Meal Deals: stores offering more sales

Since the economy has tanked stores are doing more to make sure you keep spending.  Not only are there more sales, but those sales are lasting longer. Stores are also being more creative with their sales. Consumer reports did a nationwide study. Here are the trends.Stores are making sure value brands are more visible. Some stores are expanding their bonus card programs. There are more web site specials, more discounts on drugs and more coupons are being offered. Consumer reports recently shopped for 30 items. By just making impulse buys the bill was $288.26 on the 30 items. By being a savvy shopper and buying the same 30 times the bill dropped to $166.22. Finally they were able to drop the bill by 46% by just buying store brands. The total was only $154.62. The bottom line is that the stores are making it easier than ever before to save. You just have to pay attention.