E-commerce
Why Some Supermarkets Put Near-Expire Products on Sale Instead of Tossing Them
Why Some Supermarkets Put Near-Expire Products on Sale Instead of Tossing Them
Have you ever noticed a product that seemed perfectly good, only to find it labeled with a significant discount in the supermarket? This common practice has sparked curiosity and debates among shoppers. Why do some supermarkets choose to put near-expire products on sale rather than simply discarding them?
Two Thoughts from Shoppers
Shoppers often wonder if this is done for ethical or strategic reasons. Some argue that the product was good when it was last stocked, while others have seen supermarkets heavily discount meat products by a third or more, purely because the food needs to be sold today or thrown away.
Evidence and Purposely Mismanaged Dates
Small grocery stores, in particular, do not have the time and staff to catch every single item that might pass its expiration date. Instead, most stores do their best to pull items within 10 days of their expiration and move them to a "Markdown/Clearance" section. Many products can still be consumed well after their "Sell By, Use By, or Best By" dates, especially if stored properly.
Salvage Stores and Wise Consumers
Certainly, not all areas have salvage stores, but these establishments are known for selling out-of-date grocery items at affordable prices. These stores cooperate with supermarkets by purchasing products that don't meet the regular supermarket standards. Consumers who know how to differentiate between good and bad food can often save significantly on their grocery bills without risking food safety.
Supermarket Policies and Customer Rights
Supermarkets generally adhere to a policy of not selling products past the "sell by" date. Instead, they ship these products to discount stores. Consumers who purchase items close to or past their expiration dates often have the right to return them for a refund, especially if they find one item is bad, implying others might be as well. Supermarkets are required to check expiration dates and remove items from the shelves when they are nearing or past that date.
Strategic Resale
Supermarkets use these sales strategically. By discarding products that are too close to the expiration date, they can push the sale of marginally expired items with reduced prices, ensuring they are moved off the shelves quickly and without incurring waste. However, if a product is found to be bad, the supermarket is expected to handle returns and ensure customer satisfaction.
Understanding the practices of supermarkets can help consumers make informed decisions when shopping for food. By knowing the industry standards and consumer protections, shoppers can navigate the aisles with greater confidence and save money without compromising on food safety.