If you’ve ever watched those extreme couponers on TV and wished you could cut your grocery bill without compromising on quality, you’re not alone.
For many Australians, especially those who remember when a loaf of bread cost less than a dollar, the rising cost of living is a hot topic.
But what if we told you there’s a simple, tried-and-tested supermarket hack that could save you up to $1,000 a year—no scissors, spreadsheets, or loyalty points required?
Meet Enrica Centorame, a Melbourne mum, company director, and self-proclaimed ‘Queen of Markdowns’. Enrica’s journey into the world of supermarket savings began out of necessity during a financially tight period in her life.
With five adults under one roof, her weekly grocery bill was, in her words, ‘amazingly high’. But necessity, as they say, is the mother of invention—and Enrica soon discovered a pattern that would change her shopping habits (and her bank balance) for good.
Enrica’s secret isn’t a closely guarded industry trick—it’s all about shopping at the right time. She noticed that supermarkets, particularly Coles, heavily discount items that are approaching their use-by or best-before dates, especially in the final hour before closing. ‘The first time I thought it was just a fluke,’ she recalls, ‘but then I realised it was a weekly, daily thing.’
Her go-to times? Around 7pm on Fridays or 5pm on Saturdays. That’s when she finds the best markdowns—sometimes up to 70% off—on everything from fresh produce to bakery items and meat. ‘I’ve been at the checkout where they say, ‘We can’t sell you this, it’s past the use-by date.’ They heavily discount it on the day,’ she explains.
Enrica’s weekly grocery spend hovers between $280 and $320, but by targeting markdowns, she estimates she saves between $80 and $130 a month. That’s a cool $1,000 or more a year—money that could go towards a weekend getaway, a special dinner out, or simply easing the pressure on the household budget.
Some of her best finds? A large bag of spinach, usually $5, marked down to $1.50. Four bagels, typically $6, slashed to $2. Potatoes from $4.80 to $2.20 a bag. ‘The products are good for a couple of days,’ she says, making them perfect for meal planning or freezing.
Both Coles and Woolworths regularly mark down items to reduce food waste and keep shelves fresh. While there’s no universal markdown time (it depends on stock, deliveries, and staff rosters), the final hour before closing is often your best bet.
A Coles spokesperson confirmed, ‘When a product is near its Best Before date, we often mark it down so it can be enjoyed for a cheaper price, instead of being wasted.’
It’s a win-win: you save money, and less food ends up in landfill. Just remember to check the Use By and Best Before dates, and plan to use or freeze your bargains promptly.
If you think you’re the only one scouring the shelves for those yellow ‘Quick Sale’ stickers, think again.
New research from ING found that 86% of Australian grocery shoppers have bought marked-down food close to its expiry date to save money. On average, shoppers saved $315 each, adding up to a staggering $5.3 billion in savings nationwide.
Matt Bowen, ING’s head of consumer and market insights, says Australians are getting ‘increasingly savvy’ with their shopping. With nearly half of us admitting we’ve had to leave items behind at the checkout due to budget constraints, there’s never been a better time to embrace smart shopping strategies.
Enrica’s not just a markdown maven—she’s also a fan of the humble shopping list and buying in-season produce. ‘I make a list every time I shop and stick to it,’ she says. ‘And I always look for fruit and vegetables that are in season—they’re cheaper and taste better.’
Smart shopping strategies like markdown hunting are becoming increasingly common as Australians look for ways to manage household budgets.
Have you tried the late-night supermarket sweep? Do you have a favourite time or day for scoring bargains? Or maybe you’ve got your own secret to saving on groceries? Share your tips, tricks, and best-ever markdown finds in the comments below.
Also read: This $3 Coles find is sparking a wave of nostalgia among shoppers
