Is Grocery Outlet Cheaper Than Piggly Wiggly?
A Price Comparison of Two Discount Supermarkets
Grocery Outlet and Piggly Wiggly are two well-known supermarket chains that offer budget-friendly shopping options for consumers. Both stores aim to provide affordable groceries, but their pricing strategies and product selections differ.
When comparing Grocery Outlet and Piggly Wiggly, price-conscious shoppers often wonder which store offers better deals. While direct comparisons are limited, available information suggests that Piggly Wiggly may have slightly lower prices on average compared to Grocery Outlet. However, this can vary depending on specific products, locations, and current promotions.
Grocery Outlet specializes in offering discounted brand-name products and overstock items, which can lead to significant savings on certain goods. Piggly Wiggly, on the other hand, focuses on providing competitive prices across a more consistent product range, including their own store brands. The best choice for individual shoppers may depend on their specific grocery needs and preferences.
Overview of Grocery Outlet and Piggly Wiggly
Grocery Outlet and Piggly Wiggly represent two distinct approaches to grocery retail. Both chains have carved out unique niches in the industry through their business models, store layouts, and customer experiences.
History and Expansion
Piggly Wiggly, founded in 1916 by Clarence Saunders in Memphis, Tennessee, revolutionized grocery shopping with its self-service concept. This innovative approach allowed customers to select their own goods, transforming the industry. Piggly Wiggly rapidly expanded through franchising, spreading across the United States.
Grocery Outlet, in contrast, emerged later as a discount grocery chain. The company focuses on offering brand-name products at significantly reduced prices. Grocery Outlet has grown steadily, particularly in the western United States, appealing to budget-conscious shoppers.
Both chains have adapted to changing market conditions over the decades, with Piggly Wiggly maintaining a strong presence in the Midwest and southern states, while Grocery Outlet has expanded its footprint in recent years.
Target Markets and Store Layout
Piggly Wiggly targets local communities, often serving as neighborhood grocery stores in smaller towns and rural areas. Their stores typically feature a traditional layout with clearly organized aisles and departments.
Grocery Outlet caters to bargain hunters and price-sensitive consumers. Their stores have a more fluid layout, showcasing changing inventory and deals. The chain emphasizes its "treasure hunt" shopping experience, where customers can find unexpected discounts on various products.
Both retailers aim to create a familiar, comfortable shopping environment for their respective target markets.
Services and Customer Experience
Piggly Wiggly stores often provide personalized service, with a focus on community engagement. Many locations offer custom meat cutting, local produce, and tailored product selections based on regional preferences.
Grocery Outlet stores prioritize value, with ever-changing inventory and deep discounts as key selling points. The chain's independent operator model allows for some local customization of product offerings.
Both chains emphasize customer service, albeit in different ways. Piggly Wiggly tends to foster long-term relationships with shoppers in smaller communities. Grocery Outlet focuses on providing significant savings and a unique shopping experience for customers seeking deals on brand-name products.
Price Comparison and Affordability
Grocery Outlet and Piggly Wiggly employ distinct pricing strategies that impact overall affordability. Both stores offer ways for shoppers to save money, but their approaches differ in key areas.
Pricing Strategies
Grocery Outlet focuses on selling overstocked and closeout items at deep discounts. This model allows them to offer significantly lower prices on many products compared to traditional supermarkets. Their inventory changes frequently based on available deals.
Piggly Wiggly uses a more conventional pricing approach. They aim for competitive everyday prices while offering weekly sales and promotions. Their prices may be higher than Grocery Outlet on some items but more consistent week-to-week.
Both stores utilize loss leaders - selling popular items at or below cost to attract customers. This tactic can lead to notable savings on staple goods.
Comparing Everyday Product Prices
Price differences between the two stores can vary widely depending on the specific product and current promotions. Here's a general comparison of common grocery items:
Product Grocery Outlet Piggly Wiggly Milk Often cheaper Average price Cheddar Variable Stable price Canned Usually lower Competitive
Grocery Outlet tends to have lower prices on packaged goods and specialty items. Piggly Wiggly may offer better deals on fresh produce and meat, depending on local suppliers and current sales.
Discount Codes and Coupons
Grocery Outlet doesn't accept manufacturer coupons due to their discount model. They occasionally offer store coupons for additional savings.
Piggly Wiggly accepts manufacturer coupons and frequently provides store coupons. They also run weekly sales and special offers.
Both stores have loyalty programs. Piggly Wiggly's program typically offers more consistent rewards and personalized discounts based on shopping habits.
Grocery Outlet's sporadic "20% off your entire purchase" events can lead to significant savings for bulk buyers.
Product Range and Quality
Grocery Outlet and Piggly Wiggly offer distinct product selections tailored to different consumer needs. Both stores provide a range of groceries, but their focus and variety differ in key areas.
Product Selection
Grocery Outlet specializes in discounted brand-name products, often offering a rotating inventory of overstock or closeout items. This approach provides customers with opportunities to find unique deals on popular brands. The selection can be unpredictable, with new items appearing regularly.
