.

Do you have half an onion or cucumber, still in its peel that needs to be stored? Use a plastic grocery bag. You’re going to throw away the outer layer of the food anyway.

2. Breading chicken –  Put a grocery bag inside another one, add in your breading and seasonings—Drop-in your chicken and shake. Once your chicken is coated, ball up the bag and the leftover breading and discard. No dishes to wash, no expensive zip-top bag to toss.

3. Other cool uses – You can also use them as a:

  • Disposable spoon rest
  • Christmas ornament storage
  • floral frog
  • Packing material
  • Storing paint brushes

These are just a few uses for plastic grocery bags. You can even donate them to your local Goodwill or other thrift stores.

How do they recycle plastic grocery bags?

The plastic grocery bags collected by grocery stores are first cleaned to get rid of any food particles. These are then transported to a recycling center, where they mix plastic film together with wood pulp and heat the mixture up until it melds together.

These plastics are recycled into decking and railing products.

Anything you recycle must be clean and completely dry. If your bags and other plastic film items are not clean of food residue, they can contaminate the entire batch. Which means it won’t be recycled and will end up in the landfill.

Plastic grocery bags, bread bags, produce bags, and other plastic film items can all be placed in the grocery store’s recycle bin.

Don’t put them in your curbside bin. Plastic grocery bags can get tangled in the machines. Workers will get them off, and then throw them in the trash.

Trex, the world’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking products, picks up the bags from these locations all around the country. 

That’s it. Take your plastic film materials to your local grocery store. Trex will pick them up and turn them into decking.

That’s pretty neat!

Can bubble wrap or Saran wrap be recycled with plastic bags?

Yes. Bubble wrap or Saran wrap can be recycled with plastic bags. All plastic bags are considered plastic film. They are soft, flexible polyethylene packaging. As long as it’s clean and dry, bubble wrap and plastic wrap can be dropped in the plastic bag bin.

But those aren’t the only things you can put in those bins!

Here are a few other things you can put in the plastic bag bins at the grocery store:

  • Bread bags
  • Case overwrap
  • Dry cleaning bags
  • Newspaper sleeves
  • Ice bags
  • Wood pellet bags
  • Ziploc and other resealable bags

You cannot, however, put these plastic film items in your curbside recycling.

When you put these items in the curbside bin, they can get tangled in the recycling equipment. As a result, workers have to stop the machines to cut out the bags. Then they go straight to the landfill.

Another thing you can’t put in your curbside bin is aseptic containers.

This is the kind of packaging used for things like juice boxes, broths, soups, tomatoes, and even wine. The cartons are made of layered paper, aluminum foil, and plastic. They can be recycled in many cities, but not all cities.

Take a look at this recent article to read more about aseptic containers and how to recycle them.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

What are the facts about recycling plastic bags?

Here are some interesting facts about recycling plastic bags. First, apart from plastic bags, you can also recycle dry cleaning and food storage bags. Second, they need to be clean and dry during the recycling process. And third, they can be converted to decks, containers, new bags, and more.

Plastic film, unlike other plastic items, cannot be placed in your curbside recycling bin. Instead, it must be taken to a drop-off location. Grocery stores and other retail stores will usually have bins for collecting bags for recycling.

You can recycle more than just plastic bags!

You can recycle dry cleaning bags, produce bags, the wrap-around paper towels, toilet paper, and diapers. You can recycle newspaper bags and food storage bags, too! Just make sure it’s clean and dry and free from food residue.

There are more than 18,000 collection sites across the U.S. and Canada.

That means that even though you may not be able to put plastic bags in your curbside bin, it’s still easy and convenient to recycle plastic bags!

Just take them with you the next time you head out to the grocery store.

Plastic film can get new life as all sorts of things! Plastic bags can not only become composite lumber for decks, benches, and playground sets. It can also be processed into small pellets, which can later be made into new bags, pallets, containers, crates, and even pipes. source

Does Target or Walmart recycle plastic bags?

Yes! Both Target and Walmart recycle plastic bags and are also a part of the Beyond the Bag Initiative. In fact, Target takes it a step further by using plastic shopping bags that are made up of 40% recycled plastic. And even offers and additional 5-cent discount for customers using reusable bags.

