June 26, 2008
Kroger used to be considered an overpriced has-been by a lot of industry analysts in the grocery world. But they've proven more resilient than anyone thought.
The nation's second-largest grocer now is experimenting regionally with a couple of new tweaks at their Ralphs-branded locations.
First, they're limiting the use and redemption of coupons. They've instead taken the items that people commonly comparison shop and lowered the prices to compete with Wal-Mart and other cheaper players.
Second, Ralphs is doing a rewards card program that's in the mold of frequent flyer miles. If you sign up and agree to have your purchases tracked, you can earn vouchers to shop for free groceries.
If these regional tests prove successful, they may be rolled out nationwide.
The grocery industry is in the most intense time of experimentation that Clark can remember.
During our last recession, there was not the fierce competition that we have today with the warehouse clubs, Wal-Mart, Fresh & Easy and more. That means your ability to stretch your food dollar is the best it's ever been!
June 25, 2008
Clark has long been a big advocate of reducing his electric bill by using compact fluorescent lights in his home. It used to be that Clark installed CFLs in overhead fixtures and his wife put traditional bulbs in all the lamps. But now they're doing almost all CFLs through the house.
They've also done a lot of retrofitting with attic insulation, duct work improvements and weather-stripping around windows and doors. Their energy bill has fallen by about 40%, though complete payback is still several years away.
CFLs are a no-brainer in terms of savings. They cost about $1.10/bulb at the warehouse clubs -- which is still 4 times as much as a traditional bulb. Yet you may save up to $60 over the life of a CFL.
One of the biggest impediments to widespread CFL adoption has been the environmental angle. They're seen as a hazard by some because CFLs contain small amounts of mercury.
Now Home Depot has launched a FREE nationwide CFL recycling program. With safe disposal becoming a reality, Clark can feel good about recommending CFLs!
He is, however, a bit surprised that Wal-Mart or Sam's Club didn't beat Home Depot to the punch. But Home Depot has so many stores that most Americans live within 10 minutes of one, which makes recycling easy.
As Clark has said before, CFLs are just a transitional technology before LEDs (light-emitting diodes) become commonplace in the average American home. LEDs are already showing up in the homes of the ultra rich.
June 24, 2008
One effect of the economic slowdown is that health clubs are faced with cancellations and fewer people joining up. They're desperate for members, so be on the lookout for special offers -- and try to negotiate them even further down from there.
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June 20, 2008
Clark is one of those people who hates going to the supermarket. He's especially bored by the idea of making a grocery list every week. That's where a new device available from Ikan.net can help.
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June 5, 2008
For the last 10 years, electronics manufacturers have had great success with getting marketers to convince you to go up-market with your purchase. But today, electronics manufacturers realize that consumers are pinched and they're now fighting just to get a sale -- forget about the up-sale.
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