Grocery price inflation is prompting consumers to adopt new savings habits as food costs continue to rise. As grocery price inflation persists, many shoppers are shifting from traditional large chain stores to markets and platforms that offer lower prices.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), grocery prices increased 0.6 percent in August compared with the previous month, the largest monthly rise since October 2022. Prices rose an additional 0.3 percent in September. Experts noted that supply-chain expenses, logistics costs, and import tariffs continue to create upward pressure on food prices.
As expenses increase, consumers are forming new spending habits that provide more practical savings.
USA Today highlighted the growing popularity of regional Asian markets and small food retailers. By purchasing directly from local farms or importing large quantities from Korea, China, and Mexico, these markets reduce distribution steps and lower prices by 20–40 percent.
Byoungjun Kim, grocery director at Hannam Chain, said Korean American markets secure strong price competitiveness in vegetables, meat, and seafood by combining local produce with direct imports. He explained that high demand for produce among Asian shoppers leads to large-volume buying, which lowers prices, increases turnover, and improves freshness.
Discount corners selling near-expiration items or products with damaged packaging—often labeled “manager’s specials”—are also attracting more customers. Many Korean American markets are expanding these selections regardless of expiration dates or packaging appearance.
Jan Yoon, manager at Zion Market Oxford, said the store increased no-margin “manager’s special” items as EBT support was halted during the federal government shutdown. The store expanded deals such as Boryung Food items at 30 percent off and 99-cent products including Harim ramen and Ottogi sesame ramen and Yeul ramen cup noodles.
A trend known as “reverse meal planning” is also growing. Shoppers buy discounted products first, then plan weekly meals around items already at home. This method reduces unnecessary purchases, cuts food waste, and helps consumers maintain weekly budgets. Many shoppers buy essential food items first and stock up on long-lasting sale items with the remaining budget.
Online “overstock malls” are spreading quickly as well. These platforms sell excess inventory at 30–50 percent below standard online prices. Sites such as Martie.com, Misfits Market, and Thrive Market offer organic foods and brand-name items at reduced prices, gaining loyal customers among middle-income households.
Group buying is also becoming more common as single-person households increase. Neighbors or friends pool resources to make bulk purchases, lowering unit prices and reducing waste. The National Consumers League (NCL) estimates that group-buying saves individuals an average of $400 per year.
An industry source said savings-focused shopping is now influencing broader spending patterns. As consumers move away from large national chains toward local markets and online platforms, new forms of shared growth are emerging.
BY EUNYOUNG LEE lee.eunyoung6@koreadaily.com
