
Thinking about others…
Grocery shopping used to be personal. Now, in Visalia, it’s often reduced to an app and a hope that someone shows up who actually cares. But when your produce is bruised, your substitutions are bizarre, and your eggs are packed under a watermelon, you start to realize—service still matters.
That’s where Jonathan Shops comes in. We’re a local grocery shopping service based in Visalia, California, built on the idea that people deserve better. Every list tells a story. A birthday party. A new lifestyle. A tight budget. And if the big brands and delivery apps won’t protect that experience, we will.
We’re not just dropping bags at the door. We’re paying attention. We’re thinking ahead. We’re showing up like it matters, because it does. If stores keep cutting hours and treating service like an afterthought, customers are going to follow the people who actually care.
Visalia deserves grocery service with a human touch. And that’s exactly what we deliver.
Quick Guide for Managing a Large Grocery Order
Volunteer Bagger
Shopper Thoughts - July 6
Tiers for Fears
If you’ve ever wondered why shopping for Instacart feels more like pulling a slot machine lever than running a business, this one’s for you. In this post, I break down how the app uses behavioral tricks to keep us chasing orders, why the tier system messes with our heads, and what fear-based shopping is doing to your confidence and your service. It’s not just frustration, it’s psychology. And once you see it, you can’t unsee it.

The Save Mart Grocery List (April 1st - April 8th, 2025)
Like many families today, we’re feeling the pinch of rising grocery costs. This week, I decided to test something new: using AI to help plan my grocery shopping. The challenge? Create an entire weekly meal plan, including breakfast, lunches, dinners, snacks, and drinks for my family of four, all within a $250 budget—and only using sale items from Save Mart’s weekly ad.
The AI quickly analyzed the weekly flyer, identified the best deals, and built a balanced grocery list packed with proteins, fresh fruits, veggies, and even treats. I ended up with a variety of tasty meals—from Grilled Salmon with Bok Choy to Chicken Avocado Tacos, all at an average cost of just $3.46 per meal!
Who knew budgeting could be this easy (and tasty)? AI isn’t just futuristic tech; it’s a practical tool helping my family save money and eat healthier every day.

A Year in Review: Lessons from the Grocery Industry
Reviving the Boxems: A Sustainable Throwback to Grocery Shopping History
Getting Your Real Estate License as a Shopper

Shoppers and Real Estate

Save Mart #089 Weekly Ad for Oct 2nd - 8th: Best Deals
Discover the best weekly deals at Save Mart #089 in Visalia, California! From discounted produce like Honeycrisp apples and strawberries to unbeatable prices on New York steaks and jumbo shrimp, this week’s ad highlights great savings. Learn how to maximize your discounts with digital coupons through the Save Mart mobile app, offering exclusive deals like $1.99 eggs and $5.99 fried chicken. Whether you’re stocking up on pantry essentials or grabbing fresh seasonal produce, we’ve got you covered. Check out all the top savings and make the most of your shopping trip!

Save Mart #089 Weekly Ad for Sept 25 to Oct 1: Best Deals
Looking to feed your family of four on a budget without sacrificing nutrition? Check out this weekly grocery list and meal plan based on a local supermarket’s best deals. With easy, affordable recipes featuring healthy proteins, fresh vegetables, and kid-friendly snacks, you’ll stretch your budget while keeping everyone happy and satisfied. From chicken stir-fries to budget-friendly tacos, these simple, delicious meals are perfect for busy families. Get the most value out of your grocery trip with this cost-conscious, nutritious plan!

PLU Codes: The Tiny Stickers That Actually Mean Something
Ever wondered what those little stickers on your fruits and veggies are all about? They’re not just there to annoy you—they actually hold valuable info! Known as PLU codes (Price Look-Up codes), these tiny numbers tell cashiers (and now you!) what kind of produce you’re buying. Whether it’s conventionally grown, organic, or even genetically modified, the first digit is key.

How to Save on Groceries: Inspired by a Save Mart Customer

My Letter to Grocers: A Recipe for Disaster
Dear Grocer, your brand's reputation is at stake when independent shoppers lack the knowledge and training needed to represent your store. Every interaction—every chat, replacement, or refund—reflects on you. This letter discusses why investing in shopper education and focusing on quality service is essential for long-term success.

Thinking Outside the Car: A Look at Mobile Notary
If you’re a personal shopper looking to diversify your income, becoming a mobile notary can open doors to new opportunities.

What It Costs to Become a Notary in California
Becoming a mobile notary in California involves several steps, each with its associated costs. First, there’s a $40 application fee paid to the Secretary of State. You’ll also need to complete a 6-hour notary education course, which ranges from $50 to $100. Once the course is done, the notary exam fee is an additional $40.
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The Hidden Dangers of Careless Grocery Shopping & Delivery
Discover how careless grocery delivery can put your health at risk, from foodborne illnesses to cross-contamination. Learn how Jonathan Shops in Visalia, CA guarantees a safer, one-order-at-a-time service, protecting your groceries with a focus on dietary needs and food safety.

Bagged and Tagged: The Fine Art of Outshopping the Competition
Discover how premium personal shopping elevates the grocery experience with tailored service, expert bagging, and customer-focused care. Learn why Jonathan Shops is redefining grocery shopping one thoughtful order at a time. Dive into insights on the Dunning-Kruger effect and how mastering the small details can lead to greater customer satisfaction and tips.

What’s Really Expiring: Your Food or Your Dollars?
You’ve just tossed out that perfectly good tub of sour cream because of a tiny printed date on the side. Sound familiar? Expiration dates have trained us to discard food prematurely, but the real question is—are we throwing away food that’s still good, or just our hard-earned dollars? In this post, we dive into the murky world of expiration dates, debunking the myths around Best-By, Use-By, and Sell-By labels, and how this marketing tactic contributes to billions of dollars in food waste each year. Before you toss that yogurt or loaf of bread, let’s take a closer look at what’s really expiring.