Comments on: The American Consumer Is Developing A Cheap Streak

By: AZSALUKI

AZSALUKI — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:13:43 +0000

we started buying more generic than we already bought, about a year ago (mac n cheese, varieties of rice, etc). i agree on the ketchup though…..i’ll grab the heinz every time. growing up though, it was ALWAYS generic. we struggled so when i was older and could get the actual hostess, cheerios, kraft etc., i have to admit that i did think the name brands were superior. these days though, we buy much more quantity than quality. i have my wife alloctaing so much $ per trip to boxed/canned goods for storage. i think it scared her a bit (not sure if it was the thought of a depression or the fact that her husbands one of those “nuts”) but she comes home from every grocery run with extra canned goods these days.

By: John M.

John M. — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:45:22 +0000

Del - Didn't at first realize it was "real" in the imaginary sense. Anyway, you're gonna have a slight glitch in our market: Sorry Charlie!

By: Del in PHX

Del in PHX — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:13:06 +0000

I’m home with the kids and my wife is developing the new marketing campaign for Schooner Tuna.

seems it will be a hit.

By: inqydesu

inqydesu — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:18:42 +0000

Generic were popular in the 1970s? For me and my family generics have always been popular. The only canned goods I can think that we buy name brands regardless of costs are ketchup and canned corn. as for the twice a year I buy ketchup and the 20 cans of canned corn – I will fork out the extra $5.

As for really being frugal – skipped the prepared foods and use lots of whole grains, dried beans and vegetables.

By: arizonaslim

arizonaslim — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:14:02 +0000

Note what is being advertised: name brands. We, the wily consumers, will go them one better and buy generic.

Remember generic products? They were quite popular when I was growing up in the sixties and seventies.

And, yes, Igor, we are trying to beat your magic word, inflation.