With inflation continuing to affect the cost of everyday essentials across the Philippines, grocery shopping has become more than just a household chore; it’s a full-fledged budgeting challenge. And as prices of basic goods fluctuate in the market, smart shoppers know that where you shop matters.
For many Filipino households, Landers Superstore has become a go-to destination not just for quality and variety, but also for exclusive deals and member perks, which translate to big savings that help keep budgets in check. Whether you're shopping for pantry staples, premium imported goods, or household items, Landers gives you more value for your peso, provided that you shop smart.
Here are five practical ways to stay under budget during your weekly Landers run so you can beat inflation, not your wallet.
Maximize Cashbacks and Other Rewards
A savvy shopper knows their way around deals and promos that make a trip to the grocery something to look forward to. Using your Landers credit card guarantees cashback rewards with every tap, so you can earn points every time you shop. This means that the more you shop, the more points you earn. You can use your accumulated points to get a discount on your next shopping trip, which translates to a lower grocery bill.
With the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card, you can get up to 5% cashback at Landers, 2% on dining spends, and 1% on all other qualified transactions.* Hence, you can enjoy savings whenever you use your credit card, whether at Landers or elsewhere.
This card is perfect if you’re a Landers member and a frequent shopper at the superstore. When you shop at Landers, you’ll start with a base cashback rate of 3% if your total credit card spending is below PHP 20,000. This rate increases to 4% when you spend a minimum of PHP 20,000, wherever you use your card, and then it increases further to 5% when you accumulate a total qualified credit card spending of at least PHP 50,000 during the month. Each point you earn is equivalent to PHP 1, which you can use as a discount on your next Landers purchase.
Bring a List
With the wide aisles and extensive selection at Landers stores, it’s easy to get sidetracked. A well-prepared list ensures you stay focused and avoid impulse buys, especially when faced with limited-edition or member-exclusive items.
Check your fridge, freezer, pantry, and cupboards, and take stock of what needs to be used up and which items need to be replenished. Doing so will give you a clear idea of what you really need to pick up at the grocery store or supermarket before making a list for your shopping trip. Additionally, you can take a photo of your inventory as a reminder of what you still have at home so you don’t get carried away at the store.
Next, prepare your “to buy” list to make sure you have everything covered. Most importantly, remember to pull out your list while you’re out there, and remember to use it. It might sound like common-sense advice, but, yes, you actually have to use the list! This is a reminder to those who have a tendency to get distracted at the store to stick to your shopping list so that you can avoid unnecessary purchases that can jeopardize your budget and compromise your household’s needs.
Set a Budget
Budgeting for a grocery run might be daunting, but it’s a classic hack to keep you from leaving the store with an empty wallet. Before your grocery run, check prices online or refer to your last grocery receipt to see how much certain items are likely to cost. This gives you a good basis for estimating how much you might end up spending on a particular grocery trip. From here, you should set a spending limit based on the shopping list you prepared and the estimate you came up with. If you’re using a Maya credit card, take advantage of features like the ability to set customizable limits to help you stick to your budget.
As with making a shopping list, the main point of creating a budget is to follow it so you can dodge overspending and bring home the food and supplies that are essential to your family’s comfort and survival.
Compare Brands and Prices
If you’ve been shopping for groceries for any length of time, you probably have a favorite brand or a preferred item that you buy repeatedly. While it’s a common habit, this behavior might be holding you back from making smarter shopping decisions.
Landers offers both local staples and exclusive items from international brands. Consider trying out different brands with lower price points to see if they perform just as well as your favorites. Don’t hesitate to try Landers’ own private-label goods or explore imported finds that might offer better value than familiar Filipino brands. Ditching brand loyalty for more practical buys can result in significant savings in the long run.
Similarly, try exploring different Landers branches if you have access to more than one. Each store may carry unique selections and seasonal finds, or even location-specific deals you won't want to miss. Many Landers members enjoy visiting multiple branches to discover the best offers, whether it's a flash sale on imported goods or an exclusive Buy 1 Take 1 on household items. With a little exploration, you might uncover high-quality products at unbeatable prices.
Don’t Shop Hungry
A successful shopping trip requires planning and preparation, and that includes getting yourself ready for it. Apart from having your carefully prepared list and a well-thought-out budget with you, make sure that you head to the grocery store on a full stomach. Going to the store hungry can lead to unnecessary purchases. A full stomach helps keep impulse snack grabs in check. If you’re arriving hungry, fuel up at Landers Central or any of the food concessionaires inside your Landers store before you hit the aisles.
Staying under budget is the goal of any grocery shopper, especially in the face of price increases. But with a bit of research and intention, you can set yourself up for shopping success, getting value for your hard-earned money with more to spare for other family or personal needs.
*Transactions that don’t qualify include: cash in, cash advance, quasi cash purchases, casinos and gambling, fuel, supermarket, pharmaceuticals, utilities, telco, and government.
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