Many more supermarkets and retail stores also recycle plastic bags. Here are just a few of the other stores that collect plastic bags for recycling:

  • Home Depot
  • Kohl’s
  • Food Lion
  • Whole Foods
  • Kroger  

They also have in-store kiosks for customers to recycle their bags.

To encourage people to reduce their use of plastic bags altogether, Target provides a 5-cent discount for each reusable bag customers use at checkout, too.

Walmart, Target, and CVS are all members of the Beyond the Bag Initiative, too. The initiative aims to identify, test, and implement viable alternatives to the traditional plastic bag. 

If your small local grocery store doesn’t recycle grocery bags, you may have to take your bags to a larger supermarket. You could even reach out to the manager or store owner to encourage them to participate in recycling plastic bags.

But wait? What’s the difference between a grocery store and a supermarket?

True, the terms are used interchangeably, but there are a few differences. Grocery stores are smaller and more specialized. Supermarkets will have lots of choices, in-house butchers, and fresh seafood.

To read more about the differences between grocery stores and supermarkets, just read this recent article.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Final Thoughts

In this article, I talked about whether supermarkets actually recycle plastic bags. Also these plastic bags are sent to recycling centers like that of Trix, for converting them into other usable material. 

I talked about whether saran wrap or bubble wrap can be recycled with plastic bags. And I also mentioned that Walmart, Target, and many other grocery stores too recycle plastic bags. I even gave some fun facts about recycling plastic bags.

Are you going to start taking your bags to be recycled?

How Do Supermarkets Protect Stolen Goods?

Most shoplifted items are small and expensive, and grocery stores have very thin profit margins. This means that any loss is significant. So how do supermarkets protect stolen goods?

Well-trained employees are the number one way used by grocery stores to protect stolen goods. But grocery stores can’t rely solely on employees. They also use security cameras and lock up expensive frequently stolen items. Some grocery stores may even hire private security or undercover cops. 

But that just scratches the surface.

You may also be interested to know which items are most often stolen from supermarkets. And do you know is unscanned barcodes also set off alarms? Besides, how do shops know if an item has been stolen?

Just keep reading to learn more!

How do grocery stores prevent theft?

The best way for grocery stores to prevent theft is by training their employees to be more attentive and spot shoplifters. Knowing where the blind spots in a store are is also helpful, as well as being aware of suspicious behavior. Many also hire professional security guards. 

Every year, grocery stores lose 1.35% of their inventory due to theft. (source)

While this doesn’t seem like a lot on the surface, remember grocery stores have really thin profit margins. This means that any loss is a significant one.

The most important way to prevent theft is to have attentive employees.

Properly trained and attentive employees can provide hands-on customer service, which allows them to spot potential shoplifters.

Loitering customers without a cart or basket may try to avoid any encounters with employees. While this strategy may not cut out theft completely, it can help grocery stores be more aware.

Employees are also trained to look out for suspicious behavior. Large shopping bags, hanging around high-theft items, moving in groups, and hanging around certain areas for long periods of time are all indicators that someone is likely to steal.

Shoplifters may also stoop or hide their hands in order to conceal an item.

If something like this is spotted, employees engage with them. Now, by “engage with them,” I don’t mean accuse them. I mean, ask them if they need help finding anything or if they have any questions. Alternatively, the employee may report the activity to a manager.

Another way to prevent theft is to encourage customers to use a cart or basket.

Customers that use reusable shopping bags may want to use those bags to carry their items while they are in the store. By the time they get to the front of the store, employees may think that they have already paid for their items.

Instead, customers should be prompted to use a cart or basket provided by the store.

Stores also employee security tags that set off alarms when an item is carried out of the store without payment. At the same time, CCTV cameras help to monitor customer behavior in the entire store.

What is the most stolen item from supermarkets?

The most stolen items from supermarkets are meat, steaks, ground beef, roasts, etc. Other items that are stolen frequently are energy drinks, over the counter medicine, and cosmetics.

These items are relatively small and are easy to conceal. They are usually left out in the open and not security tagged. This makes meat easy to shoplift.

Bear in mind most shoplifters steal with the intention of later trying to return it for cashback. So they tend to not only steal small things but also higher-priced things such as over the counter medicine, and cosmetics.

Spotting a meat thief can be tricky, though.

