No More Double or Triple Coupons for Texas Kroger Stores
As you may have heard by now, Kroger is officially ending the double/triple coupon program at stores in Texas on September 13, 2011. On page 4 of this week’s ad you can find this short notification:
“We gladly accept coupons Manufacturer or Digital at face value. Beginning September 14, we will no longer double or triple coupons. See store for details.”
This is very disappointing news for shoppers who are loyal to Kroger because of the double/triple coupon incentive.
Kroger will still continue to accept coupons at face value as well as digital coupons (eCoupons).
This new policy will affect all Kroger stores in Texas (with the exception of the 3 stores in the Bryan-College Station area). There is no “official” news of whether or not this new change will eventually affect Kroger stores nationwide.
*Update – even though Louisiana is in the same division, they are not included in this change. Only Texas stores are affected.
Should We Blame TLC’s “Extreme Couponing”?
According to the Kroger FAQ, Extreme Couponing is not to blame.
“We introduced the double-triple program in the 1980s at a time when digital coupons, and other savings programs and lower pricing initiatives did not exist. Coupon options have changed over the past few years and shoppers now have more opportunities than ever before to save at Kroger through our fuel rewards, generic drug pricing, 10% senior discount and other programs.”
While Extreme Couponing may not be the sole reason, I find it coincidental that Houston Kroger stores stopped doubling coupons just a few short months after Extreme Couponing first aired and now DFW is ending their double coupon program just a few weeks before the second season of the show airs. I can only assume, but I think that people are mimicking the illegitimate couponing tactics portrayed on the show and now stores are having to do damage control.
What Can You Do?
- Voice your opinion. Let Kroger know how much you value their double coupon program by emailing them and contacting them on Facebook and Twitter. Please do so in a polite manner, I do not encourage you to be rude about it.
- Do not support TLC’s “Extreme Couponing”. This means you need to stop watching the show. It’s coming back for a 2nd season because it gets good ratings. If you want the madness to stop, you have to stop tuning in.
Even if you are in another area, this can still affect you. Kroger may be the first, but they are unlikely to be the last to change their coupon policies.
For more information, see the Kroger Southwest Coupon Guidelines and Kroger Southwest Frequently Asked Questions.