Linglestown, Pa. - Across the country, discount grocery outlets are having their biggest year ever, so abc27 News decided to look at the pros and the cons of a grocery outlet.

At first glance, the Amelia's Grocery Outlet in Linglestown looks like a regular grocery store. But then you notice the difference: a smaller selection but bigger savings than a grocery store.

"We kind of call ourselves the T.J. Maxx of the food business," said Jeff Good, the chief operating officer.

With its eleven area locations, Amelia's specializes in selling what are known as closeouts.

"We get items that are closed out for a variety of reasons," said Good. "Some in regard to packaging, some because of promotion and some because of distribution."

For instance, if Kellogg's couldn't use the Olympic logo after a certain date, the company can still sell those boxes to a place like Amelia's at about half the price.

We did some other spot checking. Del Monte canned corn in a regular grocery store was 99 cents. It was 67 cents at the grocery outlet.

Bounty paper towels were $1.75 in a regular store. Amelia's did not have Bounty, but a no-name brand was 99 cents.

Heinz ketchup was $2.29 at a regular grocery store. The brand at the outlet was Sure Fine, but it was only $1.49 for the same size.

"You can't beat the prices anywhere and I'm a bargain shopper," said Vera Williams of Harrisburg.

You will find some items that have an expired freshness date at a grocery outlet.

"The manufacturer date on these items is basically a freshness date. It's not a safety date," said Good.

Good said Amelia's are inspected for food safety by the state, just like any food store. Business is so strong the company plans to add two more stores in our area.

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