Especially during the winter when everyone is wearing a big coat. They sneak it up and shove it in their coat. This is where the well-trained employee comes in.

A well-trained employee will be able to spot the thief. To another shopper, the individual may appear overweight. But to an employee, they will see someone acting suspiciously with an ill-fitting coat.

I still recall busting a woman in San Francisco with dozens of packages of meat stuffed down her workout pants with a heavy coat worn on top.

Advil, Claritin, and weight loss drugs are some of the most stolen over the counter medicines.

There are a lot of different departments in supermarkets, meaning that there are a lot of potential places to steal from.

To read about the different departments, just check out this recent article.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Do unscanned barcodes set off alarms?

No, unscanned barcodes do not set off alarms, as barcodes are only meant for the purpose of inventory and not security. Unlike department stores, most grocery stores do not use security sensors to trigger alarms when exiting the store if not removed.

If you’ve ever purchased multiples of a single product, you may notice that the cashier doesn’t always scan each product.

They can simply put in the number of items you purchased and scan a single item. While the number of items is accounted for, each individual barcode is not scanned. Chances are, you’ve made it out of the door without setting off the alarm.

If the alarm went off every time a barcode was not scanned, the alarms would be going off all day.

But that’s not to say that there are no items with security tags. Things that are frequently stolen, or high value, can have security tags on them or inside the packaging.

But it’s really uncommon for grocery stores to use security tags.

The reason grocery stores don’t usually use security tags is due to the time it would take at checkout to remove them. That would mean longer lines or potentially require more personnel. Neither of those things are good for a store looking to have happy customers and maximize low profit margins.

How do shops know if something is stolen?

Most stores do inventory monthly or quarterly. So if they know they received 10 of an item, and computer records show 7 were sold, there should be 3 left on the shelf. If there is only 1 on the shelf, they know 2 were stolen.

As I mentioned, security scanners are not common in grocery stores. So, unfortunately, that means there isn’t always an easy or quick way to know if something was stolen.

Every item is accounted for during inventory. Grocery stores know that they can’t prevent every theft, but they can count their losses.

As I mentioned above, most thieves steal with the intention of later returning it to get cash. So in the moment of the return, with the thief obviously not having a receipt, there is not a lot the store can do to verify the original purchase.

I still recall a guy wanting to return 15 lbs of shrimp without a receipt or the product

It was a busy holiday in December and there were a lot of customers. The guy made a big stink about how the shrimp was bad and made all of his dinner party guests sick.

In short, he chose a busy day and time and made up a story designed to make us want to pay him money quickly so that other customers withuin ear shot weren’t alarms that we would be selling poor quality shrimp.

But in this case, I asked him to describe the employee who sold him the shrimp knowing that being a busy holiday day, that employee would not only likely be working, but also remember such a large order of shrimp.

He gave me a vague description, and then I asked him to walk with me to the seafood counter.

In short, most thieves will abandon their efforts if they don’t get quick results. When he couldn’t identify any of the employees, and none of them remembered the large sale, we checked the sales records for that item number to see if there was a recent sale in that quantity.

Big surprise there wasn’t and he quickly left.

This is why most stores insist on a receipt for returns. They may offer you an exchange, but they likely won’t give you any money back if you don’t have a receipt.

And sometimes they may not know if something is stolen.

Small items are stolen all the time. Besides that, a lot theft is internal (ie: employees). So if someone steals something, and they don’t try to return it, they will likely never get caught.

Do grocery stores use undercover cops?

Yes, many grocery stores use undercover & uniformed cops, or private security. But they tend to be more of a deterent rather than catching & arresting thieves. Officers & security guards are trained to look for suspicious behavior and most theives will leave quickly if they feel they are being watched or followed.

Loss prevention people work very closely with law enforcement.

And most police officers and state troopers are paid fairly low and often will take security jobs on the side as a way to add extra income. Plus, compared to chasing down criminals on the street, grocery store security jobs are pretty low risk.

Sometimes grocery stores will hire private security, too.

Private security tends to be cheaper by the hour. They may or may not be in uniform. And while they don’t have the power to arrest someone, they do have the power to detain shoplifters until the police show up.

Even if a store doesn’t have undercover cops or private security, almost all grocery stores have loss prevention people.

