FORMER Morrisons staff member Roxanne Brearley, 37, reveals the tricks for saving money at the supermarket during the festive season

If you can hold your nerve, there are some great bargains to be had in the run up to Christmas, says Roxanne, who worked part time at Morrisons during the pandemic until this autumn.

Time your Christmas Eve shopping trip

Roxanne says, “On Christmas Eve, the store tends to go really quiet at around 2pm.

"This means it’s the best time to pick up some amazing bargains as they start discounting to clear the shelves before Christmas Day when the store is closed.

“If you’re aiming to buy a turkey you have to take a risk of not getting one, but even so you’ll be able to pick up an amazing banquet at half price or more, plus stocking fillers too.

"Check the special seasonal aisle for cut price goods.”

Bag Boxing Day bargains early

“Conversely, the best time to nab a good deal on Boxing Day is to go early, when all the leftover Christmas produce will be even more heavily discounted and the shelves will be fully stocked with any deals,” says Roxanne. 

“This year, Christmas and Boxing Day falls on a weekend, which isn’t ideal for supermarkets but may be even better for shoppers looking for discounts.

"Just remember to check opening times of your local store for Sunday opening!”

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Make friends with staff

The pandemic has made us all a bit grumpier, says Roxanne. “But if you’re nice to staff at your local Morrisons store it can pay dividends.

"They have fresh fish and meat counters and want to shift fresh food before it reaches its sell by date. There are sometimes offcuts hidden away, too.

“It’s useful to know when and where the yellow labels will be put on.

"Last year, it got so frantic pre-Christmas that security guards had to protect staff putting discounted food on meat, fish, chilled and deli counters at 5-5.30pm.

"I’ve seen 5kg of wonky veg for £4 and have bought monkfish for pennies at this time but it can get scary!”

Get to know the store Community Champion

Roxanne says, “Every store has a community champion who looks after fundraising for that store.

"If you are really struggling this Christmas it may be worth talking to them to see if they are supporting the community with food parcels and the like. 

“Or, if you’ve picked up a great bargain in the store, you can always add it to the food bank donation box as a way of making sure you give something back this Christmas.”

In other Mrs Crunch news, fill your stockings with ten gifts under a tenner.

How to feed a family of four for just £20 a week.

And where to find the best woolly for your budget ahead of Christmas Jumper Day.

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