Go solo to save while grocery shopping

SHOPPING alone can be a handy way to save money at the supermarket and other stores.

Researchers and money specialists say solo shopping removes the potential distraction of friends and family – especially children – taking your mind off the job. Overseas studies have found that up to two-thirds of the goods we buy were never intended to be purchased, while local consumer group Choice says couples who shop together often put more in their trolley because each person has different views about what’s important.

Consumer psychologist and Deakin University senior lecturer Paul Harrison said shopping with other people was a social experience, and friends might seek to impress.

“There is strong research showing that having children with you is probably not the best way to do it – they distract you from making good decisions,” he said. “However, shopping with a person who’s thrifty could be a helpful thing.”

If shopping solo, consider wearing headphones.

“Shop with soothing, calming music,” Dr Harrison said. “It will help you make better decisions than if you shop with death metal music.”

Queensland Consumers Association spokesman Ian Jarratt said it was often cheaper to shop alone, and consumers should “stick to your list and use unit pricing to assess value”.

Unit prices are mandatory for grocery items in Australia and show how much goods cost per unit of measurement.