They don’t wear uniforms, and they are not always obvious. They will recognize frequent shoplifters, and they are trained to recognize potential shoplifters.

And every supermarket has cameras. So they will see you. And if they don’t catch shoplifters the first time, they will catch them eventually.

How often do employees steal?

95% of employees steal from their employer at least once. That is an increase of 79% compared to statistics from 1999. About 1 in every 40 employees in retail positions gets arrested for theft every year.

Unfortunately, it’s REALLY common. (source for above)

As a GM (what they called Store Team Leader) for Whole Foods Market for many years, I’ve unfortunately fired dozens of employees for theft.

Often it was smaller items for personal consumption.

But on one occasion, I had to fire our meat manager who was loading an entire stock cart of meat into his car (and had probably been doing it for months if not years before he got caught).

Employees steal for a wide variety of reasons, but most often it’s one of these:

  • Because they feel they are entitled due to low pay or poor working conditions
  • They think the company is making plenty of money and won’t miss a few bucks
  • Because they have seen others steal and not get caught
  • They have seen the boss do things that are against company policy, implying that the rules don’t have to be followed

While employers will never be able to prevent all employee theft, there are a few simple rules I lived by as a GM which I believe makes it happen less frequently.

Those are:

  • Treat all theft the same regardless of the dollar amount
  • Be firm, fair, and consistent in how you handle every incident of employee theft
  • Treat your employees well and give benefit of the doubt if there’s a question
  • Never, ever ask your employees to follow rules you don’t follow

Final Thoughts

In this article, I talked about how supermarkets protect stolen goods.

I talked about how grocery stores prevent theft. And how they train their employees to check for suspicious behavior among shoppers. I also talked about whether unscanned barcodes set off alarms.

And that grocery stores may even use undercover cops and private security, apart from regular employees.

Be a good person, don’t steal. Stealing from a grocery store could get you banned from the store, and it can result in criminal charges. It’s not worth it.

Why Don’t Grocery Stores Have Fruit Flies?

Fruit flies. Those pesky little flies that seem to love every fruit and vegetable on your counter. But it may have surprised you that grocery stores that have tons of produce rarely have fruit flies. Why don’t grocery stores have fruit flies?

Grocery stores don’t have fruit flies as they take all the precautions to prevent them in the first place. Since fruit flies go after rotten produce, grocery stores pay special attention to cull items daily. They also keep the shelves & racks clean, quickly wiping away any stray produce juices.

But, it is also essential to learn what attracts fruit flies, and why they may swarm in your kitchen but are hard to spot in stores. Besides, there’s much more to know about how grocery stores prevent and kill fruit flies.

Just keep reading to find out!

What causes fruit flies to appear?

Fruit flies generally appear out of nowhere. One day, there are no fruit flies anywhere to be seen. The next day, a swarm appears.

So what gives?

Fruit flies lay their eggs directly on rotting fruit and vegetables. They may also lay their eggs inside drains or on countertops that are not kept clean.

Besides, Fruit flies may produce up to 500 offspring, and the entire life cycle only takes about a week to complete. As a result, they can get out of control quickly.

Fruit flies are attracted to the smell of ripening fruit and decomposing produce.

I can’t think of anything stronger smelling than overripe bananas. So if your bananas, or any fresh produce, has been hanging around on the counter for too long, you’re likely to attract Fruit Flies.

At the grocery store, if the fruit is close to being overripe, or is otherwise not able to be sold, like a bruised apple, it might be transferred to another department like the Juice Bar. There it will be refrigerated if not used immediately.

That way, the produce department doesn’t get fruit flies. And it also helps the store reduce waste by using it in a different department.

But unfortunately, not all damaged or dated products get reused. So you may be wondering what happens to other food that isn’t sold.

If you are wondering what happens to unsold food in supermarkets, just read this recent article.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Do grocery stores use pesticides to kill fruit flies?

It’s unlikely that grocery stores use pesticides to kill fruit flies because they cannot be easily controlled with pesticides and insecticides. Plus most grocery stores have organically grown produce that can’t be sprayed with most pesticides.

The best solution to control flies is to prevent them in the first place.

The workers in the produce department are continually making sure surfaces are kept clean and dry. The high turnover of produce means they don’t need to inspect every piece of food necessarily. But they do remove produce with spots and bruises as quickly as possible.

