Well, folks. We all knew it was coming eventually and it was good while it lasted, but….
This week, Kroger informed me that the Kroger Columbus/Great Lakes region (my personal Kroger region) will no longer be doubling coupons. This was officially announced this morning and will be taking effect May 1st. That means your paper coupons will only be accepted at FACE value.
I know this is very disappointing news, especially for you “high doublers” ($0.55 and over), and I totally feel your pain. This is going to be a huge adjustment. But, before you vow to boycott Kroger altogether, let me be the voice of reason. I encourage you to go through my posts from the last few weeks and notice that the MAJORITY of deals do not require any doubling. In fact, if you browse my current Must-Do Deals list, you’ll see that you can get AMAZING deals with no doubles required!! You may find that even after taking off the extra $0.50 or $0.60 out of the equation, you will still consider the final cost a stockup price.
Do me a favor and go through your Kroger receipts and look at the BONUS Savings to see how much of your savings came from doubling so you have a good idea of how much doubling has really saved you. As good as double coupons SEEM…the numbers just don’t scream “unbelievable”!
Columbus Division Announces Store-Wide Price Reductions
Thousands of prices reduced in produce, natural foods, organics and grocery, benefitting 100% of customers
Double coupons eliminated May 1st
Other savings programs continue, including: $4/$10 generic prescriptions, fuel rewards up to $1.00 per gallon, digital coupons, loyalty mailers and weekly specials
COLUMBUS, OH (March 28, 2014) – Kroger’s Columbus Division has announced a comprehensive price reduction plan, investing millions of dollars to reduce prices across the store. Kroger merchandisers started cutting even more prices March 3, and all new low prices will officially be in place by April 2.
The Kroger team carefully selected items that are frequently found in most customers’ shopping carts to ensure all customers would benefit from the price reductions over time.
Kroger is reducing a significant number of produce prices. These lower prices also will encourage customers to increase the amount of healthy, nutritious produce in their diet.
The program includes a significant number of lower prices in natural foods and organics, reinforcing a rapid increase in natural foods sales over the last decade. Natural foods sales have more than doubled at Kroger stores in the last four years. That trend accelerated with the highly successful launch of the Simple Truth line of products, a Kroger exclusive. Kroger is rewarding natural foods and organic customers as part of this initiative.
As part of this investment in lower prices for all customers, Kroger’s Columbus Division has made the decision to stop doubling coupons effective Thursday, May 1, 2014. Kroger stores in the region will continue to accept manufacturer coupons, valid printables and valid electronic coupons at face value. In the Columbus Division, less than 2% of all customers are what Kroger categorizes as “heavy coupon users,” and 86% of customers are not even using double coupons at all.
“Double coupons originated decades ago, in an era when none of the current online and electronic coupon options were available to customers and smartphones did not exist,” said Jackie Siekmann, spokesperson for Kroger’s Columbus Division. “Kroger will continue to evolve to meet the expectations of 21st century shoppers.”
Kroger’s investment in lowering thousands of prices for all customers will total at least three times the value currently received by a very small number of customers by doubling coupons.
“With the economic downturn in 2008, The Kroger Co. responded by reducing prices throughout our stores, benefitting both our customers and associates,” said Siekmann. “We continue to leverage our scale as one of the largest retailers in the world to work with suppliers to reduce costs, and in turn pass those savings along to our customers.”
The latest campaign to reduce every day prices is an extension of the ongoing investment. Some examples of the new pricing include:
Roma Tomatoes: former retail $1.29/lb., new price $.99/lb.
Nabisco Oreo 18 oz.: former retail $3.19, new price $2.99
Kroger Peanut Butter 28 oz.: former retail $3.29, new price $2.99
Kibbles ‘N Bits Dog Food 17.6 oz.: former retail $12.89, new price $10.99
In addition to price reductions, Kroger continues to offer customers comprehensive savings opportunities including fuel rewards, $4/$10 generic prescriptions, loyalty mailers tailored to individual customers’ shopping habits, weekly specials and digital coupons.
About Kroger
Kroger, the nation’s largest traditional grocery retailer, employs more than 339,000 associates who serve customers in 2,422 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith’s. The Company also operates 790 convenience stores, 323 fine jewelry stores, 1,141 supermarket fuel centers and 37 food processing plants in the U.S. Recognized by Forbes as the most generous company in America in 2010, Kroger supports hunger relief, breast cancer awareness, the military and their families, and more than 30,000 schools and grassroots organizations in the communities it serves. Kroger contributes food and funds equal to 160 million meals a year through more than 80 Feeding America food bank partners. For more information, visit Kroger.com.
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Comments
Christina
Publix has not stopped doubling coupons YET! Just a heads up for those coupons that are 50 cents or less.
Barbara Clark
I am in Spring, Tx A Houston, Tx suburb Our senior ended Feb 8th no warning at all.
Barbara Clark
I am in Spring,Tx Houston suburb Our senior discount ended Feb 8 no warning at all
Victoria
I am in Arkansas and we have many grocery stores in the area. Senior day is used by many shoppers to save. I think they will see a large decline in those shopping Kroger if it stops here.
Catherine Peabody
In my region, the double coupons ended years ago like many other areas. What I've noticed, however, is that the regular price of some items have been lowered to an "everyday low price". Sadly, many other items went up in price significantly to make up for what they are losing on the lower priced items. I only shop the deep savings now. Also, I buy my produce at Fresh Thyme Farmer's Market as the Kroger closest to me has a terrible produce department.
Elizabeth
The article from our Nashville news said gave examples of items they'd discount. I don't need discounts on Kroger items.
Melinda
It's been that way in Dallas TX for years now. However there are still great savings to be had. Hang in there.
Linda
I shop at the Bowling Green KY Kroger and it was printed on the bottom of my receipt today.
Jennifer Deitz
Yes it will....
Jennifer Deitz
If it affects your store it would have started printing a message about it on your receipt to let you know of the upcoming changes. Just check with your store we are able to talk about it now
Jennifer Deitz
I work at the one in Maryville Tn and yes starting March 15th we will no longer double coupons and also the Senior Discount will no longer be in use...we are lowering Everyday prices so everyone can take advantage of the deals....
Nancy cook
Will this effect the Ky Krogers or not ?????
Cora
We still double in Wisconsin so it could be moving this way.
Megan
I'm in the Nashville region and my Kroger stopped doubles many years ago already
Katrina
So will the Seymour TN Kroger stop as well?
Mary
Frys in Yuma, Az has not had double coupons in awhile and has not accepted printable coupons either. Their senior discounts start at 55.
Christina
I've been waiting years to get that Senior discount! I turn 60 this year and was going to change my shopping day! So sad!!!
Beverly
I saw the email this morning confirming this at my store. I work at a Nashville Kroger and am sad to see the double coupons end.
Pat
So sad to see the senior discounts go. I am sure all the other stores will follow suit. Our Memphis store stopped doubling coupons years ago but at this moment they still have senior discount on tuesdays.