Editor’s Note: Several years ago, I did a post about shopping at BB’s outlet in Quarryville. I was pretty critical of grocery outlets back then, but still stand by my words. But, my overall opinion has softened for several reasons. One is that the coupon deals and easy freebies are very few and far between these days. I can’t believe that post is from less than four years ago, and how much couponing has changed since then. I blame “that tv show” in part for this, in addition to the tough economy and more people looking for deals, and companies cutting back too. Second, instead of just one 1-year-old child, which is what I had at the time of writing that; I know have a 3-year-old and a 5-year-old, and boy, have I been schooled! It was very easy to coupon shop with one very passive baby. Not as easy with two very active and at times very demanding little boys. I can barely form complete sentences while shopping with them, let alone have the brain power to make up deals in my head like I used to. Anyway, I hope you find both posts informative.~Lisa, 5/21/12

I cannot remember the last time I went to the Pepperidge Farm Outlet Store. But today my son had an appointment up that way, so I thought I’d stop in. His school had requested that I send in goldfish as a snack item. (editor’s note: this post originally ran on 1/9/12)

First, for locals, if you’re looking for it, technically it’s in Malvern. Not Exton, not Frazer, not Paoli–despite what the internet tells you! My GPS could not find the address, I was determined that it was there, so just “winged it” and yes I found it. And I asked the clerk what their address was and she told me everyone says that when they come in, that their GPS couldn’t find it. Which brings me to my next tip–you have to do an internet search for it. I could not find it anywhere on the Pepperidge Farm website. Apparently they’re not really a part of the company, but independent liquidators?

Prices–Prices were decent. Goldfish are $0.75-$1.25 a bag and up. There are plenty of flavors at that price. Big cartons are $4.99 (usually $6.99-$7.99 at a grocery store). I can and have done much better at the grocery store with sales and coupons (as little as free or $0.25 a bag) but this is more consistent (don’t have to wait for a sale) and you don’t have to hope that coupons will come out.

Assortment–Again, decent, but not everything. Lots of cookies, lots of goldfish, many of the baked items like bread.

Discount Days– -They have discount days-Cool! I don’t qualify for any of them, but maybe you do:

• Monday-Military
• Tuesday/Wednesday-Senior Citizens
• Thursday-teachers! You get an extra 10% off.

Expired food?–I asked, and the woman said that the goldfish were guaranteed up to 4 months past their expiration date. Good to know.

Godiva–lots of Godiva stuff there. Interesting, I didn’t know that Pepperidge Farm owns Godiva, but I guess they do. I will keep that in mind next time I am up that way. 

There is just one line or brand of groceries at this outletl, most other outlets carry many brands. I would definitely return and buy again. I would even consider other grocery outlets now, whereas four years ago I wouldn’t set foot in one. I still have some personal guidelines–such as I won’t drive a great distance out of my way to find one, nor will I purchase expired perishable food items, or dirty/stained containers. 

Now, today I visited the new Ollie’s Bargain Outlet in Kennett Square. If there is one place that may change my mind about outlet food, it may be this store. First, I was hesitant to visit because I’ve been to the Ollie’s near my parents’ house and it’s a dirty dump. But ours is clean and nice and organized!  And had great buys on everything, including groceries. No, they don’t take coupons. I found Snyder’s flavored pretzels for $1.49, and I was just excited about getting them at Acme for $2. Kellogg’s and other name brand cereal is $2 a box. Coffee is $4 a pound. That’s right, per pound people! Not per 10 or 12 oz bag. I haven’t tasted it yet, hopefully it’s to our liking. Hopefully it will be comparable to $10.49 for a 10 oz bag Starbucks. I’m crossing my fingers.

I think having the Ollie’s right next to Big Lots is going to be good–they’ll both have to compete against each other. Both carry closeouts and discontinued items. Both do not take coupons. I did get some wipes at Big Lots for $1.00 a pack for 80 wipes, so right around that penny per wipe price point that I like. They’re ok, not great. I think I will end up using more for “bigger messes” but will continue to buy them at that price. Both Ollies and Big Lots have decent gardening and outdoors items, Ollie’s had a better price selection of books.

Overall, very favorable prices, without waiting for sales or clipping coupons. Time and convenience is starting to really factor into my couponing, I must say. With that in mind, I will definitely be returning to Ollie’s.

Let us know if you find a great grocery outlet, we’d love to hear!