Many of us grew up believing that supermarkets are pricey, reserved for those with deeper pockets, while local markets are the go-to for affordable shopping. But what if that’s not always true? What if sticking to this idea is quietly costing you more? Let’s challenge that assumption with a fresh perspective—and a little story to drive it home.
A Tale of Four Friends and a Trotro
Picture this: four friends are standing in a Trotro queue, waiting to head somewhere. The Trotro charges 5 cedis per person, so for the group, that’s 20 cedis total. They could easily order an Uber, Bolt, or Yango for about 20 cedis too—but they don’t. Why? Because they’ve already decided that ride-hailing services are “too expensive,” something for the rich or middle class. In their minds, the Trotro is the cheaper option, no question about it.
But here’s the catch: the cost is the same. And when you factor in the comfort, speed, or reliability of a ride-hailing service, it might even be a better deal. By assuming ride-hailing is pricier without checking, they’re missing out on a choice that could suit them better—all because of a belief they never questioned.
From Trotro to Tomatoes
Now, let’s bring this back to shopping. Just like those friends in the Trotro queue, many of us assume supermarkets are always more expensive than local markets. We picture high-end shelves and fancy packaging, and we convince ourselves that the market down the road must be cheaper. But is it?
Take a simple example: at a local market, you might pay 10 cedis for three tomatoes. At a nearby supermarket, you could find a pack of four for 12 cedis—or even less during a promotion. That’s not just a lower price per tomato; it’s also the convenience of not haggling or sorting through piles of produce. Yet, how often do we skip the supermarket because we’ve already labeled it as “too costly”?
Why the Assumption Holds Us Back
Supermarkets often get a bad rap for being expensive because we associate them with a certain lifestyle. But here’s the reality: they can buy in bulk, negotiate with suppliers, and pass those savings on to you. Local markets have their charm—freshness, community vibes, and supporting small vendors—but they don’t always win on price. Sometimes, what we think is “for the rich” turns out to be the smarter way to save.
The friends in the Trotro story didn’t lose money, but they missed out on value. Shoppers who avoid supermarkets might not notice the extra cedis slipping away, but over time, those small differences add up. It’s not about abandoning local markets—it’s about not letting assumptions lock you into one choice.
A Simple Challenge for Shoppers
Next time you’re planning to shop, don’t just head to the usual spot. Take a minute to check prices at a supermarket too. Compare what you’d pay for, say, a bag of rice or a bunch of vegetables. Look at the quality, the quantity, and the time you’ll save. You might be surprised to find that the “expensive” option isn’t so expensive after all.
The lesson from the four friends applies here: don’t assume something costs more just because it feels fancy or unfamiliar. Sometimes, the ones saving money are the ones willing to look beyond what they’ve always thought.
So, give it a try. Peek into that supermarket aisle. You might just walk out with a better deal—and a new way of thinking about where value really hides.
