Types of Salvage Grocery Stores

Discover the different types of salvage grocery stores and what makes each unique.

Bent & Dent Stores

These stores specialize in products with damaged packaging but perfectly good contents. You'll find dented cans, crushed boxes, and torn labels at significant discounts.

Surplus Grocery Outlets

These stores buy overstock inventory from manufacturers and distributors. Products are typically in perfect condition but were simply over-produced or over-ordered.

Scratch & Dent Grocery

Similar to bent & dent stores but may also include appliances and household items with minor cosmetic damage alongside grocery items.

Discount Grocery Chains

Larger operations that combine salvage items with regular discount merchandise. Examples include stores like United Grocery Outlet and Sharp Shopper.

Amish & Mennonite Salvage Stores

Often found in rural areas, these stores typically offer bulk foods, baking supplies, and preserved goods alongside salvage grocery items.

What to Expect

  • Prices 30-70% below retail
  • Constantly changing inventory
  • Mix of name brands and generic products
  • Items near or past "best by" dates
  • Unique and hard-to-find products