Plus all stock gets rotated daily and anything damaged, bruised, or past it’s prime gets culled daily.

If they see a fruit fly, they head towards it to take a look at what it’s attracted to. Then they remove the source and clean the area around it.

In fact, one of the reasons that people love Whole Foods Market so much is that they genuinely care about the quality of their products.

They care so much that they have gone above and beyond the standards set by the FDA. As there is no definition of “natural” food, Whole Foods has compiled its own list of unacceptable ingredients.

These unacceptable ingredients include, but are not limited to:

  • Hydrogenated fats
  • High-fructose corn syrup
  • Artificial sweeteners
  • Preservatives
  • Artificial colors and flavors

If a food contains any of these unacceptable ingredients, you won’t see it on their shelves.

To read more about what makes Whole Foods so popular, just check out this recent article.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Do grocery stores use traps to kill fruit flies?

Some grocery stores probably have traps in the back rooms.

Bugs of all kinds, not just fruit flies can get in near the trash compactor and loading docks. So they will likely have either sticky traps or zappers in the room near the trash compactor and receiving area.

Regardless of what they use, they won’t be out where the customers can see them.

This talk about the back room and the trash compactor may have you thinking about all of the other sections of the grocery store.

And there are many of them!

Almost all grocery stores start with a produce department and then line the walls with meat, seafood, deli, and bakery. Then the center of the store encompasses the grocery department, along with beer and wine, and health and beauty products. The front end is where the cashiers and baggers finalize the shopping experience.

But that just scratches the surface! To read all about the different sections of a grocery store, read this recent article.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

How do you get rid of fruit flies in a grocery store?

Fruit flies can be challenging to get rid of.

Prevention methods are the best way to ensure fruit flies don’t make an appearance. That’s why it’s so important to remove any bruised or overripe produce promptly.

But if an apple falls off the counter, and gets kicked under the display, it will start to rot. When it starts to decay, fruit flies will know and will start to swarm.

That’s when the cleaning begins.

The produce department will have to do a deep cleaning of the area. Not only to find the food source for the fruit flies but to prevent more from coming.

When they find that hidden onion, they’ll clean the area thoroughly with bleach. They’ll clean the floor where the onion was, as well as any surrounding surfaces. They’ll remove any other potential food sources as well.

If they are bad enough, they may call in a professional service to get rid of them.

What is the best product to kill fruit flies?

The first thing worth doing is to make sure it’s actually a fruit fly and not a gnat.

Fruit flies range from tan to reddish-orange and brown. Gnats are a common look alike, but they are gray to black in color.

If you do have fruit flies, first and foremost, clean all of your surfaces and discard any overripe or rotting fruit. If you’ve cleaned and cleaned, but you’re still seeing them, there are a few ways to get rid of fruit flies.

Apple cider vinegar. Fill a glass or bowl with apple cider vinegar, and cover it with plastic wrap and seal with a rubber band. Poke tiny holes in the top. Fruit flies will be attracted to the vinegar, but won’t be able to escape.

Apple cider vinegar and dish soap. Secondly, you may use a drop of dish soap in a bowl of vinegar and mix. Since soap decreases the surface tension, the flies become immersed and can’t escape.

Old beer or wine. If you have a bottle of beer or an old bottle of wine, leave it out near where the fruit flies have been congregating. They will be attracted to the old, sweet beverage, but will be unable to escape through the narrow neck.

Final Thoughts

We talked about how fruit flies gravitate toward rotten fruit.

Grocery stores do their best to make sure that there are no rotten fruit or fruit juices on display. We also discussed how grocery stores prevent the appearance of fruit flies. And how fruit files are handled if they do make an appearance.

Grocery stores hate fruit flies just as much as you do because they know that you won’t want to shop where there are swarms of those pesky bugs.

How Do Grocery Stores Keep Track of Inventory?

You’re on your way out of a grocery store, and you’re annoyed and frustrated. Some of the products you wanted were out of stock. It happens all the time, and often leaves us wondering how do grocery stores keep track of inventory?

Most grocery stores use inventory management software, which manages stock lists in real-time. This software scans products in when received at the backdoor. Then keeps track of what gets sold through the register. Some stores even use automatic purchasing systems that re-order when items get low.

