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iVillage.com: What to Buy and Skip at Warehouse Stores

Buy This: Candy

Here’s another holiday tip. Buy a three-pound box of chocolates and divide them up into individual gifts. Big box stores often stock upscale brands of chocolate, including Toblerone and Leonidas. Get your home holiday ready by filling a dozen bowls with discount candies and scattering them around the house. Or use the candy as stocking stuffers.

(Credit: J.B. Reed/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The Full Story from iVillage.com

iVillage

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

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A Few Rules for Starters

A Few Rules for ...

Sometimes the best last-minute holiday essentials can be found in big box stores. Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale Club offer big savings on everything from alcohol to sweet treats. But it takes a careful shopper to spot the real deals.

Here are a few things to keep in mind before you shop. When you make an impulse purchase at Costco or Sam’s, it tends to be a big one so make sure you’re buying something you really want or need. Second, always check per-unit pricing. Just because something is in an enormous container does not make it cheaper. Finally, don’t join a warehouse store until you’ve tried shopping there. Some will let you sign up for a free trial membership before requiring you to commit.

(Credit: Tim Boyle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The Full Story from iVillage.com

iVillage

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Buy This: Party Food

Buy This: Party ...

Most food items sold in large quantities are not only a great deal but will keep you stocked for large family or work gatherings, says Andrea Woroch, a consumer savings expert at kinoliinc.com. From frozen appetizers and finger foods to desserts and gift baskets, you’ll save 30 percent over local supermarket deals. But don’t buy more than you plan to use.

(Credit: David A. Land/FoodPix/Getty Images)

The Full Story from iVillage.com

iVillage

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Skip That: CDs and DVDs

Skip That: CDs a...

These items are not a good value at big box stores, says Jeff Yeager, author of "The Cheapskate Next Door." The selection is extremely limited, including only the biggest-selling hits. Plus, you can generally get much better deals online.

(Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

The Full Story from iVillage.com

iVillage

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

If you’re looking for a fine wine to impress the host of a holiday party, head to Costco, says Yeager. They have a terrific selection of upscale wines at downscale prices. “Sometimes they bundle them in cellophane so you have to buy two, but who doesn’t want two bottles?” Beer is also a bargain. Prices of beer and wine are about 30 percent less at warehouse stores than at liquor stores and grocers, says Woroch. And here’s a tip for non-members to keep in mind: If the big box near you does sell alcohol, there is a chance that state law requires it be sold to members and nonmembers alike, says Yeager. So you don’t need to be a member of the club to buy your booze there.

(Credit: Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images)

The Full Story from iVillage.com

iVillage

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Skip That: Gift Wrap

Skip That: Gift ...

Santa might do well to stop at a warehouse store for his wrapping paper. But unless you also are buying gifts for the entire planet, you won’t be able to use the vast quantities of paper you have to buy. Sure, you might use it in the future, but that means you also need storage space. Not worth it.

(Credit: Steve Allen/Photodisc/Getty Images)

The Full Story from iVillage.com

iVillage

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Buy This: Cookies

Buy This: Cookie...

Here’s a great tip to save money on Christmas cookies. Buy a massive package and then divide them into six or so pretty little containers and you’ll have six gifts for the low price of one megabox. You can also often find a half-dozen separate cookie tins packaged together. Oversized packages of cookies are also terrific for holiday parties.

(Credit: Barwick/Photodisc/Getty Images)

The Full Story from iVillage.com

iVillage

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Skip That: Massive Containers of Cheese Puffs

Skip That: Massi...

A giant jar of colorful snacks may look alluring on the shelves, but make sure you taste something before you buy it in bulk. Yeager’s wife once bought a massive jar of cheese puffs, but found them repulsive once she got them home. Five years later, that jar still sits on their shelves, as a reminder to use common sense. The same goes for buying party snacks; don’t serve your guests something you haven’t personally found scrumptious!

(Credit: Stuart MacGregor/Stockfood Creative/Getty Images)

The Full Story from iVillage.com

iVillage

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Buy This: Electronics

Buy This: Electr...

Electronics are a great value buy at warehouse stores, says Woroch. At first glance, a flat screen/HD TV may not look like it costs less than at other electronic stores, but warehouses offer extended warranties already built into the final price. What’s more, electronics are usually bundled with extras. For example, a camera may come with a case and extra memory cards, for the same price as the camera alone at a specialty store or electronic retailer. Those who shop online for electronics at warehouse sites might also find instant rebates for additional savings, so it pays to investigate those deals.

Caveat: Yeager warns that warehouses don’t always offer the best value, another reason to shop around. Also, the selection is limited, so unless you’re happy with the one or two brands offered by the warehouse store, shop elsewhere.

(Credit: Ryan McVay/Digital Vision/Getty Images)

The Full Story from iVillage.com

iVillage

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Skip That: Books

Skip That: Books...

Warehouse stores only stock bestsellers. To make money, they have to sell items in large volumes. So unless you’re searching for the latest John Grisham or Danielle Steele, shop online for the best deals.

(Credit: Brendan Smialowski/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The Full Story from iVillage.com

iVillage

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Buy This: Decorations

Buy This: Decora...

Holiday wreathes, candles, cardboard reindeer cut-outs, lights, nativity scenes, and other decorations are often less expensive at warehouse stores than other stores, says Jackie Warrick, Chief Savings Officer and President at CouponCabin.com. Many also have handcrafted holiday cards, lawn ornaments, donut-makers, and even glitter.