Piggly Wiggly, in contrast, maintains a more consistent product range. It focuses on everyday grocery essentials, including both national brands and store-brand alternatives. The store aims to provide a reliable selection of staple items that customers can count on finding during each visit.
Both stores stock dry goods, canned foods, and frozen items. However, Grocery Outlet may have a wider variety of specialty or gourmet products at discounted prices, while Piggly Wiggly tends to prioritize familiar, family-friendly options.
Meat and Deli Offerings
Piggly Wiggly typically features a full-service meat department with butchers on staff. This allows for custom cuts and personalized service. The store often emphasizes fresh, locally sourced meats when possible.
Grocery Outlet's meat selection can be more limited. It may offer pre-packaged cuts and frozen options at competitive prices. The availability and variety of meats can fluctuate based on current deals and inventory.
Deli offerings at Piggly Wiggly usually include sliced meats, cheeses, and prepared foods. Grocery Outlet may have a smaller deli section, focusing more on packaged deli meats and cheeses rather than made-to-order options.
Local and Organic Produce
Piggly Wiggly stores often make efforts to source produce from local farmers when in season. This can result in fresher fruits and vegetables with a lower carbon footprint. The organic selection may vary by location but is typically present to some degree.
Grocery Outlet's produce section can be more variable. While they offer fresh fruits and vegetables, the selection of organic options might be limited or inconsistent. However, when available, organic produce at Grocery Outlet is often priced lower than at traditional supermarkets.
Both stores strive to provide fresh produce, but the consistency and variety may differ. Piggly Wiggly tends to maintain a steadier produce selection, while Grocery Outlet's offerings can change based on current deals and availability.
Brand and Variety Comparison
Grocery Outlet and Piggly Wiggly offer distinct product ranges and pricing strategies. Their approaches to store brands, bulk options, and specialty foods shape the shopping experience for customers.
Store Brands and Exclusives
Grocery Outlet carries a mix of national brands and their own private label products. Their store brand, "Best Yet," provides budget-friendly alternatives across various categories. Piggly Wiggly also offers private label items under names like "Food Club" and "Piggly Wiggly Brand."
Grocery Outlet's unique business model allows them to stock overstock and closeout items from national brands at discounted prices. This creates a treasure hunt atmosphere for shoppers.
Piggly Wiggly maintains a more consistent inventory, focusing on regional preferences and local products. Their selection often includes items from nearby suppliers, appealing to customers who prioritize supporting local businesses.
Bulk Purchase Options
Grocery Outlet provides limited bulk purchase options, focusing more on individual packaged items. Their inventory changes frequently, making consistent bulk buying challenging.
Piggly Wiggly typically offers a modest selection of bulk items, particularly in staples like rice, beans, and nuts. Some larger Piggly Wiggly stores may have expanded bulk sections.
Neither store competes directly with warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam's Club in terms of bulk offerings. For extensive bulk options, shoppers often turn to these specialized retailers.
Specialty Food and International Variety
Grocery Outlet's rotating inventory occasionally includes specialty and international foods at discounted prices. This variability can be exciting for adventurous shoppers but may not provide consistent access to specific items.
Piggly Wiggly's international and specialty food selection varies by location. Stores in diverse areas tend to stock a wider range of ethnic foods to cater to local demographics.
Both chains generally offer fewer specialty options compared to stores like Trader Joe's or larger supermarket chains. Grocery Outlet may surprise customers with periodic gourmet finds, while Piggly Wiggly focuses on reliable staples with some regional specialties.
Customer Loyalty and Savings Programs
Grocery stores employ various loyalty programs and savings initiatives to attract and retain customers. These programs often include rewards points, exclusive discounts, and special offers tailored to individual shopping habits.
Loyalty Program Benefits
Grocery Outlet does not currently offer a traditional loyalty program. Instead, they focus on providing consistently low prices across their stores. Customers can find significant savings on brand-name products without needing to track points or membership status.
Piggly Wiggly, on the other hand, operates a loyalty card system in many of its locations. This program typically offers:
Personalized discounts based on shopping history
Digital coupons loaded directly to the card
Special promotions for cardholders
These benefits aim to enhance the shopping experience and encourage repeat visits. Piggly Wiggly's approach aligns with other major chains that use data-driven loyalty programs to boost customer retention.
Comparing Rewards and Perks
While Grocery Outlet lacks a formal rewards system, they compensate with:
Daily low prices on a wide range of products
Rotating inventory of deeply discounted items
Seasonal sales events
Piggly Wiggly's loyalty program offers:
Points accumulation for future discounts
Member-only pricing on select items
Fuel savings at participating locations (where applicable)
The effectiveness of these strategies varies. Grocery Outlet appeals to bargain hunters who prefer immediate savings without program constraints. Piggly Wiggly's system rewards frequent shoppers with long-term benefits and personalized offers.
Both stores accept manufacturer coupons, adding another layer of potential savings. Piggly Wiggly often features weekly ads with special deals, similar to competitors like Albertsons and Safeway. This approach provides regular opportunities for customers to save on specific items.
Store Presence and Accessibility
Grocery Outlet and Piggly Wiggly have distinct approaches to store locations and community engagement. Their differing strategies impact customer access and local involvement.
