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Get ready for some thrilling news! After weeks of hard work, I'm absolutely thrilled to unveil a brand-new regular feature at Stumptown Savings! Introducing the Savers Compass — a comprehensive comparison of prices for 20 staple items from stores all over our metro area. This price comparison is brought to life by my amazing Savers Club members. As a completely independent, one-person operation, I have to be real with you: I'm not sure how long I can keep this going. This article alone took over 25- hours, and 60-miles of dedicated effort to create.
It takes more than 40 hours a week to curate the best grocery deals, profile local producers, and build the resources that help you shop smarter. If you find value in Stumptown Savings, through Sept. 30 you can lock in your first full year of membership for just $50. On Oct. 1, that price increases permanently to $80 to help make this sustainable.
Don't miss the chance to get a full year of exclusive savings tools and content while supporting independent local journalism.
Have you ever stood in a grocery aisle, looked at a “sale” price, and wondered, “Is this actually a good deal?”
Years ago, as a broke journalist new to Portland, I had that feeling constantly. To get my budget under control, I started a personal spreadsheet tracking the price of my staples at local grocery stores. The results were eye-opening: I was often paying a 20% premium for the exact same product I could get down the street. That price book became my secret weapon for saving money.
With 86% of Americans now feeling stressed about food costs, and grocery prices on the rise, I’m bringing that project back — revamped and supercharged as the Stumptown Saver's Compass, an exclusive tool for Savers Club members.
The same eggs. The same store brand. The same corporate owner. The same city. But QFC charges a 27% premium. (Bryan M. Vance/Stumptown Savings)
In late August, I visited 16 local grocery stores to document the on-the-shelf price for 20 common items. What I found will change the way you shop.
The Sister-Store Shock: A 26% Price Gap Under 1 Corporate Roof
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