19 Unwritten Rules All Fred Meyer Regulars in Washington Follow

There’s a difference between people who shop at Fred Meyer and Washingtonians who are Fred Meyer regulars.

The regulars move through the store with purpose and efficiency that comes from understanding the rhythm and culture of their local Freddy’s.

They know the staff, understand the systems, and follow unspoken rules that make shopping smoother for everyone.

Always Check the Weekly Ad Before Going

True Fred Meyer regulars plan their trips around the weekly ad, not their immediate needs.

The ad comes out on Wednesday, and smart shoppers spend time studying it before setting foot in the store.

The best deals often require digital coupons that need to be loaded ahead of time. Regulars know to clip these on the app before shopping to avoid missing out on savings.

The ad also shows which departments are having major sales, helping regulars plan efficient shopping routes that hit all the best deals in one trip.

Know Their Store Layout by Heart

Fred Meyer stores are huge, and regulars never wander aimlessly through aisles looking for basic items.

They know exactly where everything is located and take the most efficient path through the store.

Seasonal items move locations throughout the year, but experienced shoppers track these changes and know where to find holiday decorations or summer gear when they need them.

New customers look lost, but regulars move through Fred Meyer like they work there, grabbing items quickly and efficiently.

Respect the Pharmacy Line System

The Fred Meyer pharmacy has its own culture, and regulars know to check in at the counter and then shop while waiting for prescriptions to be filled.

Experienced customers never just stand around waiting for medications when they could be productive elsewhere in the store.

Regulars also know which pharmacists are most helpful for questions and which times of day have the shortest wait times for consultations.

Master the Self-Checkout Strategy

Fred Meyer self-checkout stations have quirks that regulars have figured out through trial and error.

They know which machines work best and which ones to avoid.

Regulars bring their own bags and know exactly how to place them so the weight sensors don’t trigger security alerts that require employee assistance.

They also know which items need employee approval and plan those for the end of their scanning to avoid holding up the process.

Time Their Shopping to Avoid Crowds

Fred Meyer regulars never shop during peak hours unless absolutely necessary.

Smart shoppers hit the store early morning or late evening when aisles are clear and checkout lines are short.

They stock up before payday weekends or wait until the crowds die down.

Holiday shopping requires special timing strategies that regulars have perfected over years of avoiding the seasonal chaos.

Know Which Departments Have the Best Selection

Fred Meyer is known for having everything, but regulars know which departments are worth shopping and which ones are just convenient backup options.

The clothing section varies wildly by location, and experienced shoppers know whether their local store has good fashion selection or if they should shop elsewhere for clothes.

Regulars know when to buy in their electronics departments and when to go to dedicated electronics stores.

The home goods section is hit-or-miss so local knowledge makes a huge difference.

Understand the Fuel Rewards Program

Freddy’s fuel rewards program is a goldmine. Shoppers earn one Fuel Point for every $1 spent on groceries and general merchandise.

Many gift card purchases earn fuel points, so smart shoppers buy gift cards for places they already shop to boost their rewards balance quickly.

Double point promotions happen regularly, and experienced customers time major purchases to coincide with these bonus periods for maximum benefit.

The rewards expire if not used, so regulars track their points and plan gas station visits to use rewards before they disappear.

Bring Their Own Bags and Know How to Pack

Fred Meyer encourages reusable bags, and regulars come prepared with sturdy bags that they know how to pack efficiently for their shopping style.

Regulars pack their own bags at checkout to speed up the process and ensure fragile items are protected the way they want.

They also know which cashiers prefer to bag items themselves and which ones appreciate customer help during busy periods.

Never Block the Coffee Stand

The in-store Starbucks can create a traffic jam, and Fred Meyer regulars know to keep the area clear for coffee customers even when the line extends into the main walkway.

The coffee stand has its own culture separate from the main store.

Grocery shoppers respect that space even when it creates temporary obstacles.

Shop the Perimeter for Fresh Deals

Like many grocery stores, Fred Meyer’s best fresh food deals are around the perimeter, but regulars know exactly which sections to check for manager specials and markdowns.

The meat department marks down items approaching their sell-by dates, and experienced shoppers know when these markdowns typically happen.

Produce sales change weekly, and regulars check the fresh fruit and vegetable deals before planning meals for the week.

The bakery section has day-old discounts that smart shoppers grab for freezing or immediate use, getting fresh baked goods at half price.

Know Their Cashier Preferences

Fred Meyer regulars often have favorite cashiers who know their shopping patterns and preferences.

These relationships speed up checkout and create a more personal shopping experience.

Some cashiers are faster than others, and experienced customers choose lines based on efficiency rather than just length when they’re in a hurry.

Regulars know which employees work which shifts and can time their trips to checkout with their preferred cashiers when possible.

Navigate the Seasonal Section Like a Pro

The seasonal department changes completely throughout the year, and regulars know when new items arrive and when clearance sales begin.

The seasonal section also includes outdoor furniture and camping gear that goes on clearance at predictable times that experienced customers anticipate.

Regulars know which seasonal items are worth full price and which ones to wait for on clearance sales.

Use the Pharmacy for More Than Prescriptions

The Fred Meyer pharmacy offers services beyond filling prescriptions, and regulars take advantage of immunizations, health screenings, and consultation services.

Flu shots and travel vaccines are often cheaper and more convenient at Fred Meyer than at doctor’s offices.

The pharmacists provide free consultations about over-the-counter medications and can help customers choose the most effective options for their needs.

Regulars build relationships with pharmacy staff who remember their medication histories and can provide personalized advice and service.

Know the Return Policy Inside and Out

Fred Meyer has a generous return policy. But regulars understand the fine print and know exactly what can be returned and within what timeframes.

Electronics have different return windows than clothing, and experienced customers keep receipts organized for easy returns when needed.

Some items require original packaging for returns, while others can be returned in any condition.

Regulars know these distinctions and shop accordingly.

Respect the Deli Counter System

Fred Meyer’s deli counter has its own numbering system and etiquette that regulars follow religiously.

Experienced customers know approximately how long different orders take and plan accordingly, especially during lunch rushes when lines get long.

The busiest deli times are predictable, and smart shoppers avoid these periods unless they’re willing to wait patiently for service.

Use Store Brand Products Strategically

Fred Meyer’s store brands offer significant savings, but regulars know which private label items are worth buying and which name brands are worth the extra cost.

Simple Foods and Kroger brand products work well for basic items like pasta, canned goods, and cleaning supplies, where quality differences are minimal.

Regulars know which categories have the best store brand options and which products are worth splurging on for name-brand quality.

Park in Strategic Locations

The Fred Meyer parking lot can be a nightmare during busy periods, but regulars know which areas offer the best combination of convenience and cart return access.

Experienced shoppers avoid parking near cart returns where dings from loose carts are common, but they don’t park so far away that returning carts becomes a major expedition.

Regulars know which entrances are closest to different departments and park accordingly based on their shopping plans.

Time Their Gas Station Visits

Fred Meyer gas stations offer fuel rewards, but regulars know when to fill up for maximum savings and minimum wait times.

Fuel rewards expire monthly, so experienced customers track their points and plan gas purchases to use rewards before losing them.

The gas station often has separate promotions and deals that stack with grocery rewards, and smart customers time their visits to maximize these benefits.

Build Relationships with Department Staff

Fred Meyer employees in different departments become familiar with regular customers and provide better service to people they recognize and like.

The butcher shop staff will cut special orders and provide cooking advice to customers who shop there regularly and treat employees with respect.