When Coca-Cola created what is believed to be one of the first paper coupons (a handwritten note in 1888 that read “Free Coke for the bearer”), the company probably used its own marketing ingenuity. But you didn’t know it would revolutionize the way other companies do business.
For nearly a century since the introduction of the S&H Green Stamp in 1896, the S&H Green Stamp has reigned supreme for many. While not a coupon per se, shoppers can expect to be rewarded with small green stamps for patronizing shops within the S&H network. Stick it in the Collector’s Book and redeem it for a premium from the S&H Redemption Center or Catalog.
The days of the green stamp are long gone, but the idea of rewarding consumer loyalty remains strong, with many grocery chains offering some version of a loyalty program. For example, a Publix store customer can join Club Publix, which launched in 2020, and he can get a $5 discount on in-store purchases of $20 or more. Members can also get a sneak peek at the weekly magazine one day early and access digital girlfriend coupons via the Publix mobile app.
Stop & Shop offers a two-tiered loyalty program at its stores. Tier 1 is Stop & Shop Rewards, weekly discounts online and at checkout on items featured in store circulation. Tier 2 offers members the opportunity to earn rewards and save on purchases using digital coupons via the Stop & Shop Go Rewards mobile app or website. Per Jensen, director of loyalty at Stop & Shop, said logistics costs are high when customers redeem the paper version, so stores can use his digital coupons to offer bigger discounts.
The downside of digital trading is the contact information and data about your shopping behavior that you give up for discounts. This is especially important when you’re already inundated with marketers, including scammers. See CR’s Security Planner.)
There are some workarounds. A representative for Albertsons, one of the US’s largest food and drug retailers, said those who don’t have access to his coupons on their smartphones or mobiles, or who want to avoid over-sharing, can request these discounts at the checkout. said. Stop & Shop has notified CR of a pilot program to install kiosks in select stores. Kiosks allow customers to scan a physical rewards card or enter a phone number to access the best circular her offers and a small printed guide to digital deals. No smartphone required.
As someone who realizes they left their phone at home and turns on the way to the grocery store, I’m firmly in the digital camp. But my ultimate allegiance is trading. If clipping coupons also help save money, say pass the scissors.
