Price Matching Groceries in Canada

Price matching can feel scary the first time you do it. The process itself is actually quite simple, and most cashiers are well trained to help guide you through. Today we are going to walk you through that process.

Limitations

First, it’s important to know that not all grocery stores price match. Those that do will often limit the stores they are willing to price match to grocery competitors within that geographic range (city, town). Many stores will not price match competitors they do not classify as ‘grocers’, these would typically include your Rexall’s, Shoppers Drug Marts, IDAs, and in some cases Giant Tiger, etc. It’s important the prices you use are from flyers in your region (based on postal code). For example, if another province has an even better price for a product, that’s great for them but not great for you. Most locations will specify the stores in their area that they are willing to price match to and may even check what area you are price matching to.

Next, price matching is specific to flyer sales and not online prices. This means that while you may find a great price for shampoo on Walmart’s website, a grocer like No Frills won’t price match that unless it’s in the weekly flyer. Price matching is also generally limited to a specific number of products. This limitation will vary by store, its most typically set to limits of 4, 6 or 8. Meaning, if Pop Tarts are on sale in your weekly flyer at Sobeys (for example) and you’re shopping at Real Canadian Superstore who have a price match limit of 4, you can only grab four of these products. Some stores may allow 4 of each flavour, this would be identied as a price match limit of 4 per sku, as opposed to a price match limit stated as 4 per item. Last, you typically cannot price match BOGO (Buy One Get One) offers. Most stores will limit price matching to a slyer sale price, and not promotional offers.

It’s best to check with your local store to confirm what stores they are willing to price match, and any other limitations they may impose.

Canadian Grocers that Price Match

A current listing of Canadian grocers known to price match, listed in alphabetical order, are as follows;

• FreshCo

• Giant Tiger

• Maxi

• No Frills

• Real Canadian Superstore

• Save on Foods

Note, this list is specific to grocery stores. Other Canadian retailers are known to price match (Canadian Tire, for example).

How to Price Match, a Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you know your store will price match and you understand the limitations, you are ready to get started! The following steps outline what to do.

1. Using a current and active paper or digital flyer, identify the sale item you would like to price match in advance. Have this ready to show the cashier at the time they are scanning the product.

   Reminder, the flyer sale must be active for that day; some stores will have weekend or 3-day sales, you want to make sure the item is on sale at the time you are shopping

2. Make sure the product you grab is the exact same as what is advertised (size, brand, variety)

3. The cashier will review the flyer, comparing it to the product you’ve grabbed. If done correctly they will manually change the price, and you are good to go!

Remember to be patient if you are price matching a variety of items. Always be kind when working with cashiers and if you have any issues you can also ask the store manager for clarification, or even a store’s head office.

Now that you know how to price match you can get started on your grocery saving journey! Don’t forget to add flyer sale items to your weekly “Your Trip” on the Savin app so that we can help you keep track of the items you want to purchase and where you intend to price match these to!

Happy Shopping!