But every store does this a little differently!

Despite the different methods adopted by different grocery stores, you might be curious to explore further the methods they use. Besides, you might also be wondering about how often and why grocery stores actually physically count their Inventory.

So, lets read further to understand the whole process associated with grocery store inventory.

How do grocery stores manage Inventory?

Inventory management is primarily about keeping records of products that the store receives and products that go out of the store. They consider the returns as well.

The “outgoings” include sales. But it also includes damaged items, expired items, and theft. Collectively those last ones are called shrink, or sometimes spoilage.

In the old days, and even when I first started with Whole Foods Market in 1988, grocery store inventory had a lot of challenges. Most of it was done by hand and involved a lot of guesswork and human error.

But these days, digital equipment and inventory management software is the essential tool to manage inventory. How? First, these products (known in the industry as stock-keeping units, SKU) are captured by the software system when they are brought into the store (from the warehouse).

All products (except maybe small, local products) have bar codes, and this helps make it easier to keep track of them. So, they’re all captured as “inflows.” Barcoding is an integral part of these software systems, and it’s so common, we often take them for granted.

And yet, they’re vital.

The quantity is reduced from the records when the products are bought and paid for. That’s a reduction in Inventory. As soon as the cash comes in, Inventory leaves. In addition to collecting the payment, the cash register (integrated with the inventory system) also helps to keep track of the stock. The software system can also generate a replenishment list.

Or in some cases order it automatically.

Employees can make adjustments concerning damaged goods, returns, expired items

The net difference should approximate the closing Inventory, which now becomes the first Inventory for the subsequent fiscal period.

Then when the store does a physical count of their inventory, the 2 numbers get compared. Some do a physical count monthly, and some annually. But most do it quarterly or even monthly.

Essentially the difference in the 2 numbers is a loss of profit, hopefully small. But you can bet they investigate to figure out where the slip-ups are occurring!

Let’s move on to look at the steps in its inventory process.

What is the supermarket inventory process?

Before we check out the inventory process, you might be thinking: what even makes a supermarket different from a grocery store?

Are they the same thing?

I have taken the time in recent articleof mine to highlight the key differences. In it, you’ll discover, for example, the primary purpose of supermarkets, examples of some excellent supermarkets, and other fascinating facts.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

Supermarket Inventory Process

The main steps involved in the supermarket inventory process:

  1. Goods are ordered/purchased 
  2. As they’re received, the bar codes help in ensuring data about each SKU is captured
  3. There’s now an accurate record of all the available products
  4. When goods are sold, the bar codes help in updating Inventory
  5. Damaged goods, expired goods, pilferage are also deducted
  6. The software system helps generate a replenishment list
  7. The system has preset reorder levels
  8. New Inventory is brought in
  9. The cycle is repeated as appropriate

How often do grocery stores count their Inventory?

It varies from store to store. Some stores employ a perpetual method. Doing that, they rely on the software systems to track products entering and leaving the store. Then they rely on their employees to manually subtract the shrink.

Easy for sure. But there’s no way to track theft doing this system unless you catch the thief.

Other stores, most probably, do a physical count of their inventory. Often this is done by an inventory service like RGIS. But some stores may just use their own employees. There are pros and cons to both.

No matter which method of counting they use, some stores count it monthly, and some annually. But most probably do it quarterly. And yes, it involves counting every single box, bag, can, and cucumber in the whole store. Although in produce, it’s often done by total weight for each type of item.

Of course, some departments are easier to count than others.

By the way, what are the main sections of a grocery store? It’s good to know as you can easily navigate most stores (that’ll save you time). In a recent article of mine, I went into great detail on how a grocery store is laid out.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Overall, the more frequent the physical counting, the more accurate the financial reporting. But physical inventory does take its toll on the store, employees, and managers. The counting is typically done in one night. But the preparation and follow-up reporting can last a week or more.

And when everyone is focused on that instead of the store’s appearance and customer service, those things tend to suffer.

Why do grocery stores count Inventory?

You might be thinking why they would do this?

Essentially it comes down to profit. You really have no idea how much profit (or loss) you’ve made unless you count your inventory and see if it matches what the computer says you have.

Any difference between your count and what the computer says should be on the shelves is loss (of product and profit). Now certainly, if the error was in counting, then you’ll get that back the next time you count.

