October 2016 Lowest Pumpkin Prices in Chicago suburbs

Every year I typically wait until two weeks prior to Halloween to pick out a good size pumpkin to carve.  I hold off purchasing pumpkins too early as I do not want to freely feed my offering up to the local squirrels. I also avoid early purchasing so I can patiently wait it out and test the volatile “pumpkin market” in pursuit of the lowest price possible. The September and October typical dollar range for Chicago area pumpkin prices ranges anywhere from three to ten dollars per pumpkin. The three to four dollar range is considered sales prices offered up at big box stores; and the higher end pricing is what one will encounter at the local pumpkin patches and farms in the area.  As we are at the mid-point of October 2016, I did some research to reveal those exceptionally low prices I found in the western suburbs of Chicago. Most big box stores during periods when there are no sales will list around the five dollar mark.

Aldi Carving Pumpkins ($2.49) this was the price listed in the flyer this week (October 12). I am not sure how long this sale price will last. I noticed the large box of pumpkins in the store last week, though the stock was severely depleted. This store will offer the best prices, but the sizes are medium at best for carving and the supply is not as plentiful as the other stores (Meijer, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, etc).

Meijer Pumpkins (Currently $3.99) this week, Meijer is pricing their carving pumpkins for just under $4.00 a piece! That is a good price considering they have pumpkin sizes ranging from medium to very large. The good news is this retailer carries plenty of pumpkins in stock in their numerous cardboard containers at the entrance to the store. Just be wary that this lower price may entice a heavy run on pumpkins this weekend.

Wal-Mart ($3.88) the price is a tad lower than Meijer. I am almost convinced Wal-Mart observes the competitors closely and knocks the price down a few cents just to claim they are the lowest.  Aldi still holds the” lowest price in the land” claim, though Wal-Mart wins out due to greater supply and offers larger sized pumpkins for carving still at this $3.88 price.