Nationwide Footprint
Grocery Outlet operates over 400 stores across the western United States and Pennsylvania. The chain focuses on urban and suburban areas, often choosing locations in strip malls or standalone buildings.
Piggly Wiggly maintains around 500 stores, primarily in the Southern and Midwestern United States. Its presence is strongest in smaller towns and rural communities.
Walmart, in contrast, boasts a massive network of over 4,700 stores nationwide, providing greater accessibility in most regions.
Community Involvement and Impact
Grocery Outlet emphasizes local ownership through its independent operator model. Store owners often live in the communities they serve, fostering personal connections with customers.
Piggly Wiggly stores are known for their community-oriented approach. Many locations sponsor local events, sports teams, and charitable initiatives.
In Louisiana, Piggly Wiggly stores play a significant role in smaller towns, offering familiar faces and products tailored to regional tastes.
Both chains prioritize hiring local employees, contributing to job creation in their respective markets. This localized approach sets them apart from larger national chains like Walmart and Kroger.
Digital and Online Services
Grocery Outlet and Piggly Wiggly offer distinct digital experiences to customers. Their online platforms and mobile apps provide varying levels of convenience and savings opportunities.
Online Shopping Platforms
Grocery Outlet currently does not offer an online shopping platform for customers. Their website primarily provides store information and weekly ads. Piggly Wiggly, on the other hand, has a more developed online presence. Some Piggly Wiggly stores offer online ordering and pickup services through their website.
The availability of these services varies by location. Customers can browse products, create shopping lists, and place orders for in-store pickup at participating Piggly Wiggly locations. This offers a level of convenience not found at Grocery Outlet.
Mobile Apps and Digital Coupons
Piggly Wiggly has a mobile app called "Pig Deals" that provides digital coupons and savings opportunities. Users can browse weekly ads, clip digital coupons, and access exclusive deals through the app. This digital tool enhances the shopping experience and helps customers save money.
Grocery Outlet does not currently offer a dedicated mobile app. Their approach to savings relies more on in-store discounts and bargain hunting. The lack of digital coupons may be a drawback for tech-savvy shoppers who prefer mobile savings options.
Both retailers fall behind larger competitors like Walmart and Target in terms of comprehensive digital services. Neither offers the extensive online shopping and delivery options provided by Amazon or major supermarket chains.
Market Comparisons
Grocery Outlet and Piggly Wiggly employ distinct pricing strategies when competing against major retailers and regional chains. Their approaches impact product selection, store formats, and target demographics.
Grocery Outlet vs. Major Retailers
Grocery Outlet positions itself as a discount alternative to large chains like Walmart and Target. The company's business model focuses on selling overstock and closeout items at reduced prices.
Grocery Outlet often offers savings of 40-70% compared to conventional supermarkets. Their inventory changes frequently based on available deals.
Major retailers like Walmart maintain "Everyday Low Prices" across a consistent product selection. Grocery Outlet's prices on specific items may be lower, but selection varies.
• Grocery Outlet: Rotating inventory, deep discounts • Walmart: Stable selection, consistent low pricing • Target: Mix of everyday items and trend-focused products
Piggly Wiggly vs. Regional Competitors
Piggly Wiggly competes with regional chains like Publix, Food Lion, and Meijer. As a franchise-based operation, individual store pricing can vary.
Piggly Wiggly stores often focus on serving smaller communities and rural areas. Their prices typically fall between discount chains like Aldi and full-service grocers like Publix.
Many Piggly Wiggly locations emphasize local products and personalized service to differentiate from larger competitors.
Price comparisons:
Aldi: Generally lower prices than Piggly Wiggly
Food Lion: Similar pricing to Piggly Wiggly in many markets
Publix: Often higher-priced, with frequent sales promotions
Expert and Consumer Insights
Consumer reports and customer feedback provide valuable perspectives on the pricing and overall value offered by Grocery Outlet and Piggly Wiggly. These insights help shoppers make informed decisions about where to purchase their groceries.
Consumer Reports and Rankings
Grocery Outlet scores well in consumer rankings for its discount prices on name-brand products. The store's "treasure hunt" shopping experience appeals to bargain hunters. Piggly Wiggly, while not as widely recognized for low prices, ranks higher in customer service metrics.
Consumer Reports notes Grocery Outlet's inconsistent inventory but praises its significant savings on select items. Piggly Wiggly receives positive marks for its community focus and personalized shopping experience.
Rankings often place Grocery Outlet ahead in terms of overall value, especially for shoppers willing to be flexible with their grocery lists.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Customers frequently praise Grocery Outlet for its deep discounts and unexpected finds. Many report substantial savings on their grocery bills. Shoppers appreciate the store's printed receipts that clearly show savings compared to regular retail prices.
Piggly Wiggly earns high marks for its friendly staff and clean stores. Customers value the chain's community involvement and local product offerings. Some reviewers note higher prices at Piggly Wiggly compared to discount chains.
Both stores receive positive feedback for providing shopping baskets and carts. Grocery Outlet customers sometimes report limited selection in certain categories. Piggly Wiggly shoppers often commend the store's consistent inventory and product quality.
