Grocery shopping is not just about filling a cart; it’s an experience that blends necessity with pleasure.
A shopping list may seem like a small thing, but for 39-year-old Lokesh Rajasekar, it is the key to making better spending decisions and avoiding unnecessary waste.
Having lived in Fiji for the past 10 years, Mr Rajasekar has learned that smart shopping is not simply about finding the cheapest products. It is about knowing what to buy, checking product quality and making sure nothing goes to waste.
Shopping for himself and his wife, he usually does his main grocery shopping fortnightly on Wednesdays during pay week. Before leaving home, he checks their supplies and prepares a list of essentials that need restocking.
Milk, rice, lentils, canned food, tea and vegetables are among the regular items that find their way into his shopping trolley.
“I always go shopping with a list. I prefer to know what I need before I get to the supermarket, rather than walking around and picking up things randomly,” he said.
Mr Rajasekar admits his shopping habits have changed over the years. What was once an unplanned trip has become a more organised routine that helps him keep track of household spending.
When choosing products, he looks beyond the price tag. He compares brands based on price and quality, while also checking where products are made and which companies manufacture them.
For him, knowing the origin of a product is an important part of making an informed choice.
Although he tries to keep household expenses under control, tea is one item he is willing to spend a little more on because he prefers a particular quality and taste.
His approach to shopping is also shaped by a simple belief: a bargain is not always a saving if the product goes unused.
“Saving money is not just about buying something at a lower price. It’s about buying the right things and avoiding unnecessary waste.”
Beyond his professional career, Mr Rajasekar enjoys travelling and creating Tamil-language YouTube content, sharing his experiences of Fiji and the Pacific with his audience. Aviation and cricket are also among his personal interests.
Lokesh mentioned that careful shopping comes down to planning ahead, making informed choices and buying only what the household needs.
Smart shopping is about making every purchased item count, because spending wisely means knowing what you need, not just what you can buy.
Lokesh Rajasekar shops for rice at Extra Supermarket in Flagstaff.
Picture: TIMOCI DAWAI
