There are big differences in the grocery stores where you can buy food. We consider the most important differences to be related to prices, accessibility and variety.
Low price chain stores
Here you will find most of the things you need for everyday use. The advantage of these shops is their low prices. However, you may not find all types of fruit and vegetable products. The opening hours differ, but in general they open at 0900 hours (some open at 0700) and close at 2000 hours (some close at 2200). Nearly all shops are closed on Sundays.
RIMI - These shops have red, white and blue advertising signs. There is one located just across the street from campus in Mørkved.
COOP PRIX- These shops have yellow or signs. They usually have a good selection and cheap prices.
COOP MEGA - The stores with the dark green sign of COOP MEGA are a bit higher on the evolutionary ladder than RIMI, REMA and COOP PRIX. They have a wider variety of groceries and fresh meats, fish or even cheese counters. The variety also means that the average price level is a bit higher. The nearest shop is also located right across the street from campus, next to RIMI.
BUNNPRIS - These shops have yellow and black signs. There is one located on Riksvei 80 at Grønnåsen in between Mørkved and Bodø city centre.
EKSOTISK IMPORT – A specialty grocery store where you can find quality food and spices from around the world. It is located near the police station in the city centre. Address: Storgata 94, 8006 Bodø Telephone: 73 52 21 93
Smart Food Shopping
Write a short list of what you need, based on what you already have before you go to the store. Thus, you avoid buying on impulse and not have to make extra trips to the store. You will soon find out that you can save money by planning ahead and going shopping a few times a week instead of shopping before every meal.
Use this guide to help find shops that best suit your needs. Do not worry about asking other people in the shop (customers or employees) if you have problems finding what you are looking for. Most are happy to help you!
Do not buy huge amounts of “fresh products” like fish, milk, fruits and vegetables because they perish easily. These products should usually be used within 3-4 days. Be aware of the expiry date printed on many of the products: “best før 11.03.06” means that it should be consumed before the 11th of March 2006. (The expiry date printed on tinned/canned food and foods in jars refers to unopened products only.)
You can buy larger quantities of “dehydrated foods” like dried beans, peas, rice, pasta, canned food, instant soups, etc. at the same time.
“FIRST PRICE” are low price products found in many stores, and are among the cheapest products in the regular supermarkets. | 