But the reality is that there are always counting errors. So in a way, the cycle of counting and estimating profit and loss is ongoing. And there’s never really a perfect number.

But another important reason for a good system for inventory management is the need to ensure they always have enough products. If they don’t have enough, they lose money. Since a customer can simply go to another store.

Grocery stores deal mostly with perishable, fast-moving goods, making sense that they ought to know what they have at any time. Some products have expiry dates and need removal at a specific time if they’re not bought.

There’s a need to prevent spoilage and ensure that stock remains full all the time. 

If out of stocks occur frequently, they may lose a large number of customers, as word spreads that they are not reliable! That’s something no smart business wants.

Another reason is for accounting purposes.

They need to prepare financial statements, and inventory count and valuation are vital components. Financial statements are mandated by law if a company is publically held (meaning traded on the stock market). They’re also essential for proper overall management.

Final Thoughts

A lot goes into running a first-rate grocery store or supermarket.

As we’ve seen in the preceding paragraphs, the inventory management process is one of the most critical factors. Besides, we’ve looked at how grocery stores track inventory process entails, how often grocery stores count Inventory.

We also explored the reasons. It’s only smart business to keep on top of Inventory. Just as wise people keep records of what they own.

Inventory management demands for accurate financial reporting.

Although Inventory management software and digital equipment help in making the process a lot easier, do not negate the need for conducting physical stock counts now and then.

Can I Sue a Grocery Store for Selling Expired Food?

It can be really frustrating when you bring home your groceries only to realize that your canned corn is past the expiration date. Or worse yet, your milk or orange juice. But if you got sick from spoiled food, you may have asked the question, can I sue a grocery store for selling expired food?

Yes, you can sue a grocery store for selling expired food. But, unless it led to injury or illness & significant expenses, or losses, it may be hard to find a lawyer willing to take the case. You can file yourself in small claims court, but in most cases, you’ll be better off just returning the item & getting a refund.

But that’s just a quick answer. In this article, we’re diving deep into grocery stores, expired foods, and the rights shoppers have.

So what can you do about a grocery store that consistently sells expired food?

Can you sue them? What happens when a store sells out-of-date food? Do they get penalized somehow?

We’ll answer all of these questions and more.

Just keep reading!

Can you sue Walmart for selling expired food?

It depends.

If you bought food from Walmart and it somehow injured you because it was expired, you can sue. If you chipped a tooth, for example, on old hard candy, then you can sue.

Or if you drank milk that was out of date and it made you sick, then you can sue.

Unfortunately, you can sue people for just about anything. But the question shouldn’t be whether you can sue. It should be whether you can find a lawyer that will assist you.

Lawsuits are very expensive, and if you don’t have enough in damages to cover the costs, it won’t be worth it for an attorney to take your case.

So if you chipped a tooth and have a $200 dentist bill, an attorney likely won’t take your case. But if you ate a can of old corn and spent several days in the hospital, racking up tens of thousands of dollars in hospital bills, they are more likely to take the case.

That’s because the damages, meaning the monetary expenses you are on the hook for, are higher.

However, if you chipped a tooth on candy that was out of date, and you want to file a claim, you can. You can either do it through small claims court, or you can reach out to Walmart directly.

Every state’s small claims courts run differently, so if you choose to go that route, you should call your local court to find out the process.

But if you want to contact Walmart directly to notify them of the incident, save your receipt, remaining product, and the packaging.

You should also see a dentist, and keep any bills related to the incident. It may even be helpful to have your dentist write up something about the extent of the damage and whether you’ll need additional care.

Walmart may settle with you if you have the needed proof to support your claim, but it probably wouldn’t be feasible to litigate your case. (source)

What happens if a supermarket sells out of date food?

Unfortunately, most out food date food ends up in the landfill.

Food that is either close to the expiration date or no longer at peak quality is unfit to sell. This is regardless of whether it has met its expiration date.

Fresh vegetables and meat that is past its prime, but not yet expired may be cooked up for the in-store deli and salad counters before they spoil. And while some of it ends up in the landfill, expired food may be given to local food banks, sold to salvage stores, or given to employees.

If you do happen to purchase something that is out of date, like milk, you can simply return it to the store. Most stores will give you a refund.

