PENNSYLVANIA — As Thanksgiving approaches and grocery bills continue to strain household budgets, a new national survey has identified the country’s most affordable places to shop for the holiday meal. Among the standout results: Sharp Shopper Grocery Outlet, a regional discount chain with deep roots in Pennsylvania, ranked #13 nationwide.
The survey, commissioned by Advance America and based on responses from 3,004 consumers, evaluated retailers on price value, product freshness, and community reputation. While big-box stores still dominate overall holiday traffic, the findings show Americans increasingly turning to independent grocers, salvage markets, and regional discount outlets to assemble a full Thanksgiving spread at a fraction of the cost.
The top 10 list highlights everything from co-ops and family-run supermarkets to large-scale grocery-liquidation stores in Texas, Arizona, and the South. These retailers succeed by sourcing overstocks, closeouts, and locally grown goods that help families stretch their food dollars without sacrificing variety.
Sharp Shopper’s inclusion on the national ranking reflects its growing recognition as one of Pennsylvania’s most effective tools for budget-conscious holiday planning. Operating locations in Leola, Ephrata, Middletown, and Winchester, Virginia, the chain specializes in closeout and overstock groceries — brand-name products offered at steep discounts due to packaging changes, canceled orders, or nearing “best by” dates. Shoppers familiar with the model know flexibility is key, but the potential savings can beat even popular discount competitors like Aldi and Trader Joe’s.
With thousands of positive customer reviews across its stores, Sharp Shopper has built a loyal following by offering unpredictable but consistently low-cost inventory across pantry staples, frozen goods, beverages, snacks, and household items. Its distribution warehouse in Ephrata keeps a steady rotation of stock flowing to stores, ensuring that bargain hunters always have something new to discover.
Laura McCutcheon, VP of Marketing at Advance America, said the survey results highlight how families nationwide are adapting to higher grocery prices. “Communities across the country are finding creative ways to celebrate without overspending — whether that means shopping local, buying in bulk, or turning to independent grocers who know how to deliver real value,” she said. “The spirit of Thanksgiving isn’t about spending more — it’s about making the most of what you have.”
For Pennsylvania shoppers preparing for the holiday rush, Sharp Shopper’s national recognition reinforces what many locals already know: when it comes to stretching a Thanksgiving budget, few places pack more value into a shopping cart.
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