CLEVELAND, Ohio — At a time when grocery prices are draining wallets and summer sunshine invites picnics and family celebrations, major Cleveland retailers Walmart and Meijer are challenging inflation by offering discounts that promise to ease the burden on household budgets. Ahead of Father’s Day and Independence Day, these stores launched large-scale promotions: Meijer is reducing prices on over 70 summer products by up to 60%, and Walmart offers ready-made picnic packs for less than $6 per person. In a city where every penny counts, these initiatives are not just marketing ploys but vital lifelines for families striving to enjoy summer without breaking the bank. But are these discounts enough to counter the looming economic challenges?
Discounts as a Response to Inflation
Summer in Cleveland is a time for barbecues, cold lemonades, and children’s playful games in the parks. But for many families, rising food costs — which, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, have reached 2.2% in the Northeast Ohio area in the past year alone — overshadow these simple pleasures. To help, Meijer has launched a ten-week sale running through July 19, 2025, lowering prices on its private brands: from hamburger buns at $1.39 to frozen desserts at $1.99. Walmart offers a picnic set including hot dogs, chips, soda, and buns, catering to eight people for $48 — an offer available through the Walmart app for quick ordering.
This week’s price tracker, launched by News 5 Cleveland, shows Meijer leading with the lowest total for a basket of six basic items — $15.57 — while Walmart is close behind at $16.99. These items — 2% milk, wheat bread, chicken, ground beef, eggs, and oatmeal — form the core diet of many local families. In comparison, popular neighborhood grocers Giant Eagle and Heinen’s have higher prices, making Meijer and Walmart more attractive for budget-conscious shoppers.
“We understand that families are looking for savings, especially in summer when kids are home and picnics become a tradition,” says Don Sanderson, Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer at Meijer. “These discounts are our way of making summer more affordable.” Walmart, meanwhile, sees these promotions as a chance to foster customer loyalty. “We want to be the store where people eat at home, not in restaurants,” said Walmart CEO Doug McMillon at a recent analyst meeting.
Community on the Hunt for Savings
For Cleveland residents, where the average household income is around $33,000 — significantly below the national average — such discounts are critically important. Single mother from West Park, Leila Thompson, shares that she compares prices weekly between Meijer and Walmart to feed her three children. “I buy chicken when it’s cheaper than $2 a pound, and stock up on chips when there’s a ‘buy one, get one free’ deal,” she says. “Without these discounts, I wouldn’t manage.” Her story reflects the sentiments of many: on X (formerly Twitter), users like @CleShopperMom23 share finds such as Meijer frozen desserts at $1.99, urging others to “strike while the deal lasts.”
News 5 Cleveland’s weekly price tracker, which compares prices across six stores — Meijer, Walmart, Aldi, Giant Eagle, Heinen’s, and Dave’s Market — has become a local guide. “It’s like a treasure map,” jokes retiree from Lakewood, Michael Reeves, who checks prices on eggs and milk weekly. “Meijer won this week, but I keep Walmart in reserve.” The program also encourages shoppers to share their savings via an online form, promising to publish the best deals.
Local experts, such as Cleveland State University economist Irina Lurie, note that such promotions reflect a broader trend. “Retailers are feeling pressure from consumers who are becoming more selective due to inflation,” she explains. “Walmart and Meijer aren’t just lowering prices; they’re competing for loyalty during a time when more people are eating at home rather than in restaurants.” Data confirms this: in the first quarter of 2025, restaurant sales in Cleveland fell by 3%, while grocery store sales increased by 5%.
Challenges Beyond Discounts
Despite the appeal of discounts, not everyone is enthusiastic. Some residents, like Shaker Square activist Janice Cole, point out that many deals are limited to store brands, which sometimes don’t match the quality of national brands. “Meijer offers cheap chips, but I want Lay’s, and they’re not on sale,” she complains. Others, like X user @OhioBargainHunter, note that trips between stores to maximize savings can offset the benefits due to fuel costs.
Moreover, discounts do not solve systemic issues. According to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, 17% of residents in Cuyahoga County face food insecurity, and even with discounts, many families cannot afford adequate nutrition. “Promotions help, but they don’t replace higher wages or affordable health insurance,” says Cole. Amidst national debates about rising tariffs and potential increases in the price of imported foods like coffee or bananas, saving on picnics may be a temporary relief.
Looking to the Future
As Cleveland prepares for summer celebrations, Walmart and Meijer remain in the spotlight. Meijer, which recently opened new supercenters in Austin, Medina, and Richmond Heights, plans to expand its presence in Ohio using technologies like Shop & Scan to attract shoppers. Walmart, with its army of Walmart+ members, is gearing up for another week of discounts at the end of June, promising additional perks like free express delivery.
For families like the Tompsons, these offers are a chance to preserve summer traditions: “My kids love grilled hot dogs,” she says. “If Walmart or Meijer can make it cheaper, I’m grateful.” But beyond picnics, the Cleveland community seeks more — stability, affordability, and a future where food on the table doesn’t depend on promotions.
This summer, as the smell of barbecue fills the air, Cleveland reminds America: discounts are good, but real victory is when every family can afford the joy without compromises.