But for the most part, stores can sell out of date food without consequence. Especially canned goods.

According to the FDA, there is no uniform dating system. In fact, manufacturers aren’t even required to put quality-based labels on food, unless it’s baby formula. So those dates put on canned food is arbitrary. They are there just to make the consumer feel good about what they are purchasing.

And according to the USDA, low acid foods are good for 2 to 5 years. If cans are in good condition, with no obvious signs of damage, they are safe to eat indefinitely.

To learn more about what happens to unsold food in supermarkets, read this recent article. What really surprised me was the percentage of food that could be eaten or given to homeless shelters and food banks get thrown away.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

How much can a shop be fined for selling out of date food?

I couldn’t find any exact figures on this, but I did find where 21 stores in Port Chester, NY, and White Plains, NY were fined a total of $59,600 for selling outdated food in 2009. (source)

So, in the grand scheme of things, stores won’t be fined very much for selling outdated food.

Because expiration dates are not federally mandated, each state will likely have its own rules and regulations regarding the sale of outdated food. Which is probably why I couldn’t find much about it.

Also, know that I could walk into ANY grocery store right now and find outdated products if I looked hard enough.

All grocery stores have tens of thousands of products. And most have fewer than 300 employees (some have a LOT fewer). It’s just not possible to catch every can, bag, box, and carton. And even the best store manager has to trust their employees to be checking dates when they stock, rotate products and face the store.

By now, you know that canned foods are good indefinitely. Milk and fresh meat clearly don’t last as long. But what about products in other sections of the grocery store?

What are the other sections of a grocery store anyway?

Read this recent article to learn more about the different sections of grocery stores. While all stores have things that make them unique, the surprising truth is that almost every store follows the same core systems and layouts.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Is it a legal offense to sell out of date food?

It depends. Also remember that in most cases, these are “best by” dates. They are not usually dates telling you when something is bad or inedible.

No. Most dates on food are there to tell you when the maximum flavor and freshness will start to diminish.

Federal law doesn’t require manufactures to put an expiration date on products. If there is no requirement to do something, then you can’t be penalized for it legally.

But baby formula must have an expiration date on it. And in California, all baby food must also have an expiration date.

Even if it is illegal to sell out of date food, you need to take some personal responsibility, too.

Check the dates on products before you purchase them. And then check the dates again before you consume it, especially if you’re feeding it to your baby.

If you see expired food on the shelf, particularly baby formula or baby food, notify the store manager, so they can handle it.

If you inadvertently purchase something that has expired, take it back to the store for a refund or exchange.

What if I bought expired food?

Simply put, in most cases, – eat it.

If it’s milk or yogurt, you may not want to eat it. If that’s the case, just return it to the store or throw it away.

Same thing for meat or seafood. And always remember – when in doubt, throw it out. If you don’t want to throw it out, and you still have the receipt, return it to the store.

For canned goods, as long as the cans aren’t damaged in any way – there’s no swelling, rust, or dents – the food inside is still good to eat.

Expiration dates are arbitrary. There is no federal regulation regarding the dating of canned goods. That’s why you see so many different labels. In fact, unless it’s baby formula, there is no federal law stating that canned goods even need expiration dates.

If you bought it from Whole Foods, you can rest assured that they’ll refund your money. Whole Foods really cares about the products they sell and the customers they serve.

I couldn’t tell you how many times customers had the gall to come into my store and want a refund for something they threw away AND no longer had the receipt for. And more often than not, we gave them that refund.

That is just one of the reasons why Whole Foods Market is so popular.

To learn more about what makes Whole Foods so popular, check out this recent article. While I don’t work for them now, I did work there for over 20 years. So I know a thing or two about them.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Final thoughts

Unless you get exceptionally sick from eating expired food, you likely won’t be able to find a lawyer to help you file a lawsuit.

Canned goods are shelf-stable for years and years. And if you accidentally purchase expired milk, cheese, or other fresh goods, you can take it back to the store for a refund.

It’s not necessarily illegal to sell expired items. But each state will approach it differently when it comes to fining stores for selling outdated items.

Will you throw away that can of corn that is a year out of date, or will you eat it?

I know what I would do!


Photos which requires attribution:

bad salsa by flicktoast is licensed under CC2.0