Digital coupons exclude millions of food shoppers

Buying chicken breasts and eggs at the grocery store can be difficult for seniors without mobile phones or internet access. That’s because more and more supermarket chains are saving the best deals for the digitally connected crowd, according to consumer advocacy group Consumer World’s review.na

According to Pew Research, 25% of seniors don’t have an internet connection and 39% don’t have a mobile phone, so many seniors miss out on these deals. This is exacerbated in today’s high inflation environment, where prices for everything from food to gasoline are skyrocketing.na

“More and more supermarkets across the country are offering digital-only deals,” said Edgar Dworsky, consumer advocate and founder of Consumer World. “You need to have a supermarket app or visit a website to find a specific offer. Millions of seniors without internet connection are at a loss.”

Smart shoppers used to clip coupons from newspapers, flyers, or magazines and take them to the grocery store. Or present your loyalty card at checkout. Supermarket chains are adding extra steps by requiring you to go online and load coupons into your account or mobile app. According to Consumer World, some supermarkets are expanding digital trade beyond just dry goods to include meat, fish, poultry and produce. Items replace some of the traditional weekly specials.na

“Digital discounts are not a problem for many seniors. We will try to get it into the store,” Dworsky commented in the report. “A significant number of shoppers do not have online access, do not understand how to redeem digital offers, or are unable to follow cumbersome online procedures regardless of age.”

Consumer World surveyed about 50 supermarkets across the country and found that two-thirds advertise weekly digital exclusive sales. They include:

• Albertsons

Acme

• Bakers

• Dillons

• Fred Mayer

•French fries

• Food Lion

• Jewel Osco

• Kroger