(Credit: Chris Keane/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The Full Story from iVillage.com

iVillage

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Skip That: Dishes and Cookware

Skip That: Dishe...

Unless you want a kitchen devoid of any personality or variety, don’t bother with dishes and cookware at warehouse stores. You’ll only find one or two variations on each kitchen item, says Yeager. And the price isn’t really less that what you’d find elsewhere. You’re better off going to a store that offers a huge selection and finding something that suits your taste and budget.

(Credit: Bartomeu/Age Fotostock/Getty Images)

The Full Story from iVillage.com

iVillage

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Buy This: Meat, Cheese, and Produce

Buy This: Meat, ...

These items can probably be found for less at your local discount grocer, says Yeager, but the big box stores offer much higher-grade products. "There's almost restaurant-grade meat and produce and cheese," he says. “It’s the highest quality I can find in my area. I could find that porterhouse steak for less at a grocery store but quality would not be as high.” Yes, you have to buy a bigger block of cheddar or stilton (2 or 3 pounds), but you can get that much for what you would pay for a single pound at a grocery store. So, if you are stocking up on cheese or sausages for your holiday party, the big box stores are the place to go. Many big box stores also stock plenty of organic items.

(Credit: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The Full Story from iVillage.com

iVillage

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Skip That: Clothing

Skip That: Cloth...

If you’re discriminating about the brands you wear, or looking for variety, shop elsewhere. The selection at warehouse stores is pretty limited. For some people, that may be a plus. “I hate to shop for clothing, so lack of selection is a big selling point for a guy like me,” says Yeager. “I want to just get a pair of khakis and get out.” He also recommends buying jeans at Costco. “They’re a third of the price...and last forever.”

(Credit: Tom Strickland/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The Full Story from iVillage.com

iVillage

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Buy This: Christmas Trees

Buy This: Christ...

Warehouse stores really stock up with holiday merchandise, including Christmas trees. Though the price of a tree is generally a great bargain when compared with local Christmas tree shops, negotiating opportunities will be thin on the ground at the big box stores, says Woroch. Compare prices in your area and ask your local tree vendor if he or she has wiggle room in the price before heading to Costco or Sam’s Club. Otherwise, check out the faux tree deals at the warehouse stores. They’ll get you through several seasons, saving you more each year.

(Credit: Juliette Wade/Garden Picture Library/Getty Images)

The Full Story from iVillage.com

iVillage

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Skip That: Anything Canned

Skip That: Anyth...

Cans sold at warehouse stores are just too big for individual families. Only an institution will use five pounds of three-bean salad before it goes bad. The same goes for bottled items; no one ever needs to buy a five-pound jar of mayonnaise (not if you want to live to see the New Year). Also, supermarkets will usually beat out warehouse store prices on canned vegetables, says Regina Novickis, consumer savings expert for SurfMyAds.com. You can often combine a coupon with a sale, saving even more. Since canned vegetables have an extended shelf life, you can stock up during a sale.

(Credit: George Doyle/Stockbyte/Getty Images)

The Full Story from iVillage.com

iVillage

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Buy This: Over-the-Counter and Prescription Drugs

Buy This: Over-t...

Most warehouse stores have pharmacies and good prices on drugs. Because the FDA regulates drugs, the stores cannot require you to be a member to buy drugs there, says Yeager. In general, their medicine, including prescription drugs, can cost as much as 50 percent less than local pharmacies.

(Credit: Andrew Harper/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The Full Story from iVillage.com

iVillage

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Skip That: Vitamins

Skip That: Vitam...

You may assume that because you take your vitamins every day, it’s a terrific idea to buy them in bulk, right? Wrong, says Warrick. Vitamins expire so it’s not something you should stock up on in big quantities.

(Credit: Carolyn A. McKeone/Photo Researchers/Getty Images)

The Full Story from iVillage.com

iVillage

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Buy This: Candy

Buy This: Candy

Here’s another holiday tip. Buy a three-pound box of chocolates and divide them up into individual gifts. Big box stores often stock upscale brands of chocolate, including Toblerone and Leonidas. Get your home holiday ready by filling a dozen bowls with discount candies and scattering them around the house. Or use the candy as stocking stuffers.

(Credit: J.B. Reed/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The Full Story from iVillage.com

iVillage

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Skip That: Baked Goods

Skip That: Baked...

Warehouse stores force you to buy baked goods in such large quantities that chances are they’ll go bad before you can use them. For example, you generally have to buy at least two dozen bagels. If you can’t eat those in a day or two, they’ll be using up a lot of freezer space. But if you’re hosting a dozen or more people for brunch, it may be a good idea.

(Credit: Scott Indermaur/Workbook Stock/Getty Images)

The Full Story from iVillage.com

iVillage

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Buy This: Heavy-Duty Paper Plates and Cups

Buy This: Heavy-...

Good quality plates and cups are pricey unless you catch a sale. You may be able to find coupons and sales for the local grocery store, but for big parties, you rarely have enough coupons to go with the number of packages you’ll need.

(Credit: Joseph Clark/Digitial Vision/Getty Images)

The Full Story from iVillage.com

iVillage

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Dollar Store Dea... A bottle of chili powder for a buck is a great buy. But a roll of paper towels? Not so much. Click here to see how to spot the real bargains.

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