New Costa Mesa Store Lets You Save Money While You Shop For Groceries

Costa Mesa (CBSLA.com) Like saving money while you shop?

A new store lets you save money while you're literally pushing your cart around the store.

Grocery Outlet just opened their first store in our area -- specifically Costa Mesa.

CBS2's Stacey Butler reported from the store and why shoppers are marveling at the low prices.

Butler said shoppers she spoke to called the store the TJ Maxx of grocery stores.

As one customer was ringing up at the register she said, "Wow. That's pretty good."

There's a new way to shop for groceries in Orange County.

"We are walking around and we are like legitimately surprised. Things that we get at our regular grocery store, way better prices so the cart is filling up quickly," said Devon O'Connell.

Tiffany Powers heard about the new store from a friend.On Friday night, she came to buy mostly organic groceries at a fraction of their regular cost.

"We spend a lot, like for all of us, we probably spend like $200 a week on groceries. It's really expensive so this will help us save some money."

The store is independently owned by Mark Dionio. He says he can cut cots because he buys surplus from food suppliers.

"Through those ties  they have with the suppliers, they're able to get products at such a lower price than anyone else," says Dionio. "and then they are able to pass that on to the consumer."

From organic produce to discounted wine and beer, the Grocery Outlet passes on its deals to the consumer.

Every week the bargains change and so does the stock.

"With three grown boys it gets expensive," said shopper Maria Ramos.

Two major chains have recently closed their doors in Orange County so Butler noted opening this store could be something of a risk. But the owners are counting on the power of a good bargain. And they aren't the only ones. She says another similar outlet discount store is opening in Westminster later this month with another in La Habra set to open at the beginning of the year.

Thirty more stores are expected to be open within the next two years.