So…for the past year or more, I’ve been a little envious that the Meijer stores on the east side of the state double coupons up to (and including) $.50. And then I decided to find out where the nearest coupon-doubling Meijer is located.

To my delight, it’s in Grand Ledge, MI – only 33.4 miles away!

Since we had a showing yesterday between 1:30 and 2:30pm, and since the coupon deals were GREAT at Meijer this week, we decided to try this new Meijer out.

The drive took me about 40 minutes. Not too bad! Definitely longer than my usual trip, but maybe I’ll go every now and then, when the deals are irresistible. (Yes, I do understand that I’m spending more $ on gas.)

It was a little bit of a learning curve for me. When I talked to a customer service person, they said there was no limit on how many coupons you can double (even though I’ve heard that most Meijer stores only double up to two identical coupons per transaction). And on my first transaction, I got four identical coupons to double before my fifth did not. So it was a little bit of trial-and-error for me. I ended up with $1.50 or $2 extra out of pocket, because I didn’t stick with the 2-identical-coupons-per-transaction rule at first (and I didn’t want to go through the hassle of trying to void and start over). Call it a stupid tax. I also forgot one $.50 coupon, so I think I’ll return that item next time I’m at Meijer.

Anywho…It was a good experience!

The Meijer was pretty new and clean, and the staff was very friendly! The two people I worked with at the checkout lane – Cindy and Josh – were wonderful. In fact, Cindy took Josh’s post for a few minutes so he could walk us out to the car. (Four kids AND groceries don’t fit in one cart – so he pushed another cart with the boys in it.) It totally reminded me of my childhood when the folks at Giant Way would actually bag the groceries, load them up on a big cart thing, and put them in your car for you. Talk about customer service!

Anyway, this Meijer gets five stars from me for customer service!

So, here’s the loot…

Spent: $32.16
Saved: $107

26 FREE items:
1 Dole Salad
8 bags of Chex Mix (with doubled Q’s – one or two might not have doubled)
3 tubs of Land O’ Lakes butter (with doubled Q’s)
8 bags of Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers (with doubled Q’s – one or two might not have doubled)
6 boxes Bagel Bites

Other great deals:
Cole’s garlic bread for $1 each, after doubled $.50/1 Q (and I can get this reusable bag)
Del Monte Fruit Chillers for $.49 each
Kashi crackers for $.49 each
Goldfish for $.25 each, after $.75/1 Q
Old Orchard juice for as low as $.17 each, after doubled $.50/1 Q and $.50/1 Meijer Mealbox Q

WOO-HOO!